Special birthday celebrations call for more than just a dinner reservation. When a group of couples approached EXP to celebrate a friend’s milestone birthday together, they were looking for variety, depth, and shared experiences — not just a single type of experience or setting. Morocco ticked all the boxes, offering an incredible destination with cultural experiences, relaxation, and a dose of adventure throughout the itinerary.
Marrakesh, The Red City
Stepping Into the Red City
The friends’ trip began in Marrakesh, where they were met at the airport by local and EXP Guides who eased them into the Red City’s rhythm. As one of Morocco’s most important cultural centers, Marrakesh is truly a feast for the senses and an area that feels alive wherever you turn.
After a long journey, they had their first taste of the city’s dining scene and refueled with an alfresco lunch in the courtyard garden of the Petanque Social Club — an elegant art deco club in Marrakesh’s former French Quarter. Shaded by the palm trees and full of anticipation and excitement, it was the perfect start to settle into the Marrakech way of life.
Playful Perspectives
Ready for their first adventure and a unique perspective of the city, the couples climbed into vintage sidecars for a privately guided ride through Medina’s lively, UNESCO-recognized and maze-like streets and alleyways. The experience revealed the city’s diverse quarters and set the stage for exploring it, from bustling souks to the quieter, hidden corners.
An immersive spice experience followed, guided by local specialists who shared the scents and traditions behind the country’s most iconic flavors before the group headed to their city base for the next two nights.
A vintage introduction to the Red City awaits
Guided through the city in style
Luxe Riad Living
That evening, the three couples were taken to L’Hotel Marrakesh, a privately owned 19th-century riad located in the heart of the Medina just a stone’s throw from Jemaa el-Fna Square. Once part of a palace complex, the riad features six spacious suites arranged around a picturesque garden and swimming pool.
Owned by designer Jasper Conran, the property encompasses antique furniture, rich textiles, and curated artwork. After they settled in, with time to unwind by the pool and to refresh, the day ended with a relaxed dinner at the riad, where Moroccan flavors and warm hospitality set the tone for the celebrations ahead.
Settling into riad living
First taste of Moroccan cuisine
Culture, Connection and Celebrations
The next morning the group then set out on a tuk-tuk tour, weaving through neighborhoods, engaging with local artisans, and listening to their stories.
Adding an element of friendly competitive fun, the morning then evolved into a scavenger hunt through the souks, where they tapped into teamwork skills with the city as their playground.
Let the tuk-tuk tour adventure begin
Playtime in the souks
A fun way to explore
Charmed by the snakes
After the excitement, Villa Aaron hosted a delicious lunch. In a refined and historic setting, the group savored traditional Moroccan cuisine and took a moment to unwind in each other’s company after a busy morning.
Inviting lunch atmosphere at Villa Aaron
The afternoon called for some time exploring the boutiques, with some of the group splitting up to explore the markets and others heading back to the riad for a relaxing swim. Before the evening activities, the group reconvened for a sunset city tour in vintage cars, offering yet another perspective on the Red City as it turned from day to night.
Ending on a celebratory high at the iconic La Mamounia, a gourmet, chef-curated tasting menu was served to the group in the intimate wine library, home to over 2,000 rare bottles. Cocktails followed at Le Churchill Bar, a nod to Winston Churchill’s historic ties to the hotel.
Giving Back Before Moving On
After a final morning yoga session at the riad, the group headed onto the next section of their journey, but before leaving Marrakesh, the trip took a more meaningful turn. In line with EXP’s commitment to purposeful travel and its B Corp values, the Guides arranged for the friends to spend the morning engaging in a community outreach experience, integrating with a local neighborhood still reeling from the 2023 earthquake.
A friendly football match was organized, and thoughtful gifts for local children were given, a reminder that travel and trips can have a positive and more profound meaning with EXP. As the group left Marrakesh behind, they traveled just a short distance, where they found themselves in the Agafay Desert.
A chance to meet the community
Game, set, match with the locals
Giving back with EXP
Into Desert Adventures
The landscape shifted quickly, with Agafay’s rocky, lunar-like lands coming into view, perfect for the couples to experience on a camel ride through the wild terrain before arriving at a desert camp for lunch. While waiting for the meal, some of the group received beautiful henna tattoos by a local Berber artist, choosing traditional designs symbolizing good fortune and celebrations, a meaningful touch for this memorable birthday journey.
After lunch, the pace then slowed as the group was transferred to their next base and ideal spot for the next two nights: Olinto Atlas Mountain Retreat.
Welcome to Agafay
Henna tattoo time
The perfect desert lunch
Slow Morning Rituals
As they enjoyed the trip’s morning ritual of yoga, this morning was no exception – however, in a different backdrop, surrounded by the peaceful scenery of the serene Olinto gardens. Some of the group also enjoyed a splash in the pool before sitting down to a hearty breakfast and juices.
Morning zen at Olinto
Ready to get involved in their first activity, the group then enjoyed a private Berber cooking class where they learned how to prepare an authentic Moroccan meal under the guidance of expert chefs.
Traditions, flavors and stories
Unique Birthday Moments
Surrounded by the beauty of the High Atlas Mountains, an open-air picnic lunch was set up for the group, giving them all the perfect opportunity to indulge not only in delicious food but also in the views and the serene mountain atmosphere. After enjoying time together, the group then retreated to the Ouirgane spa for traditional hammam and luxurious massages.
Relaxation and views of the Atlas Mountains
Traditional Moroccan picnic lunch
For the evening, a Fantasia festival, also known as Tbourida, was arranged for the group to enjoy not only a birthday celebration but also the region’s cultural heritage in the comfort of the Olinto grounds. The spectacular traditional equestrian performance featured beautifully adorned horses and riders, completing outstanding synchronized charges, accompanied by a candlelit gourmet Moroccan feast.
Fantasia festival excitement
A Moroccan Farewell
A final evening brought everyone together before their early morning departure, a private transfer back to Marrakesh Menara Airport.
Saying goodbye to a trip to remember in Morocco, the group was reminded that trips together are full of celebration and connection, and that they can be even more enriching with meaningful, purposeful elements intertwined. A milestone birthday was celebrated, and a promise to enjoy another group trip like this again soon, before another year is up.
Another Moroccan feast, until next time
