Marrakesh, Medinas and Food

Donna Alexander on 28 March 2017
I was lucky enough to have this trip sponsored by the Moroccan Tourist Board. They wanted to show me all that Marrakesh has so that I can pass my knowledge onto you. I have been before and do love the cultural diversity that is only a short flight away.

While the ancient medina, with its bustling charm and exotic aromas, is the main draw of any visit to Marrakech, the city offers far more than just souks and shopping. While some of my group headed off karting I opted for a more cultural experience at Hotel La Maison Arabe Marrakech, learning the art of traditional Moroccan cuisine. Here we were able to learn how to create Morocco’s national dish, the tagine, in a stylish and interactive setting. In a central kitchen, the chef demonstrates the ingredients and skills needed to create a tagine, whilst being filmed by a camera. This is then streamed live to TV monitors positioned in front of each trainee, ensuring they get the best possible view. All set in one of the Pink city's oldest and finest restaurants. Cooking classes are a great cultural experience for all ages – especially families – and have the added advantage of being able to enjoy the fruits of one’s labours in the tasting session afterwards.

As Morocco’s rich culinary heritage played a major role in the trip, we were able to a sample some of Marrakech’s top restaurants. Nestled within the medina, just off Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, Le Salama captures the mood of Marrakech. Heading through an inviting red-carpeted doorway off the ancient alleyways, guests are escorted into a sultry, atmospheric restaurant that exudes mystery and charm.

Vast platters of grilled meats and vegetables first appear, followed by huge tagines of lamb or chicken that simply slides off the bone. During dinner, the atmosphere heats up even further as belly and candle dancers emerge from the shadows to delight diners with another aspect of Moroccan culture which is suitable for the entire family. The rooftop terrace also serves up magnificent views of the medina and provides the perfect setting for a post-dinner drink.

Following a surprisingly prompt start the next morning, we were taken up into the cool foothills of the Atlas Mountains to dust off the cobwebs and experience yet another side of this multi-faceted destination. Leaving the Red City behind, the road winds up into the hills, past dramatic gorges, rocky rivers and traditional villages, as the spectacular snow-capped Atlases loom ever larger on the approaching horizon. Ski resorts and hill walking available within an hour of the city!

At approximately 1,000 meters above sea-level the mountain scenery fans out into a beautiful plateau, where a brand new luxury boutique resort is on the verge of opening. Following the fast pace of city life in Marrakech, there can be no better place to clear the mind than at L’Amandier – a collection of charming terracotta villas nestled amidst fragrant herb gardens, citrus orchards and blooming bougainvillea. A beautiful place to rest and do a twin center after the bussle of the city.

This visit only added to my interest to explore more of Morocco and in the present climate I would be more than happy to take my family to Morocco.