I N S I D E R ’ S G U I D E

After 25 years immersed in New York’s fashion and lifestyle industry as an event pro, Keri Levitt’s life changed after a trip to Morocco in 2018. “The calling to pivot my professional life towards something that truly fed my soul was too strong to ignore, and so Morocco By Design was born,” Levitt says. Her boutique travel agency curates intimate, design-driven, and luxurious travel experiences and events throughout Morocco. She adds, “I believe that through thoughtful travel we can create a stronger and more meaningful connection to the world around us, to each other, and ultimately to what makes us feel the most creative, inspired and aligned.” Here, she shares a few of her must-see spots.

1

SHOP WITH A LOCAL

When I go to a new city, I always like to shop with a local. Ibrahim Mouhib, a well-known interior designer based in Marrakech, can arrange a half or full day based on the few things you hope to buy, be it a classic Beni Ourain rug or vintage Berber

jewels. Mouhib seems to know everyone, including artisans that you might not normally access as a tourist. Book via email: mouhibinfez@gmail.com

2

NORYA AYRON

My most coveted caftan resource! Norya designs all of

her own prints—which are eclectic and bold in color and put a modern spin on the classic. Her original atelier is above the restaurant Le Jardin in the Medina, but her new shop in Gueliz is fluid and airy and also serves as her design studio so you can go downstairs, meet her team of amazing women and see where all of the clothing is hand-stitched. norya-ayron.shop

3

MORO

Moro is a chic restaurant and concept store in Marrakech, located on the prestigious Rue Yves Saint Laurent. Enjoy lunch in their stunning garden café after you visit the YSL Museum and Le Jardin Majorelle. The store is an architectural wonderland and impeccably curated with an assortment of the most talented young Moroccan designers. moromarrakech.com

4

HERBORISTE LA SAGESSE Buying argan oil is on everyone’s list when in Morocco but learning about the wellness and healing practices of the Berber culture was life changing for me. This traditional pharmacy is a must when in the Medina. The owner, Brahim is a fifth-generation Berber healer and will concoct a natural tea that will remedy any ailment you have. herbesagesse.com

5

LALLA Shopping in the new city of

Gueliz is a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of the Medina. I discovered Lalla, a modern little accessories boutique known for their signature terry cloth bags that come in all shapes, sizes and colors. This is the bohemian beach bag you will want in every single color. shoplalla.com

6

AMERICAN FRIENDS OF ATLAS KINDER FOUNDATION I highly recommend taking a 30 minute drive to a small town at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. Here, a spectacular village called Dar Bouidar is home to 160 abandoned children in Morocco. Both the village and the children left such an impression on me that I wanted to do more to help from home. I teamed up with Jonas Tamir (a NYC fashion industry veteran originally from Morocco) to start a foundation to help support the efforts on the ground in Morocco. We plan to build a new village that is completely funded by donors in the United States. afakfoundation.org