Unmissable Central Morocco
Our guide to the local secret gems...
Towns & Villages
CENTRAL MARRAKECH
Wherever you go in Marrakech, count on adventure. The minarets lend a sandy red glow throughout the city, punctuated by intense Berber blue detail, golden mosaics, scarlet hibiscus flowers and the ever-stunning cerise bougainvillea. This is an enchanted city where time has been suspended.
OURIKA VALLEY
Just 30 minutes from the medina, the Ourika Valley stretches away from the bustle of the city, towards the tranquillity of the Atlas Mountains foothills. It’s a peaceful retreat, home to abundant wildlife, exquisite flowers, olive groves, vineyards and cherry trees.
LAKE TAKERKOUST
At 5,000 hectares and 7km long, Lake Takerkoust (or Lalla Takerkoust) is a true oasis amid the arid landscape of the Agafay Desert. Built by the French in the 1920s, this man made lake provides a stunning base from which to admire the sprawling landscape and towering Atlas Mountains. Located 30 minutes from Marrakech, there’s plenty to do here – hiking, water sports and relaxed waterfront dining.
Dining
No trip to Marrakech would be complete without a visit to the famous Djemaa El Fna, with its fantastic array of food stalls. Surrounding the square are some fabulous cafés for mint tea and people-watching.
Le Salama, 40 Rue des Banques, Medina
Located beside Djemaa El Fna square, this colonial-style restaurant and bar will make you feel like you’ve been transported to a scene from Casablanca! Perfect views for sundowners.
+212 524 391 300 | facebook.com/lesalamamarrakech
Café des Epices, Derb Rahba Lakdima
This unassuming café is spread over three floors and makes a great place to grab a mint tea and people-watch. It overlooks one of the smaller squares – we like the roof terrace or the first-floor, with its full-height glass windows. If you’re looking for a beer rather than a mint tea though you’ll be better off heading to Terasse Des Epices, see below.
+212 524 391 770 | cafedesepices.ma
Le Foundouk, Souk Hal Fassi, Medina
Chic new-style restaurant serving lovely French and Moroccan cuisine, and cocktails. Book ahead at weekends and to get a table on the terrace. Evenings often include live music.
+212 524 378 190 | foundouk.com |closed Wednesday
La Mida
Trendy restaurant spread over two floors with a rooftop terrace in the heart of the souk.
(+212) 05 24 44 36 62 | lmidamarrakech.com
NOMAD
In the medina overlooking the place des’epices. Chic and groovy location for a fresh, light lunch with a delicious glass of wine.
nomadmarrakech.com/en/
R’Matt
Surrounded by olive and palm trees. lunch is cooked over a wood fire or the BBQ. Guests can choose to eat in the restaurant or by the pool.
rmattmarrakech.com/en/ | No children under 15.
Comptoir Darna, Avenue Echouhada, Hivernage
Head straight upstairs for a pre-dinner drink in The Club, and you’ll soon understand what the fuss is about and why this place has a reputation. Downstairs, the plush-red dining room is more stage set than restaurant, with a good atmosphere and good food. Later, lithe belly dancers descend the big staircase to cavort around and (if you’re lucky) on the tables. The place buzzes late into the night, after which enjoy nearby Palais Jad Mahal’s live band...
+212 524 437 702 | comptoirmarrakech.com
Grand Café de la Poste, Avenue Imam Malik, Gueliz
For a hit of classic colonial style, this is the place to come. Sweeping staircases, white linen, wicker furniture – it’s like stepping back in time. Expect a French-Moroccan-Mediterranean menu. Seafood fans will love the Oualidia oysters.
+212 524 433 038 | grandcafedelaposte.restaurant
Baromètre, Rue Moulay Ali Guéliz Résidence Al houda
Creative cuisine and mixology making Marrakech feel exotic and sexy. A fusion experience of Mediterranean cuisine with a nod to the Moroccan gastronomy legacy.
+212 666-886798 | lebarometre.net
Plus61, 96 Rue Mohammed El Beqal
Faultless food in a very cool setting - relaxed, uncomplicated and generous.
The food reflects the vast cultural diversity of Australia blended with the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and South Asia. They make their own bread, pasta, cheese, and yoghurt in house, every day.
212 5242-07020 | plus61.com
Berber Lodge, Douar Oumnes Tamesloth
Delicious fresh food in an unforgettable setting, 40 minutes outside of Marrakech.
+ 212 6 62 04 90 43 | berberlodge.net
La famille, Marrakech médina
Bohemian artistic experience, delicious fresh food. Try the famous pesto mozzarella zucchini and lemon zest.
+212 5243-85295 | lafamillemarrakech.com
MORO
Restaurant and concept store, 1 minute walk from the Jardin Majorelle.
