I have recently re-discovered my love of Marrakesh. I first went about 15 years ago and recently had the pleasure of visiting again last October and February this year. It is such a wonderful escape from the grey and miserable weather during this time of year in the UK and is such a short flight from London which is so convenient.
We went in Early February - keep an eye on the weather as February in Marrakech offers mild sunny days so perfect for exploring, with cooler evenings. I would also definitely recommend going in October.
Here is a list of a few of the places I have enjoyed over the years and what I have picked up along the way in the hope it will inspire your visit.
PLACES TO STAY
La Mamounia
We blew up the budget and booked a few nights at the famous La Mamounia which was a huge treat. However would I stay there again - sadly no - the meals we had in the Asian and Italian restaurants in the hotel were frankly disappointing. The rooms tight and our view wasn’t anything to write home about - HOWEVER - the service was excellent and the pool, gym and breakfast were brilliant (especially the coffee!)
I have to say that the hotel itself, the interiors, the history (make sure to take a look in the room with all the photos and messages left by guests over the years from Prince Charles to Nelson Mandela) make it a must visit for lunch on the terrace or a cocktail in any of the bars. The hotel itself is located just inside the walls of the old city so you will have to grab a cab to go into the Medina or other sites to see on your to do.
People watching was fascinating, looking at what other guests were wearing by the pool, going out sight seeing or wearing for dinner - it was very inspiring. However I would say go for lunch and take your time over a light lunch and a glass of wine on the terrace before enjoying a walk round the beautiful gardens or grab an ice cream in the little tea shop in the grounds if you are looking for something different to do in Marrakesh.
Make sure you dress accordingly if you are not a guest. No trainers, instead make sure you are wearing one of our beautiful blouses or dresses as security is very strict.
L’Hotel Marrakesh
L’Hotel Marrakesh is very close to the vibrant Jemma El Fna square and the bustling Souk and nearby 12th century Koutoubia Mosque. This hotel definitely ticks lots of boxes if you are just coming for a short break.
This beautiful hotel is privately owned by the designer Jasper Conran and is located in the heart of the red city. You can walk out to some of my favourite stores all in a row just 5 mins walk away… plus a great Spa again round the corner.
We loved this hotel - it was a perfect romantic elegant hotel with a touch of art deco. All the details carefully considered, the attention to detail is exquisite, the staff excellent, and simple yet beautifully executed food.
You don’t even have to stay at the hotel as they offer dining for guests and non-residents. They serve traditional simple menu’s and I would highly recommend asking for a table in their larger dining room where we ate all our meals, sitting next to the open fire. After lazing on the roof terrance in the afternoon enjoying the February sunshine, there is no better place.
Riads Lamrani
At its heart is a 400m squared lush patio and swimming pool with expansive terraces - stunning. Very private with just three suites and three double bedrooms which are all just moments from the iconic Jemma el-fna square. We had a fabulous and funny waiter who made our stay here during another visit wonderfully enjoyable.
Other hotels on our list:
Les Deux Tours - So many people have recommended this hotel to me, a larger hotel with a large pool, spa and various room options. Offers spa and yoga packages (3,5 and 7 night options) and reasonably priced.
Riad Sakkan - We found this Riad and there beautiful little boutique in October and wanted to take a look at staying one day. A elegant sophisticated new Riad popular with Americans.
Riad Be Marrakech
www.be-marrrakech.com
More affordable and originally recommended by my daughter. They offer yoga classes and have an on-site spa. I suggested Hannah try's to secure the 3 bedroom ( 3 double) with a roof terrance and kitchen area for her next girls visit. Just round the corner from L’Hotel Marrakesh.
Dar Kawa Boutique Riad - Another amazing Riad owned by the exquisite linen designer located in the heart of the old town. Find out more information here.
WHERE TO EAT
Al Fassia in Gulissa-
Female owned and operated - this is such a gem. They offer two restaurants in two different locations (they also offer accommodation and a spa). You will need to book in advance. Offering traditional Moroccan A la Carte cuisine and vegetarian dishes too. The salads alone are off the scale.
SPA SUGGESTIONS
Les Bains d’Orient- open 7 days a week 10 am to 8 pm
SHOPPING FINDS
V. Barkowski- @valeriebarkowski
Bedlinen: Expensive but as we always say, buy once and buy well. At L’Hotel Marrakesh we slept on these sheets by the Belgium designer V. Barkoski- who has a store here and in Paris and Belgium and they were amazing. Beautiful white sheets with a variation of tassels trims and embroidery you can choose from. They take about 4 weeks or make and will be sent to you by DHL worldwide.
She also has a Riad that you can rent which looks beautiful and pretty well priced. It’s called Dar Kawa Boutique Riad contact details; info@darkawa.net
Little Marrakech
Children wear's boutique: I have recently become a step-grandmother so could not resist these beautiful with embroidery edges bibs and two piece sets for babies up to toddlers, very pretty.
From here head into the Medina a short stroll away past Bacha.
ONE TO ADD TO THE LIST...
Mustapha Blaoui
An Aladdin's cave of everything from furniture, lighting, rugs, pottery. Book your container now and let us know what you find!
Sidi Ghanem - this area has been transformed from an industrial area into a vibrant hub for design, fashion and artisan workshops. Here you can find boutiques, cafes, high-end contemporary and traditional Moroccan handicrafts.
It is located on the edge of town so you have to get a taxi out there. We booked a car for 4 hours and we thought in the end was a good investment if you are in a group as the showrooms are kind of spread out so do a little research before you go.
BACHA COFFEE
Route Sidi Abdelaziz
Get here early or later in the afternoon if you love Coffee. Beautiful location and ambience. The original location was apparently built in 1910 in the spectacular Dar el BACHA palace. Not to be missed if you can avoid the crowds.
Shopping in Gueliz - where you will find the YSL Museum and Jardin Majorelle.
Head to Atelier 44, Boutique 24, 33 Rue Majorelle - all will give you a curated selection of what Marrakesh has to offer.
El Finn Boutique
Beautiful and a good early stop to see what is possible to source in Marrakesh and great finds. A little over priced and “hip” for my taste perhaps but a great curated offering. Jeremy, my husband did buy some beautiful soap and I bought a stupidly overpriced necklace but great for inspiration.
GARDENS
Le Jardin Secret: A haven in the middle of the medina. A great place to recover from the medina madness and very tranquil and beautifully done.
Musee Yves Saint Laurent
You can kill two birds with one store and visit the YSL museum and the JARDIN MAJORELLE. Book tickets in advance or you probably won't get in. Located in the new town (Gueliz) this is a must see during your first visit to Morocco. The YSL museum is smaller than I had originally expected and focused primarily on the costumes he designed and worked on for film and theatre. I did enjoy the film footage that shows his career over the years and would recommend if you have the time, I would go either first thing or later in the day. There are some great shops a short walk away and is great when you can avoid the crowds.
Atlas Mountains
We spent a day trip driving out for a half day hike. A long drive 2 hours and a loop which was interesting and involved local lunch in our guides house however would prefer a longer trip perhaps that did not involve as many “selling” scenario’s! However I did buy some beautiful coral beads I have been looking for over the past 5 years so who’s complaining.
I hope you find this blog post interesting and it helps give you a few ideas and recommendations for your next trip to Marrakesh.
