Marrakech express luxury vacations 2 - Morocco Luxury Vacations

Marrakech express luxury vacation

Itinerary

Day 1

Begin by exploring the sprawling souks with a guide; afterwards grab lunch at buzzy Nomad, before retreating to your riad for a relaxing hammam or to laze on the rooftop during the afternoon heat. Later, stroll in the grounds of the Koutoubia mosque, and on to the Jemaa el Fna. Watch the sunset from a rooftop café before dinner at one of the stalls. Stay overnight in a traditional ‘riad’.
Souks of the Medina

With more than 2,500 stalls and shops crammed into a labyrinth of narrow streets, which in turn are also rammed with people, donkeys and mopeds, it’s easy to feel intimidated in the souks. Don’t be. Virtually every type of trade and craft is being practiced here; there are blacksmiths, carpenters, weavers, carpet sellers, purveyors of magic potions and natural cosmetics, fruit and vegetable traders and many more.

Hammams in Marrakech

The hammam (steam bathhouse) has been an integral part of Islamic, notably Arabic, culture for centuries. Inspired by the Roman thermae, a bathhouse would include a cold room, a warm room and a hot room; in the latter, heat is produced by furnaces to supply hot water and steam.

The signature Marrakech hammam experience starts with a stint in the steam room, but then progresses to a special detoxication treatment; first, a scrub with locally-made black soap (containing olive oil) to prepare the skin for a gommage (exfoliation) with a kessa glove. After, locally-sourced rhassoul clay is applied, followed by a massage with local Argan oil.

Jemaa El Fna

Marrakech’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed central square epitomises the exotic allure of the city. From dawn until well after dusk it hums with activity, like an open-air theatre.

The scene here has changed little down the centuries; snake charmers, Gnaoua musicians, magicians and myriad other performers congregate here, mainly for local audiences – though at peak times it’s very touristy.

By early evening part of the square becomes a giant open-air kitchen and is given over to countless food stalls serving local specialities. The Medina’s famous souks start on its fringes.

Stay in a traditional riad

There’s no better way to immerse yourself in Moroccan life than staying in a riad; the traditionally-designed townhouses that line the twisting alleyways of the medina. Rooms are set around an internal courtyard – traditionally divided into four quarters, with a small fountain at the centre and filled with plants and greenery.

Traditionally, Islam forbids any external show of wealth when it comes to property, so all riads – even the most upscale and ornate – are hidden behind plain walls. This adds to the tantalising sense of stepping into a hidden oasis; riads are designed to be cool and quiet – a cocoon from the frenetic streets outside.

Day 2

Take a cab to the city’s outskirts to join an artist’s workshop at the Ateliers Ailleurs (great shopping potential too). Head back for lunch at Pause Gourmande, and then dip into the shady Jardins Majorelle, before exploring Villa Oasis and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. Later, head into the desert for an unforgettable dinner under the stars.

Local craft workshops in Marrakech

Marrakech is world-renowned for fine craftsmanship – notably homewares, textiles, and natural beauty products.

Hands-on workshop with local maalem (master craftsperson teach you the techniques involved in some of Morocco’s mo classic crafts – zellig tilework, carved cedarwood, carpet we and even tadelakt (plaster finishing). For those interested in beauty products, there are also workshops to make Marrake famous ‘black soap’, Oriental wax or ghassoul (a body-clean clay).

Whatever you end up making – babouche slippers, jeweller

Jardin Majorelle

Luxuriant twelve-acre botanical gardens designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle who lived here in the 1920s and 1930s. Also once owned by the fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent.

Yves Saint Laurent Museum, Marrakech

Fashion lovers queue up to step inside this architectural jewel box, which pays homage to the famed designer. Yves Saint Laurent always credited Marrakech as a source of inspiration, and returned to the city frequently, residing in the nearby Villa Oasis inside the Majorelle Gardens.

