Mystical Marrakech
The snow-capped Atlas Mountains are a stunning backdrop for this buzzing sprawling city. The walled Medina houses the Jemaa El-Fnaa Souks. A maze of colour, noise and smells that you could easily get lost in, or for those who are less adventurous you can always book a guide! There are stunning displays of leather goods, glassware, clothing and metal works and locals desperate to barter with you. Outside in the main square are varieties of fruit, vegetables and local dishes to sample, along with entertainers with snakes and monkeys. Do not take photos unless you are prepared to tip them for the privilege.
If shopping is not your thing, you can always head to the Atlas Mountains to Terres d’Armanar. Zip – wiring, E biking, running, trekking, horse riding are just some of the activities on offer. We all had the pleasure of the zip-wiring. I say pleasure but first off we had to negotiate a suspended bridge with planks a stride apart hovering over a sheer drop! With several people on the bridge at any one time, it bounced and swayed and was not easy to navigate! With that done, we then had to zip down four different wires strung high above the valleys. Travelling at great speed we worked our way over each one, the adrenaline rush is amazing and I am so glad I did it.
Food in Marrakech is an art. We ate in some lovely hotels including the Riad Kniza which is a beautiful traditional Riad in the city centre. You enter through an impressive front door into a calm space with stunning architecture. This is a must for anyone wanting to sample true Moroccan hospitality. Our dinner of lamb and vegetables was served in hot tagines and it was lovely. We also visited Dar Moha which was an experience. We had lots of smaller courses all served in mini tagines and it was so colourful and well-presented and all washed down with local wine which is very good.
Nightlife in Marrakech is varied. There are lots of bars, restaurants and hotels all offering an array of entertainment. My favourite was the Jad Mahal – live music and a packed crowd make this a great atmospheric evening. It’s not for everyone as it is more traditional and very small but well worth the effort to get in. If you prefer something more contemporary try the So Lounge at the Sofitel. Amazing live singers and a DJ that was like no other I have ever experienced. He had us up and dancing until the early hours!
We visited many hotels in Marrakech but my top two were the Beachcomber Royal Palm Hotel and La Mamounia. If you want to stay within a short walk to the Medina then La Mamounia is the place for you. It is quite simply stunning and offers traditional Moroccan architecture set in beautiful grounds with a gorgeous pool all with superb views of the Atlas Mountains. Winston Churchill lived here and you can see why he loved it. Rich dark woods and décor, an impressive spa and luxury branded shops.
Beachcombers Royal Palm is a resort style hotel approximately 20 minutes’ drive from the Medina. Perfect for families or couples it offers so many facilities and a view to die for. This really is a hotel that will wow you. The rooms are stunning and the bathrooms even more impressive. There is a Clarins Spa, a sports centre with not only a gym but a 25m pool! The crèche and children’s centre are second to none and offer a mini pool, play area, and their very own chef! The 18-hole golf course wraps around and is set beneath the Atlas Mountains in the distance. There are various restaurants and bars all offering a high level of service.
All in all Marrakech surprised me. It is a place that can be explored quickly for a weekend break and yet there is so much to see and do, a week would not be too long. It will appeal to couples and families and really does offer something for everyone. An ideal Easter or October half term break with the kids as the weather will be perfect. Definitely somewhere I will revisit.