The Wonderful Destination That is Marrakech
With the exciting news of Morocco reopening their borders, and it being one of the most popular destinations to visit this year, we wanted to share with you our experience in the wonderful destination that is Marrakesh.
Easily one of the most beautiful and fascinating cities in Morocco, no trip to Northern Africa is complete without checking out Marrakech. This 1000-year-old city is home to a thriving medina, amazing shopping, and some of the most gorgeous architecture you’ll find anywhere in the world. Marrakech is also famous for its beautiful riads (guesthouses often converted from family homes) and you’ll find amazing little boutique riads dotting winding streets all over the city.
Ready to fall in love with Morocco? Here’s the ultimate Marrakech travel guide.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN MARRAKECH
Language: In Marrakech, you’ll hear a flurry of languages including French, Spanish, Arabic, and Berber. English is common anywhere touristy, but it’s definitely handy to know a few words of French.
Currency: Morocco uses dirhams, and one British pound will get you about 11 of them. When it comes to spending money, carry cash and expect to haggle in the markets.
Climate: Marrakech is warm all year. Average temps are around 55 degrees Fahrenheit in the coldest months and 85 in the summer. It can get super hot (100+) on summer afternoons so plan for some steamy days.
Clothing: Morocco is a Muslim country, so you’ll quickly notice some cultural differences. I’d recommend packing lightweight, loose fitting clothing that cover your shoulders and knees (think maxi skirts and scarves).
WHERE TO STAY:
There are so many places to stay in Marrkesh, but it all comes down to what sort of experlnecie you are wanting. Here are our top hotel suggestions when visiting Marrkesh :
Royal Mansour
Four Seasons Marrakech
Amanjena
White Camel Lodge
Kasbah Tamadot, Atlas Mountains
The Oberoi
La Sultana Marrakech
Mandarin Oriental
Fairmont
Riad Kniza
1.Royal Mansour
Set within the walls of Marrakech’s old city, the Royal Mansour Marrakech is an oasis of elegant riads, or traditional houses, all with private courtyards, fountains, and plunge pools, with dining rooms and hammams present in the larger riads. The hotel offers fine dining restaurants under the supervision of Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno, an exceptional spa, and a Kids Club that invites little guests to take part in a creative adventure. The medina of Royal Mansour Marrakech is open to Le Jardin, a lush garden featuring a large swimming pool surrounded by seven private pavilions and an alfresco restaurant and bar. The service is polished and discreet, with an underground network of tunnels accessed only by staff, and which lead to the private riads and public areas, ensuring absolute privacy.
2. Four Seasons Marrakech
This Morocco resort is an enclave of luxury just ten minutes drive from the historic Marrakech Medina. Enjoy a sumptuous meal while looking out onto to the Atlas Mountains, or indulge in the truly world-class spa.
Within strolling distance of the Menara Gardens and close to the bustling hub of the city's ancient Medina, Four Seasons Resort Marrakech is an urban oasis with a fresh perspective: a calming resort that retains a light Moroccan touch.
Within the lush grounds you'll find an indulgent spa and two landscaped pools; one for families and one reserved exclusively for adults. All this is set amid verdant gardens that look out upon the breathtaking snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains.
3. Amanjena
This beautiful resort certainly lives up to its name, which means ‘peaceful paradise’.
Set within a 60 square-metre oasis of palms and olive trees, just outside the walls of the Medina, there’s a sense of isolated luxury here despite an incredible, central location.
4. White Camel Lodge
If you were to dream up the perfect desert camp, it might look something a little like The White Camel. A string of tented suites, perched along an apricot ridge in the Agafay Desert, the snow-capped Atlas Mountains are behind you and the rolling hills of the desert laid out before you. Whether you'd prefer to recline beside the pool all day or ride camel-back across the lunar-scape, you'll have more than a few 'pinch me' moments. Then, after a day with as much or as little activity as you choose, sip cocktails as the sun dips below the horizon and fall asleep in your cloud-like bed to the sound of sweet, sweet silence.
5. Kasbah Tamadot, Atlas Mountains
Bought by Sir Richard Branson's Hotel Group during one of his ballooning expeditions, this magical walled complex is set at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, with enchanting courtyards, landscaped gardens and breathtaking views.All guest rooms are spacious and welcoming and are dripping with Moroccan style, with the Master Suite being a miniature replica of the Kasbah, luxuriating in 360-degree views of the mountain scenery.
