An influencer's guide to Morocco: Isabella Charlotta Poppius does Marrakech and Rabat

Pre-lockdown I had the opportunity to visit Morocco and witness its dramatic desert landscapes and historical and cultural treasures. Though holiday options are pretty limited right now, the country is a good one to add to your list for when restrictions do begin to ease - just a four-hour flight away with great shopping, cultural highlights and sunshine (almost) guaranteed.

Where to Stay

One of the premier resorts in Morocco is the Fairmont in Marrakech. This might be one of best golf resorts in Morocco but if hitting the links isn’t your thing, don’t fret as there are plenty of other activities to keep you entertained.

I would recommend staying in one of the junior suites - more spacious than your average London apartment and decorated with stylishly muted tones throughout. There's a balcony where you can enjoy your morning latte or mint tea in the sunshine or evening cocktails with beautiful desert sunsets.

One of the most unique features of the Fairmont is the on-site farm, which plays a major part in the resort's goal to be more sustainable. Filled with rescue animals, it's a hit with kids and grown ups alike. There are numerous opportunities to document the perfect ‘rustic aesthetic - #cottagecore’ here. Also, it is a true farm-to-table experience with the majority of herbs and vegetables used in the kitchens grown on site. I recommend trying the local honey which is served at breakfast and in many of the delicious desserts you can sample during your stay.

Up there with the farm, the Spa is certainly one of the most snap-worthy in Marrakech. You can choose between having your hair done, facials (using Natura Bisse products) and a traditional hammam experience. Leisurely laps in the pool are a great way to unwind after a busy day spent seeing the sights.

Sofitel Rabat

The historic Sofitel Rabat has been around since the 1960s and has hosted several celebrities and heads of state. The views over the city are unlike anywhere else - the south-facing rooms look out onto the chic Andalusian gardens where you can enjoy breakfast on the terrace. Otherwise, the hotel can pack up a picnic for you if you want to find a spot in the 17 acres of landscaped grounds.

The resort's bar, restaurants and nightclub are a known haunt for the glitterati of the Rabat ‘scene’. Tourists, on the other hand, will probably get a kick out of the belly dancing and traditional Moroccan music of Al Warda restaurant.

The hotel spa is not only popular with hotel guests but also with locals in the know. The vast spa has treatment rooms, two jacuzzis, a hammam, sauna and a yoga and pilates studio. Opt for the traditional massage where local oils, like argan oil, are used to hydrate and soften the skin.

What to Do

Rabat is the capital city of Morocco and has a distinct French character with its wide leafy avenues and colonial architecture. Some of the most Instagrammable sights are to be had in the old town, especially in the Kasbah of the Udayas, looking out to dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Spot the ‘Yves Klein’ blue doors in the old medina and prepare to snap away at the adorable alley cats of Rabat.

The Mohammed Mosque is also a sight to behold with its intricate mosaic ceiling and beautifully haunting calls to prayer. Opposite the Mosque is the Tower of Hassan, which is an incomplete Minaret, intended to have been the tallest in the world. These ruins make for beautiful photos during golden hour. The new Zaha Hadid concert hall due to open soon, will surely add another must see sight to your trip to Rabat.

Sights in Marrakech

For the ultimate pinch-me moment, wake up at the crack of dawn to make your way to the middle of the desert for a hot air balloon ride with Ciel Afrique.

The sound of an alarm clock going off before 5am might be painful, but this is a once in a lifetime moment to capture. The sleep in your eyes will be shaken off by rush of the fresh desert air and roar of the gas burners firing up the hot air balloons.

A visit to Marrakech would be incomplete without taking a stroll in old Medina and visiting the many souks, or market places, within. There are so many colourful details to capture from the various spice stalls to the delightfully aged arches, narrow pathways and traditionally adorned doors that conjure up images of Arabian Nights.

Some of the leather, carpet and lamp stalls are worth exploring for a high-quality bargain. If you've always wanted that perfect Moroccan rug then look no further than Palais Saadien.

The Jardin Majorelle is a must-visit for any art lover alongside the YSL museum. The striking Majorelle blue colour gets its name from the intense hue that dominates the buildings of this lush desert garden.

The cool shade and hushed atmosphere provided by the beautiful plants within are a welcome escape from the heat and bustle of the souks. You can clearly witness where Saint Laurent gained inspiration for his collections - turquoise, terracotta, various greens and yellows create a harmonious palette.

Many of these and fashion’s most iconic pieces are on display at the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. This is a pilgrimage destination for fashionistas and a pose in the courtyard under the Cassandre-designed YSL-logo is simply unmissable.

The Bahia Palace is a small 19th Century Palace, a short walking distance away from the other main attractions, and ranks as the number one UNESCO heritage tourist attraction in all of Morocco. The sound of the Palace’s popularity may put some off, but the sheer beauty of the architecture makes this sight a must on any influencer’s visit to Marrakech. The combination of stunning mosaics, the intricate woodwork, the impressive coloured glass panelling and lush greenery make this a romantic and grid worthy location to visit.

What to Pack

Forget your floaty paisley print kaftans, the key in creating your chic Moroccan holiday capsule wardrobe is to imagine what a modern-day Talitha Getty would wear, rather than emulate what she actually wore back in the day.

Finish off your looks with minimal makeup and glowy, plump skin for Insta-grid perfection.