The boy and I recently had the pleasure of visiting Marrakech. Not only are the people lovely, the place was so exotic we felt like we were in an Indiana Jones movie with monkeys and snake charmers in the main square. We wondered through the maze of souks and at night watched the markets come alive.
Our accommodation Riad Dar One which is down in the Jewish quarters beautiful - a place of tranquility after a busy day walking the souks in the blistering heat. The owner Jean has renovated the riad into a chic and stylish accommodation with its sleek stone floors and moody lighting. We ate breakfast on the roof top everyday but you can choose to have it in the lobby next to water feature which always has fresh roses floating in it.
The riad is 10 mins walk from the main square and right next door to Palias de la Bahia. A good pick up and drop off points for taxis. Jean and all his staff were so lovely and helpful, nothing was ever to much hassle. I would definitely stay at Riad Dar one again.
To be honest, there wasn't a lot of activities in Marrakech to do but we didn't mind - a relaxing holiday was the agenda. We stayed for 5 nights but I think you can definitely feel satisfied with 3-4 nights. The boy and I managed to space out our stay by doing one sight seeing a day, then lunch followed by relaxation then dinner. The whole trip felt like were away for 2 weeks!
For one of the days we visited the Majorelle gardens. This garden is a gift from the late Yves Saint- Laurent who loved the city so much dedicated this oasis to it. Do try and see it early! By lunch time hordes of tourist come making it impossible to enjoy the serenity of the place.
I took the boy for his first spa experience at Les Bains de Marrakech where we tried our first Hamman. We were both steam, scrubbed and left to soak in mud which left my skin feeling so soft. Then we were whisked away for an hour long massage. The place is so beautiful, there was so much rose petals! Fresh mint tea was served between each treatment too. The boy and I felt so relaxed afterwards! I highly recommend this spa and the price was half of what you would expect to pay in London.
We also visited Palais Bahia - a structure built by an Arabian Prince to house his harem of ladies. Unfortunately most of its furnishing has been stripped during the fall of the palace but you can still get an idea of how grand it used to be.
A bar you should definitely visit is Cafe Arabe. We drank Marrocan rose and watched the sky turn from pink and purple to blues at sunset. A perfect way to end the day.
Last but not least, my favourite place that we visited is the Ben Youssef Medersa. Breath taking. You can't imagine how fine the detailing on this building is. This is compulsory attendance.