MARRAKECH FROM A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE
You may think you already know everything about Marrakech. The city, famous for its laid-back lifestyle and exoticism, is just a short flight away. And yet, even well-travelled visitors will soon be surprised by the Red City’s liveliness. Especially because in Marrakech, the locals are particularly proud that the city has never stopped welcoming new venues, despite the very difficult crisis that the country recently experienced.
Great locations, trendy spots and discoveries off the beaten track…
Here are our top suggestions for (re)discovering Marrakech.
Lose yourself in the delights of the medina of Marrakech
Its secret doors, narrow alleyways and disorientating souks plunge you into a sensory experience that once captivated celebrated French painters Majorelle and Delacroix. It is here that you will come face to face with an arty gem… The medina, an ever-changing space, will lead you to doors that you were not expecting to find there: doors to designer boutiques, eclectic concept stores and unusual rooftop bars.
The Jardins du Lotus are located within a splendid 19th-century building. A glamorous spot with a feminine décor and an awesome resident DJ, this is one of the best venues in Marrakech for Slow Gastronomy, serving delicious, creative, organic food.
Bacha Coffee is a little gem within the Dar El Bacha Museum of Confluences.
Located inside an ancient palace, this elegant tea room is home to a high-end restaurant.
The décor and tableware are truly remarkable. A colonial voyage through time.
And last but not least, the recently opened Dar Dar Rooftop – the most beautiful terrace with the best views at sunset, and a touch of humour. A trendy and authentic spot with an excellent DJ.
(Re)discover Marrakech for art lovers
The city exudes an irresistible aura that mesmerises artists seeking inspiration. Chief among them was Yves Saint Laurent: his collections, housed in the museum of the same name, pay homage to the unbreakable bond between the master couturier and the Ochre City. You will be immediately captivated by the haute couture lines of the building and its enchanting design. The emotional journey continues in the House of Photography, which brings to light archived images. But perhaps, you will prefer the recently opened MACAAL Museum, to discover some of the best works of African contemporary art. Renovated entirely, the Dar Si Saïd Museum proposes a journey through an ancestral, authentic craft: that of weaving and carpet making, inside this jewel of Moorish architecture.
Enjoy a luxurious retreat in the Agafay desert
Imagine mineral-rich mountains surrounded by undulating, rocky landscapes. At the heart of this, an oasis of greenery conceals a desert camp, with the chic and stripped-back charm required to enjoy an unforgettable glamping experience for one night or more. Meditation, camel rides, mountain biking, fine dining under the stars and excursions aboard vintage side-cars will keep you occupied. You are in the Agafay desert, only 30 km from Marrakech, and yet far away from the hurly-burly of the city…
Inara Camp: a sophisticated, safari-style collection of tents of Berber inspiration. Comfort and gastronomy are the key words here. The camp boasts a swimming pool, and there is no shortage of activities on offer within this oasis.
Discover the green side of the Ochre City
In the Majorelle Garden, the hypnotically blue villa and its shaded alleys reflect the memories of Pierre Bergé and Yves Saint-Laurent. Well now, it has a rival: the Anima Garden, conceived by the artist André Heller. Located on the road to Ourika, your senses will awaken, as you wander among contemporary works of art set against the backdrop of the lush native vegetation.
Fall under the spell of an unmissable Moroccan hotel
Palais Ronsard opened its doors in 2019, in the heart of a preserved area of the Palmeraie neighbourhood, a palm grove located less than ten kilometres from the medina. A Relais & Château property, this new resort extends over an area of 3,000 m² of lush gardens. This setting revolutionizes the luxury hotel sector, thanks to its VIP guest houses, but with a friendly atmosphere. The perfect blend of Moroccan tradition and Art Deco spirit, it is a popular spot for brunch, which is held every Sunday in the Le Verger restaurant.
The Royal Mansour is a destination in its own right, thanks to its intimate riads, enchanting spa, high-end restaurants, Moorish gardens, and thoughtful yet discreet luxury.
Riad El Fenn, well-sheltered in an ancient palace in the medina, is not to be outdone. Thanks to its attentive décor, this is the ideal place to experience the unique way of living of the Moroccans. Idle moments on the rooftop terrace, siestas by the pool, restorative spa treatments, the relaxed luxury of the suites… All conspire to envelop you in a bubble of serenity that will make you feel like a sultan.
Discover no less than 10 centuries of Moroccan history
Visiting Marrakech means diving into the tumultuous history of the dynasties that built the jewels of its architecture over the course of many centuries. Everywhere you go, be it the Bahia Palace, the Dar Si Saïd museum or El Badi Palace, your senses will be overwhelmed by the refinement, balance and harmony of each detail. All over the city, the heritage of the Moorish tradition is kept alive in the gurgling sounds of the fountains, the lush vegetation and the intensity of the light that is so emblematic of Morocco.
