MARRAKECH HOTELS

THINK ARABIAN NIGHTS, THINK MARRAKECH. This beguiling city of mosques, markets and minarets is an intoxicating assault to the senses –  a jumble of medieval streets, Arab-esque arches, souks piled with merchandise and every kind of street entertainer you can imagine.

With its adobe-pink city walls set against the snow-tipped Atlas mountains, Marrakech has a fabulous setting – especially at night, with its sea of glimmering lights. It’s a magical mystery tour of a city that pulses with life.

At the heart of the Medina lies Djemma el Fna square – a giant 24/7 street theatre. This tourist honeypot is a riot of colour complete with fire eaters, jugglers, snake charmers, storytellers and more.  Veiled women with henna-ed faces weave in an out the crowd alongside dancing Bedouin boys, acrobats and colourful figures carrying anything from masks to monkeys. Above it all rises the spire of the 12th century Koutoubia Mosque.

Rummage around the souks – another carnival of colour – for Moroccan carpets, slippers, silver and leather ware. Barter for Berber jewellery, haggle over love potions and inhale the heady scent of spices. And don’t forget to dodge the donkey carts and mopeds.

Take a horse and buggy ride (calèche) around the city streets or wind down with a wander through the Majorelle gardens, with its giant bamboos and shady corners. Have a cooling drink in a shady rooftop cafe or be pummelled and scrubbed in one of the city’s traditional hammams.

Choosing the right place to stay is hugely important to the Marrakech experience – and the city certainly delivers. Marrakech now has some wonderful chic and boutique riads where you can laze by the pool or a tranquil courtyard, sip a glass of chilled wine on giant floor cushions and sleep beneath swirling Casablanca-style fans in atmospheric bedrooms.

VIEW ROMANTIC HOTELS IN MARRAKECH