Marrakech holidays

Touring the souks and town squares of Marrakech is thirsty business, so you’ll want to stop off for a Moroccan tea in between seeing the sights. Made with mint leaves and sugar, it’s a refreshing drink, and can be served hot or cold. Head to the medina for a choice of traditional tea shops with courtyards and outside seating. Another must-try is tagine, Morocco’s national dish. This slow-cooked dish of meat and vegetables is hearty and inexpensive, and goes well with freshly baked bread, a staple of Moroccan cuisine. You’ll find tagine in almost every restaurant in the city – everywhere from roadside cafes to rooftop dinner spots overlooking the medina. If you want to try something truly unique, put b’stilla (pastilla) on your list. This pie made with shredded meat and topped with cinnamon and crushed almonds is unlike anything you’ve ever eaten, and is surprisingly delicious. You’ll find it at the famous street food stalls in Jemaa el-Fna Square.

Explore the souks: No trip to Marrakech would be complete with a visit to one of its colourful souks, so why not experience the biggest in the city? Located in the centre of the medina, Souk Semmarine is a bustling marketplace offering everything from Arabian lamps to exotic spices. Don’t forget to try the freshly squeezed orange juice while you’re here.

Bahia Palace: You won’t want to miss an afternoon at Bahia Palace, an awe-inspiring 19th century building filled with colourful mosaics, stuccos and gardens. Once home to a Moroccan leader, the building has been open to the public since the 1960s and is now the most visited tourist attraction in the country.

Koutoubia Mosque: Marking the central point of the city, Koutoubia Mosque can be seen from all over Marrakech. Built in the 12th century, this impressive building stands at 80m tall, and visitors are free to explore the grounds. Surrounded by acres of lush gardens dotted with fountains and shady trees, it’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the medina.

Lose yourself in the cobbles of Djemaa El-Fna: Head to the former imperial city, which is home to beautiful mosques, gardens and palaces. Here lies Djemaa El-Fna Square in the Medina Quarter. By day, this open-air space sees a handful of magical snake charmers and henna artists. When night falls, it’s a culinary delight with stalls lit by gas lanterns serving traditional lamb stews, fresh orange juice and exotic fruits.

Visit the desert: Desert adventures await in Marrakech! Head out over the sand dunes on a 4×4 buggy adventure and see the incredible sandy terrain. Your journey will take you past palm trees groves with the Atlas Mountain in the distance – one for the photo reel. Most tours include a stop at a Berber village giving you a taste of traditional desert culture on your exciting excursion.

Waterfalls: A trip to the Ouzoud Falls in the High Atlas Mountains is something you won’t forget in a hurry. See North Africa’s highest waterfalls close-up, and take a dip in the pools to cool off. Take in the spectacular mountain scenery, and make friends with the Barbary apes who live in the river valley. Pick-ups can be arranged from most Marrakech hotels.

Traditional hammam: You can’t leave Marrakech without spending time in a traditional hammam. These authentic spas can be found all over the city, and they’re a great way to immerse yourself in Moroccan culture. For the full local experience, enter the sauna to open up the pores, then lay back for a body scrub before heading to the cold pool for a plunge – you’ll feel invigorated and refreshed.

Marrakech is home to some incredible hotels that’ll provide you with lasting memories. For a stay in the heart of the city, take a look at Hotel La Sultana, an expertly crafted boutique hotel with five-star status. From the patios and courtyard to the heated pool and rooftop terrace, you’ll find tradition and luxury throughout this opulent hotel. La Sultana puts you a short walk from all the popular attractions of the medina.

A stay at Mandarin Oriental Marrakech is something to write home about. With 20 acres of lush grounds and the Atlas Mountains in the background, you’d be hard pressed to find a more impressive setting in Marrakech. Enjoy lagoon-style swimming pools, stunning villas and suites, and a world-class spa – pure indulgence.

For a taste of royalty, book a room at Selman Marrakech. Accommodation here is set within the grounds of a grand palace, complete with Arab-Moorish architecture and a beautiful central pool. One of the only hotels in the world to feature a Chenot Spa, the Selman delivers state-of-the-art treatments for complete relaxation.