Days are spent unwinding in the heated infinity pool or being pampered in the Spa or hammam. Evenings are the reserve of the 'Kanoun' restaurant, which combines local and international flavours expertly, featuring homegrown herbs and vegetables from the resort's gardens. Don't miss out on the opportunity to see a classic movie with their tranquil outdoor cinema.
There's a real sense of staying in a Moroccan home rather than a hotel, which is further enhanced by the staff, many of whom come from the local Berber villages.
6. The Oberoi, Marrakech
The Oberoi, Marrakech is located within 1,13,312 square metres of Mediterranean orchards with fragrant citrus trees and centuries old olive groves. Our five star hotel in Marrakech has beautifully landscaped gardens punctuated by water features. Its authentic architecture is inspired by palaces of ancient Morocco. The courtyard of the main building incorporates the design of the historic Medersa Ben Youssef, built in the 14th century; one of Marrakech’s most famous historic monuments. The resort offers picturesque views of the majestic snow-capped Atlas Mountains.
Spacious accommodation, personalised wellness offerings, restaurants serving authentic Moroccan and international cuisines and an engaging children's activity area are complemented by our warm sincere hospitality for an unforgettable experience at the best hotel in Marrakech.
7. La Sultana Marrakech
This is a small, luxury hotel that knows how to spoil its guests, especially in the spa. From almonds to dates, prickly pears to Damask roses, the alchemist-like therapists make the most of Morocco’s natural treasures. There’s a Jacuzzi, two hammams and sauna here too – not to mention candlelit pools. This exotic ambiance carries through to the other spaces in and around La Sultana, especially the treasure box bedrooms. Their high vaulted ceilings, intricately carved woods, marble and copper echo the hotel’s rich heritage.
8. Mandarin Oriental Marrakech
The Mandarin Oriental Marrakech is a stylish hideaway within easy access of Marrakech's medina. This luxury hotel is a calm retreat within the bustling city, and offers private villa accommodation amongst expansive grounds.
Surrounded by fifty acres of olive groves, palms and verdant gardens, yet just a short drive away from the medina of Marrakech, the Mandarin Oriental is a luxury oasis within close reach of the main sights of the city.
Whilst contemporary in its architecture, the property retains a distinctly Moroccan charm, with thoughtful Berber influences and riad inspired courtyards. On a clear day, panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains can be seen; their snowy peaks making for a particularly impressive sight during winter months.
9. Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech
Fairmont Royal Palm is a luxurious five-star hotel located 12km south of Marrakech. This exceptional resort is set within a vast estate and enjoys a magnificent location by the Atlas Mountains. It’s surrounded by perfectly manicured gardens and olive trees and overlooks a golf course.
This top-class resort is the perfect destination to relax and wind down in a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.
10. Riad Kniza
Dating from the 18th century, Riad Kniza is a small, luxury "Hotel de Charme" in the heart of the old Médina of Marrakech, completely restored by Haj Mohamed Bouskri using traditional materials and artisans to recreate an authentic Moroccan experience as in days gone by.
A true Moroccan experience would not be complete without the country's exquisite cuisine; at Riad Kniza guests will enjoy Moroccan gastronomy at its best.
WHAT TO DO :
Souk Semmarine : Marrakech is famous for its souks (markets) and Souk Semmarine is the biggest of them all. Rugs, leather goods, silverware and crockery of all shapes and sizes are on offer in this labyrinth – just try not to get lost.
Jardin Majorelle : Created by the French painter Jacques Majorelle, this botanical garden is home to more types of cacti than you can shake a terrarium at, and has a stunning indigo blue art deco house as its centrepiece.
Musee Yves Saint Laurent : The French designer loved spending time in Marrakech so much he actually bought Jardin Majorelle in 1980. Opened next door to the gardens in 2017, the Musée Yves Saint Laurent is dedicated to Yves’s couture legacy and has a permanent display of hundreds of garments spanning his 40-year career.
El Badi Palace : The epic ruins of Sultan Ahmed el-Mansour’s once-magnificent palace, set within sunken gardens and surrounded by epic ramparts whose decrepit towers boast panoramic views over the medina.
Jemaa el Fna : The vast open square at the heart of the medina is one of Marrakech’s biggest attractions and is a Unesco world heritage site. Expect snake charmers, street entertainers and over-enthusiastic henna artists at every turn.
Agafy Dessert : Located just a short 45 minute drive from the Red City.
Ready to plan your own luxury holiday to Morocco?
Get in touch with our Travel Specialists for expert advice about any of these stunning hotels. Or ask us about our favourite luxury accommodation from the rest of our collection.