The interior of the museum resembles a catwalk, complete with energetic music and audio interviews with YSL. The permanent collection features enviable evening gowns, capes and pantsuits divided by collection, while an impressive curiosity cabinet is filled with accessories to complete the looks. In the theatre, footage from previous fashion shows and interviews is shown on a loop.

Dinner in the Agafay Desert (& camel ride)

The Agafay Desert, with its gentle rolling hills, the odd palm tree dotting the landscape, and the Atlas Mountains hovering in the background (snow-capped during winter months), is a complete contrast to bustling Marrakech just 45 minutes away. Trekking across the lunar-like landscapes, before dinner beneath the star- scattered desert sky is a memorable and unique experience.

Your evening begins with a 45-minute guided camel trek, transporting guests from the desert outskirts to a luxury camp, where dinner – a selection of Moroccan salads followed by tajine or grilled meats – is served with a view. Dinner is served under the starry sky or inside a traditional Bedouin tent, depending on the season. Evenings often include local musicians who play…

Day 3

Rise early for a hot-air balloon ride above the desert, then head back to discover the history of the city at the Photography Museum, stopping for a sandwich at Terrasse le Medersa. Afterwards, explore the intricately-sculpted courtyards of the Ben Youssef Medersa, before a sundowner on the roof of your riad. End your trip in style with dinner at Yacout, Marrakech’s best restaurant.

Hot-air balloon flights over Marrakech

For fans of hot-air ballooning, floating over the dramatic, arid landscapes and traditional Berber villages surrounding Marrakech just might become the most memorable experience of your stay: the views stretch mile upon mile, with the High Atlas Mountains strung out on the horizon.

Morning hot-air balloon rides are often followed by a traditional

Medersa Ben Youssef

This splendid former medersa (a Koranic school where students memorise the Koran) was founded by the Merenid Sultan Abou el Hassan in the 14th century. However, it was under the Saadian rulers in the 1560s that the school was renovated to the extraordinary level that visitors can marvel at today.

The Andalusian architectural details, such as the stucco plasterwork featuring Arabic inscriptions and the colourful mosaics, are wonderfully preserved and worth taking time to appreciate.

Day 4

Take the chance to explore beyond Marrakech with a trip into the Atlas Mountains. The atmospheric village of Imlil is a 90- minute drive from the city and offers a dramatically different experience; surrounded by mountain peaks and farms. Stay overnight at the luxury Kasbah du Toubkal.

Kasbah du Toubkal( optionnal

Toubkal National Park, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco Official star rating:

PLACE TO STAY

Located 60km from Marrakech at the foot of Mount Toubkhal, this atmospheric boutique hotel is an ideal spot to relax after a summi hike. Sitting on a rocky outcrop some 1,800m above sea level, rooms boast spectacular views of surrounding snow-capped mountains.

It’s the result of a partnership between the Berber community and a British adventurer who bought, restored and opened the kasbal as a hotel in 1995. The property is staffed entirely by villagers.

The property has a variety of accommodation levels to suit most budgets. The dining room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Cuisine is Berber-Moroccan, and there is a vegetarian menu. They can also provide a picnic lunch for mountain trekking.

Day 5

Rise early for a guided walk in the mountains, before heading back to the city. Reward yourself with afternoon tea in the glorious gardens at La Mamounia, with a final shopping spree in the medina, before dinner at Al Fassia, a Marrakech institution, that does the best pastilla (pigeon pie) in town (reservations essential).

La Mamounia

Dating back to 1923, the legendary La Mamounia has long been considered Marrakech’s most luxurious hotel. Although it was left behind in the luxe stakes after far more stylish (albeit smaller) riads opened in the ’90s, it re-emerged as the most majestic of the city’s accommodation after a $176 million renovation in 2009.

Recently emerged from another comprehensive refurbishment, indertaken during the lockdown, the hotel has never looked etter; sumptuous interiors, shimmering pools, a monumental spa and regal-looking rooms make this a favourite with royalty, film tars and celebrities.

The location isn’t the most convenient for sightseeing – though ree shuttles are provided. The hotel can organise private visits…