Madonna, the world-famous pop icon who has never shied away from making headlines, chose to close out 2025 in a way that only she could—by whisking her family and her much younger boyfriend, Akeem Morris, off to Morocco for a lavish holiday celebration. The trip, which was chronicled in a series of candid and glamorous Instagram posts to her 20 million followers, offered fans a rare glimpse into the singer’s private world, blending family bonding, high fashion, and a deep appreciation for Moroccan culture.
The 67-year-old “Like a Virgin” singer was joined by several of her six children: Rocco Ritchie, age 25, her twins Stella and Estere, both 13, and Mercy James, 19. Noticeably absent were her eldest daughter, Lourdes Leon, 29, who has been busy with high-profile modeling campaigns for brands like Jean Paul Gaultier, and David Banda, 20, who is carving out a modeling career of his own after his runway debut for Off-White. Still, the family dynamic was on full display, with the group dancing, shopping, and dining their way through Marrakech, all while celebrating Hanukkah in the North African country.
For Madonna, Morocco isn’t just another stamp in her passport. The country holds a special, almost spiritual significance for her. She famously celebrated her 60th birthday in Marrakech back in 2018, embracing the local “Berber Queen” aesthetic and hosting a party that was as extravagant as it was intimate. Returning to Morocco for the holidays in 2025 felt like a homecoming of sorts, a chance to reconnect with a place she holds dear. According to Page Six, Madonna’s affection for Morocco is longstanding, and her latest trip only solidified that bond.
But it wasn’t just family in tow. Madonna’s boyfriend, Akeem Morris, was also by her side—quite literally, as many of the photos showed the couple arm-in-arm, strolling through the narrow walkways of Marrakech. Morris, who is 38 years younger than Madonna and the same age as her daughter Lourdes, was born in Jamaica and now lives in New York. Before stepping into the global spotlight as Madonna’s partner, Morris played college soccer at Stony Brook University from 2014 to 2017. Since their relationship began, he’s become a regular fixture in Madonna’s life, accompanying her on trips to Portofino, Japan, and now Morocco.
Their romance has been the subject of much speculation, especially after Madonna was seen sporting a giant diamond ring during a trip to Japan in January 2025. According to Page Six, the piece was designed by Julie Y. Kim, and it immediately sparked rumors of a secret engagement. The whispers grew louder in November 2025, with insiders claiming the pair is “besotted,” although no official wedding date has been confirmed. Madonna herself added fuel to the fire with a cryptic Instagram caption: “Here’s to more Love—To happy children—to magical thinking—to good health and eternal blessings.” The phrase left fans and tabloids alike buzzing about the possibility of nuptials on the horizon.
Fashion, of course, was front and center throughout the holiday. Madonna cycled through a series of outfits that only she could pull off: leather gloves, a light pink scarf, tinted sunglasses, a brown leather coat, a flannel shirt, and a full-length fur coat paired with a matching fur hat and a green Goyard tote bag. According to Hola!, her sartorial choices showcased a “predilection for fur coats, showcasing different items of various textures and colors, which she paired with different types of hats.” The photos captured Madonna posing on the city’s ancient streets, amidst temple walls, and even dancing with her children and partner, all set against the intricate tilework and geometric patterns that define Moroccan architecture.
The family’s accommodations were nothing short of spectacular. They stayed at the Selman Marrakech, a five-star hotel renowned for its opulent design and tribute to Arabian heritage. The Selman is considered one of the world’s most prestigious hotels, offering guests a taste of Moroccan elegance and history. Madonna tagged the hotel in her Instagram post, simply captioning the series of photos “Moroccan Holiday.” The images showed her visiting ornate mosques, sampling local delicacies like Moroccan tea, and exploring the vibrant markets and historic courtyards of Marrakech.
But beyond the luxury and glamour, what resonated most with fans was the warmth and authenticity of the family moments captured. One image showed Madonna and her sons, Rocco and David, sipping hot drinks from small paper cups, while another featured her daughters huddled together, all smiles for the camera. There were also tender shots of Rocco walking alongside his mother, both taking in the sights and sounds of the city. According to Hola!, these moments “captured the easy, tender, and friendly dynamic that exists between her and her children.”
Madonna’s parenting journey has been as unconventional as her career. She is mother to six children: two biological—Lourdes, with former partner Carlos Leon, and Rocco, with ex-husband Guy Ritchie—and four adopted from Malawi: David, Mercy, and twins Stella and Estere. In a 2023 interview with Vanity Fair Italy, Madonna reflected on motherhood, saying, “Having children and raising them is a work of art. And no one gives you a manual. You have to learn from mistakes. It’s a job that takes a lot of time. And it’s tiring because there’s never rest.”
The holiday trip to Morocco, then, was more than just a glamorous getaway. It was a testament to Madonna’s enduring commitment to her family, her willingness to embrace new cultures, and her refusal to let age or convention define her choices. Fans and friends alike took notice. Fellow singer Rita Ora commented “Beautiful” on Madonna’s Instagram, while others praised her “glowing” appearance and the evident joy she radiated throughout the trip.
As 2025 gave way to 2026, Madonna’s Moroccan adventure served as a reminder that, even after decades in the spotlight, she remains an artist in every sense—fearless, ever-evolving, and, above all, deeply devoted to the people and places she loves. With engagement rumors swirling and her family by her side, the pop queen’s latest chapter looks as vibrant as ever.