@moromarrakech | moromarrakech.com
Kasbah Bab Ourika, Ourika Valley, Tnine Ourika
On its hilltop, at the apex of the Ourika Valley, the kasbah looks down to the river and groves of olives, oranges and lemons, and up to the dazzling snowy mountain peaks. Food is Berber, Arab or International; very authentic and relaxed.
+212 661 634 234 | kasbahbabourika.com
Kasbah Tamadot, Asni
Richard Branson’s decadent Moroccan retreat boasts a beautiful setting in the mountains outside Asni. Fabulous food, cookery courses, super comfortable, a wonderful excuse to venture into the mountains. Booking essential.
+212 524 368 200 | virginlimitededition.com/en/kasbah-tamadot
Drinks
Barometre
Details in the dining section above but seriously good for cocktails as well.
La Terrasse des Epices, Souk Cherifia Sidi Abdelaziz, Medina
A lovely rooftop hideaway with laidback open-sided booth seating, cool music and big views. The food is contemporary Moroccan, and there’s a tempting drinks list. If you are in search of a quiet moment in the souk, this is the perfect respite. Lunch and dinner daily.
+212 524 375 904 | terrassedesepices.com/en
Comptoir Darna, Avenue Echouhada, Hivernage
Great for post-dinner drinks on a Saturday night, there’s funky music in a gorgeous setting, resplendent with black and red walls, and a slinky rose-petal strewn grand staircase. It also serves dinner.
+212 524 437 702 | comptoirmarrakech.com
El Fenn, Derb Moullay Abdullah Ben Hussain, Bab El Ksour
A boutique hotel that is a hidden gem, with a fabulous rooftop bar serving the best cocktails, with stunning views of the medina and mountains.
+212 524 44 1220 | el-fenn.com
La Mamounia Hotel, Centre Ville
An elegant hotel with an elegant dress code. Come here for champagne, vitamin rich juices or a delicious cocktail.
mamounia.com
Sights & Activities
Koutoubia Mosque, Medina
One of the first sights you will see as you enter Marrakech is the 12th century Koutoubia Mosque. It’s famous 230-foot high minaret towers over the medina thanks to a long-standing planning ordinance that forbids any other building in the Old City from rising above the height of a palm tree. The mosque is closed to non-Muslims and women, but the exterior is beautiful to behold.
Djemaa el Fna, Medina
The medina’s central square is wonderful (and hot!) by day, but at sunset, it’s a mesmerizing assault on the senses - aromatic smells, colourful sights and an abundance of sounds. In the south west of the square, you can see cross-dressing belly dancers and woefully amateur boxers; in the north east corner, animated storytellers and starry-eyed astrologers; between the two, behold Berber jam sessions, unwinnable carnival games and the odd dentist. For over 1,000 years, Halqa (street theatre) has taken place here nightly, yet the show never gets old.
Jardin Majorelle, Gueliz
Cactus meets couture in this walled botanical garden, where rare flora from five continents thrive in the shadow of a cobalt-blue Art-Deco villa. Built in 1931 by French painter Jacques Majorelle, it was preserved for posterity by Yves Saint Laurent and his partner, Pierre Bergé.
jardinmajorelle.com/ang
Musée Yves Saint Laurent
Next door to the Jardin Majorelle gardens, this museum houses a permanent display of hundreds of garments, an amazing collection of work that even those less interested in fashion will appreciate, housed in one of the city’s most striking buildings, alongside a beautiful garden café and bookshop.
museeyslmarrakech.com/en/le-musee/
Bahia Palace
This 19th-century palace and gardens is a masterful example of Moroccan architecture, with decoration so highly worked that it verges on kitsch. Open daily.
palais-bahia.com/en
Musée de Marrakech, Place Ben Youssef, Medina
At the heart of the medina, is a converted early 20th-century house exhibiting Moroccan and/or Islamic arts and crafts, such as ceramics and textiles. The opulent building is the true star of the show - particularly the polychromic-tiled central court. There’s a courtyard café and a very good bookshop but, crucially, the museum is one of the only air-conditioned buildings in the Old City – worth the admission price alone on those particularly hot summer days.
+212 244 418 93 | open everyday 9am – 6.30pm | museedemarrakech.ma/plan_musee_de_marrakech.htm
La Mamounia, Avenue Bab Jdid
A beautiful and sprawling spa just outside the Old City, where you can combine time in the delightful pool, jacuzzi and sauna with an indulgent treatment and traditional hammam scrub down.
+212 524 388 600 | mamounia.com
Royal Mansour, Rue Abou Abbas el Sebti
One of the world’s most visually mesmerizing spas (and an Instagram legend), Royal Mansour’s delicate wrought iron atrium is the stuff of fairy tales. There are two hammams, a hairdressing salon, a Watsu bath area, a tea room and an orangery with indoor swimming pool.
