I recently went on a great holiday to sunny Marrakech which is only 3 hours away from London and a great spot for winter sun!
Marrakech has lots to offer with it’s gorgeous interiors of fabulous hotels, great food at some great cafes and of course exploring the souks.
Check out my top recommendations of where to stay, eat and visit!
Hotels
Beldi Country Club
The Hotel sits in the magnificent 14 hectares of the Beldi Country Club. Here you will find a charming blend of Moroccan tradition and French chic. A green oasis of charm, ancient olive trees, stylish swimming pools and restaurants with views across the rose gardens to the Atlas Mountains.
The 38 suites, exquisitely and individually furnished in the Beldi style, have been built to resemble a Moroccan village, with its narrow alleyway’s, shady court yards and riads.
The hotel has a swimming pool reserved for residents only (also a heated swimming pool during the winter), surrounded by olive trees and gardens. There is a garden restaurant and an indoor winter restaurant with a fireplace. There are a tennis court and a delightful small ‘home cinema’ with surround sound.
https://beldicountryclub.com/en/
Km 6, Route de Barrage.
“Cherifia” Marrakech
Morocco
La Mamounia
From Luxurious Rooms & Suites, peaceful Riads, gorgeous gardens, the spa, hammam to fitness and tennis if you’re feeling a little more energetic, La Mamounia has it all. It is probably one of the most gorgeous hotels in Marrakech and comes with a price tag of course!
Top Tip: Visit the Hotel Bar early evening for a drink rather then staying
Avenue Bab Jdid,
Marrakesh 40040, Maroc
Es Saadi
Located close to both the bustling, history-filled Medina and the quiet of the Hivernage neighbourhood in a peaceful backdrop of lush greenery, the Resort resonates with the beating heart of the city and the calm of a remote oasis.
https://www.essaadi.com/en/resort-marrakech
Rue Ibrahim El Mazini,
Marrakesh 40000,
Maroc
Royal Mansour
Just a few steps away from the famous Jemaa El Fna square beats the heart of the Marrakesh Palace, offering travellers the unique concept of a medina within a medina. Each area has been designed to intuitively take guests on a sensory journey.
https://www.royalmansour.com/en/
Rue Abou Abbas El Sebti,
40000, Maroc
Riad La Sultana
Luxury and a sense of history are the hallmarks of La Sultana. This sprawling hotel consists of five riads, all of them decorated in a different style signifying various historic periods, resulting in a 28-room boutique hotel full of character.
Top Tip: Come here for lunch! It is one of the best Moroccan food we had in Marrakech!
403 Rue de La Kasbah,
Marrakesh 40000, Maroc
Riad Palais Blanc
The Riad is easily accessible by car and it is a haven of peace to regenerate you from loudness of the city.
The Riad is an old manor house and has been renovated with exemplary taste and attention to detail. The decor encompasses Moroccan traditions with a mixture of Italian taste.
We stayed here for Four nights and the staff are just incredible! Really recommend staying here!
http://www.palaisblancriad.com
Top Tip: Get a massage here! Hands down one of the best I have ever had and only £25! It’s not a proper spa but the therapists are incredible.
Onk jmel derb zaouiat benasser N°5, Marrakesh
Restaurants
Nomad
Kamal Laftimi and Sebastian de Gzell took over an old carpet store off the famed Rahba Lakdima spice square and, alongside interior designer Romain Meniere, transformed it into “Nomad”.
With a strong emphasis on fresh local produce and ample variety for vegetarians, pescetarians, and carnivores alike, the lively restaurant serves simple “Modern Moroccan” cuisine: revisions of traditional local cuisine and international dishes with a Moroccan twist.
https://nomadmarrakech.com/?lang=fr
1 Derb Aarjane, Medina,Marrakesh 40000, Maroc
La Trotteria
In the Lounge Garden, under the Muller ceiling chandeliers, by the blue and green water of a peaceful basin, under the amazing glasshouse, every moment becomes magical. The most beautiful day of your life, a birthday party, a private or corporate event…we are here to make it magnificent.
