UNFORGETTABLE LOCATIONS: Marrakech

Marrakech, the capital of Morocco, is a vibrant cultural hub bursting with fascinating architecture, design and people. The city’s rich tapestry of textures, patterns, materials and colours of the medina (old walled city), delicious food and alluring history are a sensory feast, making it a favourite destination of the Upperworth Studios team. Climate-wise, the city is at its most comfortable in spring and autumn; while winter brings gloriously sunny days followed by cold nights due to its proximity to Atlas Mountains. There’s so much to see and do in Marrakech, here is just a few of our favourite ways to experience the city…

Stay

Without question, a stay in a riad is the best way to truly experience the city’s tempo from dawn through the day into the evening. With its traditional layout of living quarters arranged around a central courtyard open to the elements, a riad is perfectly designed for the local climate, keeping it cool during the smouldering hot summers while retaining heat during winter months. There are plenty of such places to stay, including those converted into boutique hotels or available to rent through AirBnB.

Eat + drink

Jemaa El Fna is the heart of the medina (old walled city) and in the evening turns into a bustling outdoor street-food market - it's noisy and hugely popular with tourists though great fun for an evening. A favourite lunch-spot in the medina is Le Jardin, for its local cuisine and ambience.  We also enjoy al fresco dining on the roof terrace at Le Fondouk and Kechmara bar / restaurant, which overlooks the Jemaa El Fna, is great for people watching during the day. Menus at these informal eateries cover local and international cuisine. A handful of restaurants offer a more sophisticated dining experience for an increasingly cosmopolitan crowd - check online listings for the latest openings.

Do

The medina has a concentration of wonderful historical sights all within a walkable distance, though we recommend anyone who may find navigating the streets and lanes a challenge hire a local taxi driver. Our designer highlights include Jardin Majorelle, the beautiful walled gardens and museum famously known for having been bought by Yves Saint Laurent in 1966 and which he subsequently restored. Medersa Ben Youssef is stunning for its impressive scale, material purity and decorative finish; the Dar Si Said, of a completely different scale is also a must-see, originally a dwelling now a museum of decorative arts with fine architectural details and painted ceilings. And we never tire of meandering the narrow streets of the souks, where there are hidden gems to be found amidst the ubiquitous tourist medley.

For the ultimate relaxing hammam and massage, you can’t beat Les Bains de Marrakech – go for a traditional half-day session.

Days out

If you have a few days to spare there’s much to see and experience outside of Marrakech, heading either west to the coast or east into the Atlas Mountains. The coastal town of Essaouira, historically once an important port on the North African coast, was infamously a hippy hangout in 1960s and 70s. We adore its faded charm, coastal ambience and fresh Atlantic breeze; there are plenty of places to eat and stay here, if you decide to linger for a day or two.

A road trip into the mountains is also a must-do. Stay at the glamorous Kasbah Tamadot hotel nestled in the beauty of the Atlas Mountains and while there treat yourself to a hike and explore the seven waterfalls of the Atlas Ourika Valley (travelling tip: wear sensible shoes for this one). The scenery is gorgeous, and hiking through the mountains gives you a real sense of the Berber culture and way of life.

For tailored private tours throughout Morocco, we suggest Samir of Raktransport Tel: +212662358083

Links

Restaurant Le Fondouk www.foundouk.com/?langue=en

Kechmara http://www.kechmara.com/Kechmara_Bar_Restaurant_Marrakech.html

Le Jardin https://lejardinmarrakech.com/

Les Bains de Marrakech http://www.lesbainsdemarrakech.com/en/home

Jardin Majorelle http://jardinmajorelle.com/ang/

Medersa Ben Youssef http://www.medersa-ben-youssef.com/en/

Dar Si Said http://www.fnm.ma/musee-dar-si-said-de-marrakech/

Kasbah Tamadot http://www.virginlimitededition.com/en/kasbah-tamadot