Swap Manhattan for Marrakesh and tutus for kaftans. Retrace the glittering girls’ trip from Sex and the City 2, where Morocco doubled as Abu Dhabi
When the Sex and the City 2 movie premiered in 2010, it promised escapism. A glittering Middle Eastern fantasy, filled with kaftans and cocktails. On-screen, it might’ve been portrayed as Abu Dhabi, but those lavish carousels are actually shot in Morocco. For fans of the franchise, especially those rewatching in the wake of And Just Like That…’s final bow, revisiting those lavish desert scenes is peak travel inspiration. From the cinematic architecture of Amanjena to the ochre-toned souks of Marrakech, SATC’s fictional getaway was grounded in real-world Moroccan luxury. And two decades since Carrie Bradshaw first typed her way into our lives, the charm of that girls’ trip—grand, chaotic, and filled with unexpected heart—remains worth chasing.
From opulent palace-like resorts to spice-scented souks, here’s how to recreate the journey—sans the camel drama and emotionally-unavailable men.
Stay Amanjena Resort, Marrakech
Located just outside Marrakech, Amanjena stood in for the fictional Emirates palace the girls check into: cue dramatic entrances, pink champagne, and a Moroccan butler named Gaurav. With its serene courtyards, blush-toned walls, and jade-tiled fountains, Amanjena feels like a decadent piece cut out of the Red City. Designed to echo traditional Moorish architecture, the resort’s pavilions come with private gardens and heated pools, making it the kind of place Carrie might hole up with her laptop (and a healthy dose of guilt). Website
La Mamounia, Marrakech
Also featured in the film, La Mamounia is an institution—beloved by Francis Ford Coppola, Yves Saint-Laurent, and The Rolling Stones. Reimagined by Jacques Garcia and dripping in zellige tile and Art Deco drama. The hotel rooms, inspired by Moorish design, offer a blend of soft greens, pinks, dark woods, exposed beams, and intricate tiles. For dining, guests can choose from dramatic Moroccan dishes, late-night room service, French and Italian fare, and a well-attended Sunday brunch. Service is warm and attentive. It’s easy to see why this hotel plays host to the movie’s more lavish scenes. Even today, its ornate gardens and opulent halls attract stars like Nicole Kidman. Website
Mandarin Oriental
Though still under construction during filming, this hideaway was transformed into a fictional Arabian palace for the shoot. Today, it’s a lush oasis of 54 villas and nine suites, each with private plunge pools and olive-tree-shaded patios. Interiors mix Berber rugs, copper lanterns, and hand-carved woodwork. The resort’s Mes’Lalla restaurant serves creative Moroccan cuisine under the helm of a Michelin-starred chef. Book a table just before sunset to dine as the Atlas Mountains catch fire in the distance. Website
Medina scenes and Rue Mouassine
Marrakech’s medina, especially the elegant Rue de Mouassine, served as the backdrop for Carrie’s wanderings and Samantha’s unravelling. Aziz Touch (182 Rue Mouassine), the boutique seen in the film, still exists and has gained a lot of popularity since Aziz’s cameo in the movie. The Fontaine Mouassine square, where Samantha’s Birkin spills, is another blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo for fans tracing the SATC trail.
The Sahara: Cinematic sands in Merzouga
The “Abu Dhabi” desert scenes—camel rides, henna parties, and misplaced passports—were filmed near Erg Chebbi, just outside Merzouga. Today, travellers can stay in luxury desert camps, take sunrise treks over the dunes, and stargaze under impossibly clear skies.
Carry it like Carrie
Patricia Field’s costuming in the film leaned into fantasy: jewel-toned kaftans, oversized sunglasses, and towering wedges. You can recreate the vibe with pieces from local designers like Marrakshi Life (for handwoven linen separates) and Sofia El Arabi (for contemporary Moroccan silhouettes). Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat and something silk for that rooftop sunset dinner.
Tips to recreate the girls’ trip today
Plan your visit for the months between March and May or September and November for temperate weather. Pack flowy silhouettes and statement accessories. And while walking around 48 blocks in $400 shoes has its charm, pack flat shoes (the souks will humble you). And don’t miss out on other itinerary essentials like a private hammam, guided souk tour, rooftop dining in the medina, and flag at least one night in the dunes near Merzouga in your calendar.
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