Magical Marrakech

The Kingdom of Morocco is only a 3-hour flight away from the UK and offers an exotic magical location for a variety of holidays. Whether you are interested in history and archaeology, want to experience some new water sports, test your bargaining skills in the souks or just “hang out” at the poolside, Morocco has it all.

I spent a long weekend in the colourful bustling city of Marrakech where you see a fascinating mix of modern and traditional lifestyles. I stayed in the traditional Riad ‘Darhani’ – in the heart of the Medina. A very special little place and although it has only four bedrooms it has three sitting rooms and an amazing tented terrace, as well as a dining room. There is also a beautiful courtyard and a plunge pool inside. Only 15 minutes walk away, through the busy alleyways is the famous Jemma el Fna Square.

During the day, you will be fascinated by the snake charmers, story tellers, musicians and the street food. Friendly stallholders offer a wide variety of local delicacies including fresh orange juice, goat heads and hot, tasty snails. It is probably safer to eat in one of the restaurants such as the Café Agrana on the edge of the square where you will be tempted with delicious, freshly cooked local food. A Pastilla – sweet or savoury – is a chicken or pigeon pie which melts in your mouth, and the Kefta tagine is definitely worth a try (ground beef and egg).

There are souks throughout the city selling a number of products: hand-crafted lanterns, local spices, and the nutty argan oil, produced only in Morocco. Plus much more!

The inquisitive will discover delightful mosques, Kasbahs, historical tombs and palaces. One secret delight I found is Le Bain Bleu – a traditional Hamman or ancestral ritual bath. Exfoliation, massage, cleansing and relaxing treatments using natural scented products are available in a peaceful atmosphere and at very reasonable prices.

At night, the music in the city becomes louder and more exhilarating and you can wander into the new town to enjoy the sophisticated bars and nightclubs. Some of the hotels serve beer and wine in public bars and there is even an “English pub” in the Hotel Nassil which serves a decent pint of Moroccan lager.

If Marrakech becomes too hectic, a stay in the High Atlas Mountains is the perfect alternative or 2 stop. Lush green valley’s sprawl between the snow-capped peaks and it is hard to believe they lie only an hour from Marrakech. The local Berber people live a simple rural life in this tranquil location, unchanged for generations. Accommodation on offer ranges from rustic retreats to the magnificent Kasbah Tamadot which belongs to Sir Richard Branson.

An hour and a half in the other direction lies the long sweeping sandy beaches of the Atlantic coast. If you have the time, I recommend you stay a couple of nights in Essaouira – the “windy city”. This charming town sits on the flat open shoreline like a mini Marrakech. It is a lovely spot to relax and very popular with wind and kite surfers as the constant sea breeze makes conditions perfect for these activities.

Again, there is a mix of accommodation to choose from: charming little Riads in Essaouira, Villas with pools in nearby Sidi Kaouki and opulent hotels in Oualidia and Agadir.

Marrakech is a magical city!