Marrakech

Years ago when I lived in Morocco I spent a fascinating ten days in Marrakech working at Hotel La Mamounia – which is still there and still fabulous.

Back then Marrakech was a colourful, lively, pink-tinged town with wide roads, horse-drawn carriages and a view of the snow-tipped Atlas Mountains in the distance. The central point was Djemm-el-Fna square where stalls selling all kinds of under-priced hand-crafted clothes and artefacts lined one side of the square and jugglers and entertainers performed in the middle. The entrance to the main souk was at the far end and snack tents served kefta and harira on the side nearest to the road and cafes.

What’s changed? Nothing! It’s as vibrant and exciting as it was in the 70s. The only difference that I could see was in the accommodation. Riads didn’t exist then. Now we have delightful small refuges, opulently furnished, in the heart of the medina so that you step out into narrow, cool, shady streets lit sporadically by the occasional shafts of sunshine that find their way in. There are also some breathtakingly fabulous new luxury hotels outside Marrakech such as Beachcomber’s Royal Palm Resort.

Prices vary wildly according to the deals we can get on flights so as with most destinations booking early can save you a lot of money. I can do a quick sweep for you to see when would be the best time to go. As always, just give me a call. No obligation.