Magical Marrakech & The Atlas Mountains

There really is something quite magical about visiting Marrakech (even though this was my third time!) The evocative call to prayer, beautiful riads hidden behind nondescript wooden doors and the fascinating contrast between bustling city streets and tranquil hotel courtyards.

Our base in Marrakech was the charming Riad Noga – perfect for those seeking an authentic riad experience. Freshly squeezed orange juice is served at breakfast and a charming selection of miniature tagines reveal local specialities; conserves, multiple types of bread and fresh goats’ cheese. The roof terraces provide a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle punctuated just occasionally by a squawk from the resident parrot, called Klein. Cleopatra and Tom Jones (the riad’s tortoises) provide a little company for him!

As a novice photographer, I was spoilt for subjects. An evening visit to the Jemaa El Fna is a must – a veritable theatre set with story tellers, fruit sellers, snake charmers and locals simply doing their market shop. I would also highly recommend booking a cookery class and we enjoyed an afternoon at Hotel La Maison Arabe, where we learnt to make an olive and preserved lemon chicken tagine and zalouk salad.

We then left the buzz of the city and headed to the Atlas Mountains, where we stayed at the picture-perfect Kasbah Bab Ourika. A detour via the renowned Kasbah Tamadot proved too tempting and their Kanoun restaurant provided the perfect place to celebrate a significant birthday. Unfortunately, my prayers for clear skies were not answered and a sudden hail storm provided a very dramatic journey to the Ourika Valley by 4x4. A stiff gin and tonic and a flickering wood fire were a lovely welcome (if unseasonal, given this was mid-September).

The following morning however was a completely different story. Bright sunshine flooded the surrounding valleys and blue skies showcased the spectacular 360-degree view. Our morning was spent exploring the vast grounds, including a heated outdoor pool, a vegetable garden, a discreet hammam (this I strongly recommend) and various shaded nooks where you can enjoy a massage outside or a glass of wonderfully crisp local pre-dinner white wine.

Morocco is excellent value for money and (depending where you go) an all year destination. I have previously visited in November and enjoyed balmy, t-shirt days but cooler nights. The sights, sounds, smells and tastes should definitely be experienced once in a lifetime.