Experience the dolce vita (sweet life) in Marrakech! La Trattoria is a story that dates back to 1974: where you are welcomed in one of the last Art Deco villas in the heart of Gueliz, and decorated by famous architect Bill Willis. Choose to have lunch in the lovely garden or dine by the pool for a most romantic moment. The Art Deco Bar & the Garden Lounge are also pleasant and will extend your experience, open from 6:00pm to 1:00am.
http://latrattoriamarrakech.com
Top Tip: Definitely go here! It’s a yummy Italian and great if you want a break from Moroccan food. The setting is incredible!
179 Rue Mohamed El Bengal, Gueliz, Maroc
El Fenn
El Fenn is the ideal scenic location for breakfast to sunset drinks. Located on the outskirts of Marrakesh, and on the way in from the airport, it is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the view from above before heading to your hotel. The hotel is also owned by Richard Branson’s sister. It has a great boutique hotel vibe to it!
Derb Moullay Abdullah Ben Hussain, Bab El Ksour, Medina, Marrakech
Palais Jad Mahal
With a constant flow of celebrities, this is considered the hippest restaurant lounge in Marrakesh. Serving the traditional tea amongst other drinks, let yourself be immersed into the cultural experience that is Marrakesh.
https://palaisjadmahal.com/?lang=en
10 Rue Haroune Errachid, Hivernage, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
Bo Zin
The embodiment of Marrakech nightlife, Bo–Zin does dinner with live entertainment to champagne and a DJ-fueled nightlife, perfect for letting your hair down. Asian cuisine which is so delicious!
Route de l’ Ourika km 3, 5, 40000, Maroc
Cafe Arabe
Situated in one of the most popular quarters of the Marrakech medina, this spacious and colourful Riad is where locals and travellers seeking exotic surroundings come for a refreshment or to dine. Breakfast, lunch, dinner or tea, is served with a mixture of Moroccan and Italian cuisine.
Top Tip: Come here for sunset drinks and order a tagine and couscous! Food is so good!
184 Rue Mouassine, Marrakesh 40000, Maroc
La Sultana
Inspired by the ‘One Thousand and One Nights’ tale, enjoy the magical atmosphere of a private dinner under the Berber Tent where the beach is covered with oriental carpet and candle-lit lanterns.
https://www.lasultanahotels.com
403 Rue de La Kasbah, Marrakesh 40000, Maroc
La Famille
Having opened only a few summers ago, La Famille has had a great success owing to its absolutely delightful, rustic and charming Mediterranean influenced garden. Serving a simple menu that changes daily – main courses include a highly recommended salad and a homemade pasta dish – the food is meat-free, a type of Moroccan Mediterranean fusion, incorporating fresh seasonal produce.
@la_famille_marrakech_
Top Tip: Make sure you book in advance as it gets very busy!
34 Derb Jdid, Marrakech 40040, Maroc
Le Jardin
With a menu that offers a choice of traditional Morrocan and European cuisine, it is a great place for both lunch and dinner or simply for a refreshing drink or good cocktail.
Top Tip: Make sure you book in advance as it’s very popular! Owned by same people as Nomad!
32 Souk Jeld Sidi Abdelaziz, Marrakesh 40000, Maroc
Plus 61
+61 is inspired by intriguing links between Australian, middle eastern and asian cuisine. Sourcing the best quality ingredients and produce available in Marrakech and working closely with local bio-organic farmers is their priority. It is the perfect respite from the bustle of the city where you can relax with friends over cocktails, shared plates, and a bottle of wine.
96 Rue Mohammed el Beqal, Marrakech 40000, Maroc
Bars
Bars at La Mamounia
The Mamounia offers numerous very different bars for each occasion, from Le Churchill, which transports you into a Jazz atmosphere to the pool bar for a refreshing break from the heat of the city. Experience the hotel without forking out too much cash!
