Marrakech: hot, busy, eye-opening.
Really hot.
Who did we travel with?
British Airways have a fantastic selection of holidays at great prices. I like to use British Airways as I am a huge fan of their Avios/Executive Club program. You do have to build the holiday a little bit, but you can do it all within the BA “fold”. You can book transfers and car parking through the website, which was great. When we flew, there was actually a French air strike, so we were delayed by a day. Having everything booked together meant that British Airways simply moved everything on our behalf. Also, being part of the Executive Club meant we were prioritised for the next flight. Like I said- I am a big fan of British Airways (on the most part!)
Where did we stay?
We stayed at Riad Altair which is situated in the Old Town. On arrival, we got slightly concerned by being taken down a maze of Moroccan alleyways but we had nothing to worry about. We were welcomed with mint tea and sugary biscuits. The Riad is beautiful, the decoration chic and French and the ambience relaxing: it really is an oasis of calm in a hectic, bustling city. You can hear the call to prayer echo across the city, read and sunbathe on the terrace or cool down in the living rooms.
They served the most fantastic breakfasts: loose leaf tea and dark coffee, delicious honey, dried fruits, creamy yogurt alongside French bread and pastries. It could be served on the terrace or in the courtyard.
Where did we eat?
Our most memorable dinner was at Les Jardins de la Koutoubia with traditional Moroccan food and tangine in the most beautiful setting.
For drinks we visited La Mamounia which is absolutely stunning. This place has a fantastic history and a guest book to match. From Alfred Hitchcock to Winston Churchill to Will Smith, this is a palatial resort with impeccable service (and a price tag to match)
Mamounia Mojitos and Bar Snacks
We also visited Level Five, described on TripAdvisor as “a NYC roof deck bar in Marrakech” and Kosy Bar which is one of the few places in the old city that served alcohol.
Level Five Rooftop Bar
Mojito in Kosy Bar
What did we see?
We wandered around the city, taking in the sights and sounds. We took in Koutoubia Mosque and Minaret, which you can both walk around the perimeter, or you can sit opposite in one of the cafes and watch the world passing by. We weaved through the Souks- this requires some resilience, both in ensuring you don’t get lost (we did) and in resisting the offers of bargains (plus the “flattering” comments…if you can call them that!) and sat watching monkeys, snakes and horses in Jemaa el Fna. We also visited Yves Saint Laurent’s Moroccan home at Jardin Majorelle.
