Marrakech, Morocco, is a city that is full of vibrant colors, rich culture, and stunning architecture. You feel the desert vibes from the moment you step off the plane. I traveled to Marrakech from Washington, DC., for my birthday in October, and it's an experience I'll never forget.

The flight from Washington, DC, to Marrakech was long, but flying business class made it more comfortable. The city in North Africa took about 10 hours to get there. Once we arrived, we were greeted by our driver, who took us to our villa. We rented a beautiful 7-bedroom villa with a private pool and a chef who cooked fresh breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. The villa was stunning, with traditional Moroccan architecture and beautiful decor. It was outfitted with everything we needed for our week's stay. It was the perfect place to relax and unwind after a long flight.

The first thing we did in Marrakech was tour the city. We visited the Bahia Palace, a stunning palace built in the late 19th century. The palace is known for its beautiful gardens, intricate tilework, and stunning architecture. We also visited the Koutoubia Mosque, the largest mosque in Marrakech. The mosque is a beautiful example of Moroccan architecture, with a towering minaret that can be seen from all over the city.

One of the highlights of our trip was shopping in the souq. The souq is a traditional market of vendors selling everything from spices to textiles to jewelry. I have lived in Bahrain and Kuwait and knew what to expect from shopping in the souq. It is sensory overload, with vibrant colors, exotic scents, and the sound of vendors calling out to potential customers. We spent hours wandering through the souq, haggling with vendors, and picking up souvenirs to bring back home.

Another unforgettable experience was taking a hot air balloon ride over the desert. We woke up before 5 AM to drive to the middle of the desert. We had coffee and pastries while we watched as the balloon was inflated and prepared for takeoff. The ride was breathtaking, with stunning views of the desert landscape and the mountains in the distance. It was a peaceful and serene experience being 10,000 feet in the air, clouds surrounding you. I will never forget the feeling.

We also rode camels through the desert, a fun and unique experience that brought about a ton of laughs. The camels were friendly and gentle, but they did stink; still, a great way to see the desert up close. We stopped for tea and snacks in a traditional Berber tent, where we learned about the local culture and customs.

Another amazing highlight was having a spa treatment and tea time at the Royal Mansour. The Royal Mansour is a luxury hotel known for its stunning architecture and world-class spa. We had the royal treatment, a private spa, and a traditional Moroccan tea time. I had the traditional Moroccan bath; OMG! I was scrubbed down, bathed on a hot stone floor, and oiled down; it was so relaxing and rejuvenating. The tea time was a great way to experience Moroccan hospitality and culture.

We had dinner at the black woman-owned boutique hotel Jnane Tamsna. The owner, Meryanne Loum-Martin, is a renowned interior designer and hotelier who has created a stunning oasis in the heart of Marrakech. The hotel is a beautiful example of Moroccan architecture, with lush gardens, lavish antique interiors, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We had a great dinner, were fortunate enough to meet Meryanne, and enjoyed a rich conversation with her.

Overall, traveling to Marrakech was an unforgettable experience. The stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious food made it a great trip. Renting a villa with a private pool and chef was the perfect way to experience authentic food, luxury, and comfort. Touring the city, shopping in the souq, taking a hot air balloon ride, riding camels through the desert, and having a spa treatment and tea time at the Royal Mansour were all significant highlights for me. Truly an extraordinary experience. If you want to go somewhere unique and unforgettable, visit Marrakech, Morocco.