Avenue Bab Jdid, Marrakesh 40040, Maroc
Barometre
In a clandestine distillery bar from the time of prohibition, Barometere is also the first bar entirely dedicated to mixology in Morocco.
Rue Moulay Ali, Marrakesh 40000, Maroc
El Fenn
There are sofas and armchairs in which to relax with a mojito, a grand piano surrounded by potted palms, arresting artworks and a menu showcasing the best of Moroccan and European dishes. Great for watching the sunset!
Derb Moullay Abdullah Ben Hussain, Bab El Ksour, Medina, Marrakech
La Salama
Le Salama is an oriental brasserie in stunning colonial style, spread over three floors including a terrace with panoramic views of the Marrakech medina. Although admittedly a tourist hub, it doesn’t outweigh or dismiss the wonderful atmosphere and delicious food.
@lessalamamarrakech
40 Rue des Banques, Marrakech 40000, Maroc
Epicurean
Push open the doors of the Épicurien, the restaurant-bar and lounge of the Casino, and step into a plush atmosphere filled with crystal chandeliers, mahogany furniture and large mirrors. Get ready to groove to the beat of iconic live band The Kech Experience with their festive set lists that will have you dancing ’til dawn.
https://www.essaadi.com/restaurants-marrakech/restaurants-nuit/epicurien
Rue Hafid Ibrahim,
El Mazini 40000, Maroc
Cafe Arabe
For the ultimate moroccan Shisha experience, visit the Berbere room at cafe Arabe. From smoking Shisha on the floor to Moroccan tea on the terrace, the Cafe Arabe gives you the best of every symbolic Marrakech experience.
184 Rue Mouassine,
Marrakesh 40000, Maroc
What to do
YSL Museum & Jardin Majorelle
Visit and take in all the creativity and passion that the historic YSL museum and gardens can give, for a stunning yet educational experience on your trip to Marrakech.
https://www.museeyslmarrakech.com/fr/
Rue Yves St Laurent,Marrakech 40000, Maroc
Jardínmajorelle.com
Rue Yves St Laurent,
Marrakech 40090, Maroc
Day at Beldi Country Club
Visit Beldi for the day and lay by the pool in tranquility, eat a nice healthy lunch or visit the spa!
Why not relax and try The art of hammam by Beldi, respecting the Moroccan traditions. The art of massage with essential oils and argan oil. Definitely worth experiencing!
https://beldicountryclub.com/en/
Km 6, Route de Barrage.”Cherifia” Marrakech, Morocco
Atlas Mountains
For 65 euros, take a day or half day trip to the Atlas mountains to see the gorgeous authentic Berbere Villages. The guides will tell you about the history of the villages, show you how people live within their mountainside homes and serve you a traditional Tajine. These can be done walking, on a mule or quad bike or on foot to give you the best experience catered to you. If desired, the trip can include the three Valleys & Waterfalls experience which few will have discovered before you.
https://www.artdecuivre.net/atlas-mountains.html
Dessert Tour
If you find yourself with an extra night in Marrakech, may we suggest you experience the desert tour, either with a sunset dinner and bonfire, or throw yourself into the experience with a stay in the Erg Chigaga Luxury Desert Camp where shortly after your arrival you will be taken on a camel ride to explore the dunes and maybe even surf them.
Hammam at Les Bains D’Orient
Escape from the outside excitement as you slip into a world of relaxation and a space dedicated to the well being. The elegant and refined oriental decoration, wonderful range of rituals of baths, massages, the meeting of the ancestral traditions of Morocco and the traditional Moroccan cosmetics will be an experience you will treasure for years to come. Discover how Les Bains Orient make time and space take on a whole new dimension.
https://www.les-bains-dorient.com/en/
214 Arset Aouzal Rd, Marrakesh 40030, Maroc
