Fast becoming North Africa’s centre of activity, style and night life, Marrakesh is the definition of exoticism. Crowds from London, Paris and St Tropez have descended on the historic city in recent years, bringing new European influences and dynamic change to the city. Locals are embracing the revolution of Marrakesh and lo and behold – decadent spas, opulent riads and designer bars are popping up to cater for the jet-set crowd. Sublime luxury and a fascinating history are combining to make Marrakesh one of the most sought-after destinations of the moment.
Splendia welcome you to a miraculous world of bright colour, whimsical romance, sublime luxury and above all, adventure…
Sights to see
No other city in the world is so entirely dominated by its main square so the action-packed Jamaa el Fna is a great place to start off your Marrakesh escapade, as you will never find your way out! A Unesco World Heritage Site and the city’s main meeting point, expect to snack on pigeon pie and sip mint tea alongside friendly and hospitable locals. The labyrinth of lanes, kaleidoscopic souks, story tellers and snake charmers might leave you bewildered but dive straight in, ditch the map and get lost. After all, it’s all part of the Marrakesh experience. With any luck you’ll emerge some hours later victorious, and with a carpet in tow!
Marrakesh’s most prominent landmark, the Koutoubia Mosque, towers over the city at 100 metres (300 feet). The name – meaning the ‘Bookseller’s Mosque’ – reflects the honourable trade that used to be practiced in a nearby souk. To escape the hurly burly of the
Medina visit the beautiful Majorelle Gardens. Designed by the French artist Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s, Yves Saint-Laurent fell in love with the garden in the 1980s and acquired the grounds. Top tip: get there early and experience a delicious Moroccan breakfast at the Majorelle Gardens café.
Rejuvenate in luxury
Cool off from the African heat with a trip to Les Palais Rhoul. As you take a dip in one of their inviting pools, treat yourself to an out-of this-world massage or simply admire the beautiful building and magical grounds.
If you prefer round-the-clock spa treatments then Splendia recommend Cesar Resort & Spa or the contemporary Villa Makassar.
The Murano Resort Marrakech offers a wonderful hamman, but if you prefer to relax to music with cocktail in hand, recline on one of their super stylish day beds by the red enamel pool. To soak up the sun in style, snack on sushi and sip a fruity smoothie on one of Nikki Beach Marrakech’s iconic white sun loungers.
Tuck in
Dine al fresco under the Moroccan stars in one of the many pretty riad courtyards surrounding the Medina lanes. We highly recommend Riad Monceau and Riad El Noujoum, both serving delicious Mediterranean and authentic Moroccan dishes. For spectacular views, head to the opulent La Villa des Orangers restaurant. Reserve a table in the early evening so you can watch the sunset with your loved one whilst savouring their unforgettable à la carte menu.
To mingle with the jet-setters head to Bô-Zin, located in the New City of Marrakesh. Expect a combination of Moroccan, French and Thai cuisine and a vast selection of wines and spirits. Prepare to break out your best dance moves mid-mouthful as the music gets louder and lights dim…
When night falls
Try your luck with a game of poker or blackjack at the popular Le Grand Casino La Memounia before heading back into the city with a brimming pocket of dirhams. To sip minty mojitos and enjoy a shisha pipe then Café Arabe is the place to be – following a glass of champagne at Sofitel Marrakech in their fashionable Lawrence Bar. You won’t be disappointed with a visit to the Piano Bar at the Hotel Les Jardins de la Koutoubia, where the pianist plays by request as you relax on chic pouffes and order from their superb drinks menu.
For those who have the stamina to party until sunrise then Pacha Marrakech at the fabulous Crystal Hotel is the place to see and be seen. Dress to impress and dance the night away to international DJs with the Casablanca weekend crowd.
To book a stay in Marrakesh, click here. For more information about Splendia or to view our worldwide selection of unique, Luxury & Character Hotels, click here.
Francesca
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Hi Francesca, Very much look forward to visitng this exciting city, please can you advise when is the best time of year to visit which isn’t too hot and busy. Can you also advise prices for a 10 day visit to one of your hotels, thank you.
Regards
John
Hi John
The best time of year to visit Marrakesh is in the spring when the weather is ideal for exploring the city. There are many riads and hotels to suit all tastes – we recommend La Villa des Orangers (http://bit.ly/KSElPo), Riad Dar One (http://bit.ly/JhyOUr) and Murano Resort Marrakech (http://bit.ly/JCLhkQ.) Agadir, located on south Morocco’s Atlantic coast, is a beautiful place to visit in August for a 10 day break – the temperature is just perfect. We recommend the Sofitel Agadir Royal Bay Resort (http://bit.ly/JYtGlb) – the ideal hotel and destination to keep the whole family happy and entertained.
Kind regards
Francesca