Get your fix of excitement and creativity
When traditional Moroccan craftsmanship meets contemporary creativity, this gives rise to concept stores, designer boutiques and showrooms at the crossroads of new trends. Art lovers will not be able to resist a visit to the unusual artist residency of Jardin Rouge. The pictorial and sculptural Eden created by the Montresso Foundation consists of an open-air, living museum that is home to workshops, exhibition galleries and street-art frescoes.
One of the newest spots in the city is ‘Jajjah’, in Sidi Ghanem, the industrial district, consisting of a gallery that showcases promising local artists, and a boutique selling the works of renowned artist Hassan Hajjaj. This space perfectly combines art and food – local and traditional. Hassan uses only locally sourced, recycled objects from everyday life.
Azalai Urban Souk is a completely unique place, a restaurant-cum-concept store where Moroccan cuisine revives forgotten tastes. Like a riad in the heart of the Guéliz district, with the added opportunity to shop for accessories and decorative objects in its boutique.
To end on a high note, what could be better than a visit to the timeless Les Sens de Marrakech beauty store in Sidi Ghanem, where the products are made using argan oil, prickly pear seed oil and aloe vera, all perfected by Moroccan artisans. All of the ingredients are of natural origin and locally sourced, all the while respecting the environment and the crops.
(Re)discovering City from the sky
A feeling of wonder as the wicker basket rises up into the sky and the first light of the day reveals the breath-taking landscapes of Morocco, while the gas burners hiss merrily in the background. Beneath you and all around you, everything is revealed from a different perspective. Enjoy every minute in your hot air balloon as you make sweet memories of Marrakech from your light and airy position. Would you like breakfast with a view? Or maybe a glass of champagne?
Breathe in the fresh air of the Atlas Mountains
Who could resist the draw of the Atlas Mountains? The sunny valley of Asni, the terraced fields of the Ait Oucheg valley and the mineral-rich beauty of the Toubkal National Park have plenty of thrills in store for you. Paddle in a kayak on a lake at high altitude, face your fear of heights on the largest aerial course in Africa, and explore Berber hamlets that are steeped in authenticity. Or why not climb the highest peak in North Africa (4167 metres)? There are many other ways to enhance your stay…
Bab Ourika, nestled in the countryside on a hill overlooking the Ourika valley, is a magnificent Berber version of an English cottage, built entirely with natural materials and surrounded by gardens full of flowers. You will be soothed by the kindness of the service staff and the panoramic views over the mountains. Worthy of note are the solar panels, water recycling system and ingenious anaerobic digester in this casbah that is one of the most environmentally friendly resorts in the kingdom. The chef uses only organic ingredients from his own garden or nearby markets.
Stay up late into the night
Some ideas to keep you busy late into the night… if you wish. Chill in an Art Deco 1920s brasserie (Grand café de la poste). Sip a cocktail at a rooftop bar with instagrammable views (Sky Lounge The Pearl). Dine to the sounds of tambourines in a 19th-century riad (Lotus Privilège). Venture into the iconic club that is the beating heart of Marrakech night-life (Comptoir Darna). Dance the night away in the glamorous surroundings of a legendary nightclub (Lotus club).
The Palace exudes a chic and elegant ambiance in the basement, and a more relaxed atmosphere on the ground floor.
Bo Zin, on the road to Ourika, invites you to spend an evening in a multicultural environment distinguished by its elegance and sobriety. The musical ambiance is enhanced by the menu, which brings together Thai and Moroccan cuisines.
Jad Mahal is an invitation to travel, glass in hand, to the sound of the musicians. The décor combines the very best of Moroccan craftsmanship with the warmth of Indian colours.
Our crush
Guéliz neighbourhood: La Collégiale. Run by the two Christians, a chatty, witty couple who have been together for 40 years, this small establishment serves excellent food, French and Mediterranean. People flock there for the very warm welcome, the atmosphere of an old cabaret from the 1960s, and the high-quality service.
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Ideas to customise your trip with “Charly’s team”
For a unique trip to the Orient.
– Breathe in the fresh air of the Atlas Mountains
– Lose yourself in the delights of the medina
– Discover no less than 10 centuries of Moroccan history
– Stay at one of the city’s trendiest and most exclusive establishments
– Indulge in an interlude of idleness and glamour in an exceptional ‘riad’.
Getting there
Best time to visit :
September to June
Direct flights from:
Paris. Bruxelles. London.
Approximate flight duration :
4h to 4h30
Recommended length of stay:
5 nights / 6 days