+212 529 808 200 | royalmansour.com/en/the-spa
La Vie en Rose
Horse riding
+212 693-081736 | avieenrose-marrakech.net/equi-z-marrakech
Hot air Balloon rides (not for faint hearted!)
If you’re brave enough, take a hot air balloon ride and watch the sun rise over the Atlas mountains – an incredible experience. Trip Advisor has a list of the 10 best.
Beldi Country Club, Route de Barrage
Designed to replicate a traditional Berber village, this is a beautiful place to dine and relax (10 minutes south of Marrakech). There are 3 restaurants, as well as a spa, a swimming pool and a small souk where you can browse hand-crafted wares. The sprawling rose garden and handsome orangery are very romantic. If you have a late flight, it’s worth pre-booking a day pass for lunch and use of the pool.
+ 212 524 383 950 | beldicountryclub.com
Al Maaden Golf Resort, Sidi Youssef Ben Ali
Just 10 minutes from central Marrakech, this 18-hole championship course spanning 72 hectares, with a Par 72, was designed by Kyle Phillips and has sweeping views of the Atlas Mountains.
+212 524 404 001 | almaaden.golf
Atlas Golf, Marrakech
A beautiful course near the airport, with just 9 holes, ideal for those wanting a shorter game.
+212 524 376 666 | atlasgolfmarrakech.com
Palmeraie Golf Club, Marrakech
Designed by Robert Trent Jones, this 27-hole golf course features 11 lakes and hosts large professional tournaments. Many consider it one of the most beautiful courses in Marrakech.
+212 524 368 766 | palmgolfclubmarrakech.com
Royal Golf Club, Marrakech
Perhaps the area’s most famous and historic course, it was inaugurated in 1927 and now boasts a wealth of beautiful century-old botany.
+212 524 409 828 | royal-golf.golf-club-marrakech.com
Atlas Mountains Trekking
Trekking in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains is neither taxing nor uncomfortable. You can go with a guide for any length of time – experiencing a taste of Berber village life as you pass through the many local villages. The most popular walk is undoubtedly the discovery of the 7 waterfalls at Setti Fatma. More courageous and experienced walkers could climb Mount Toubkal (whose peak is almost as high as Mont Blanc) or seek the famous rock carvings of the Djebel Yagour. Your house manager can arrange activities when you arrive, alternatively we can recommend Karim, a mountain guide and driver.
+212 666 666 004 | www.marrakechtoursandexcursions.com
Terres d’Amanar Adventure Park
An adventure park in a stunning mountain location near Marrakech. Fun and adrenaline for all the family! Horse, camel and donkey rides, aerial zip wires and treetop adventure course, mountain biking, archery, walking, games, craft workshops, cookery, hammam, swimming and children’s activity centre, including a maze.
+212 524 438 103 | terresdamanar.com
Sanssouci Moroccan Cooking School, Central Marrakech
Voted the best Moroccan Cooking School in the world, Sanssouci provides private classes for amateurs and professionals, children and families, small and large groups. Classes include 1-hour sessions, half-day or longer.
+212 524 382 740 | sanssoucicollection.com/cooking
Oukaïmeden Ski Resort, Atlas Mountains
Only 2 hours’ drive south of Marrakech (80km), a good destination for a day trip in the heart of the Atlas Mountains, this eccentric ski resort has all the facilities you would find in a typical European resort – ski hire (low quality), ski school, restaurants and hotels – but all done the Moroccan way. Lift passes cost from €15 for a half day and the resort’s single chairlift (or the optional donkey) takes you up to the 3,258m peak of Jebel Attar - it’s slow and doesn’t get far from the ground, so those with a fear of heights will be happy. There are six runs, the longest being 3km, and a big sledging area for families. Snow is reliable, particularly January to March, but this is not the Alps, so don’t expect high quality.
Anima Garden
Extraordinary and unexpected gardens with wheelchair friendly paths, impressive cacti, and an array of colourful artwork and sculptures. There is a good café too.
anima-garden.com
Essaouira Day Trip
If you want some beach action, head 2.5 hours west to coastal Essaouira. The perfect antidote to bustling Marrakech, this laid-back 18th century town has a long beach, an interesting little medina, tempting souks and a rather cosmopolitan array of restaurants. The coastal ‘Alizée’ winds make the city’s crescent beach popular for surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Shopping
Souks
Meander the alleys, marvelling at the myriad of amazing textures and colours. Look out for beautiful items at bargain prices: leather goods, silver jewellery, copper and brassware, rugs, ceramics and beautiful Berber carpets. Areas worth seeking out include the Criée Berbère, the centre of the carpet trade and the Kissaria, a ladder of arrow-straight, shoulder-width alleys specialising in cotton, clothing, kaftans and blankets. Souk Cherifa is a great introductory mini market – it’s calmer and the workmanship is good quality. It attracts younger, edgier Moroccan designers (plus you can pop up to La Terrasse des Epices for mint tea). Take a stroll through Bab el Kemis to find antiques and 1960s Art-Deco gems. Souk des Teinturiers (or dyers’ souk) is fantastically photogenic, rendered dazzling by drying sheaves of coloured wool. The best food market is in the Jewish Quarter (near Kosy Bar).
The souks are generally open daily (9am-7pm)
You could also explore with an official registered guide, such as Mustapha Couquir.
riadgodshouse@yahoo.fr | mustaphachouquir.com
L’ourika Caftan (Tazi Freres), Daffa Warbaa, Medina
This is a bespoke clothing service with astounding workmanship using 100-percent silk thread. The quality of hand-embroidery is fantastic and great value (although don’t expect medina-cheap rates). A handful of places can provide this service, but Tazi guarantees worldwide shipping.
+212 524 440 965 | lourikacaftan.com/en
Mustapha Blaoui, Bab Doukkala, Medina
Hidden behind blank-faced double doors, Mustapha Blaoui is an ‘Aladdin’s cave’ filled with irresistibles from candlesticks and lanterns to pots, bowls, tables and chairs. There’s enough ornamentation and inspiration here furnish an entire house. The helpful staff will happily organise shipping overseas.
+212 524 385 240
LRNCE , Sidi Ghanem
Very cool shop selling hand painted ceramics and originally designed textiles and rugs.
lrnce.com
Max and Jan, Medina
Authentically designed clothing and accessories.
@maxandjan | Rue Safi 175 | africancollectionstore.com
Lalla, Gueliz
Wonderful handmade bags.
shoplalla.com
Mustapha Blaoui, Marrakech médina
The best place in Marrakech for interiors and homeware.
@mustaphablaoui
Florence d’Arabie, Residence Rekichou, Hivernage, Apt 1
Vintage clothing
@flodarabie
Chabi Chic
Trendy Ceramics and fashion.
Rue Principale, ZI SIDI GHANEM | chabi-chic.com
Exploring Marrakech
While in the city, you’ll get lost – but try not to look like you are. The second you consult a map you’ll be accosted by locals offering to show you the way – this often includes a surprise stop to one of their friends’ stores. If you do need help with directions, go into a shop.
In the Djemaa el Fna, snake charmers and monkey owners will want you to take a photo with their animals on your shoulders. If you want a photo, pay them 20 dirhams (they will insist on more - just walk away). The colourful Guerrab (water sellers) are also there for a photo opportunity - take the photo and pay, but don’t drink the water.
Download the Maps.Me App and their Morocco map before you travel (you’ll need WiFi). Once downloaded, the map works off GPS and is brilliant. Instead of drawing unwanted attention to yourself by holding a map, you can follow a route in the palm of your hand. Great for the medina.
Tipping
Carry small change to tip ‘little and often’. Try to have a few centimes for beggars, remembering the words of the Prophet: ‘If you can spare it, give - and if you cannot, speak kindly’. Average wages are low.
If dining, it is customary to tip 10% for good service. There are men around in the streets to help you to park or find your way. This is totally normal and customary to tip them 2 to 5 dirhams when you leave your space. This goes up to nearer 10 dirhams at night. Caddies are required at all golf courses, so factor this cost in on top of your green fees.
Taxis
In Marrakech, you can flag down taxis anywhere. There is a taxi rank at the entrance of Place Djemaa el Fna, where the horse and carriages line up. They are not allowed to stop at the entrance, so cross the road to reach them.
‘Petit’ Taxis (small beige cars) hold 3 passengers and are great for getting around the city, as they don’t leave Marrakech. ‘Grand’ taxis are larger, holding up to 6 passengers, and travel all over Morocco. You can take one privately (preferred) or share with everyone else (much cheaper but often smelly and cramped!). They’re excellent value, but vehicle quality can vary so take a look before you hop in (we’ve seen some without seatbelts).
Villa Commodities
Without inconveniencing yourselves, please be conscious that electricity is very expensive in Morocco. Turning off air con when it is not needed would be really appreciated. Villas that have pool heating will use much more electricity. This must be paid for separately.
Being in Africa, water is a precious commodity – please be mindful of the amount that you are using and try not to be wasteful.
WiFi is much slower in Morocco than in Western countries. To avoid disappointment, download anything you might like to watch before you leave for your holiday.
Please call first to check restaurants and museums are open, and check the relevant government guidance before travelling.
No responsibilty can be accepted by Scott Williams for any issues that may arise as a result of the enclosed recommendations and information.