Villas and Riads in Marrakech

Culture seeps through every corner of Marrakech. Ornate palaces, ancient tombs, beautiful gardens. This is a city rich in heritage and history, waiting to be explored.

Start at Bahia Palace, a 19th century masterpiece of marble courtyards, zellij tiles, and painted ceilings framed by lush gardens. Each room decorated with stunning stuccos, paintings and mosaics, offering an insightful glimpse into Morocco’s royal past. Then, look up. The Koutoubia Mosque, with its elegant minaret rises above the medina. This is Marrakech’s defining landmark, and largest places of worship, visible from almost anywhere in the city.

For lovers of art and design, few places capture Marrakech’s creative soul like the Musée Yves Saint Laurent, a celebration of the French designer’s long love affair with Morocco. Just next door lies the legendary Jardin Majorelle, where cobalt walls meet a tapestry of plants, cacti, and rustling palms. Once the private sanctuary of Saint Laurent himself, it remains one of the most enchanting escapes, home to 15 species of birds found only in North Africa.

Beyond the walls of the medina, Gueliz is the modern face of Marrakech, alive with art galleries, design studios, and cafes, where the city’s new generation of creatives gather.

The heartbeat of Marrakech lies within its medina, a maze of narrow lanes alive with colour, craft, and conversation. Here, centuries of tradition meet daily life: artisans hammering brass by hand, weavers working looms in shaded workshops, the scent of leather and spice filling the air.

Step into the souks, where craftsmanship is everything. The vast Souk Semmarine is the city’s most famous, its passageways lined with handwoven rugs, lanterns that scatter light like stained glass, and stacks of ceramics painted in cobalt and saffron. Each turn reveals a new discovery, slippers of soft leather, delicate silver jewellery, baskets woven from palm leaves.

Beyond the bustle, the Mellah, Marrakech’s historic Jewish quarter, offers a slower pace. Wander through spice stalls rich with cumin and rose, and watch artisans at work on intricate metal and wood carvings.

In Marrakech, wellness is woven into the very fabric of the city, a ritual as natural as the hum of the souks or the winding lanes of the medina. Hammams crown the city as havens of tranquility. Step inside these tiled sanctuaries and you’ll see why. Heated rooms open into soft pools of light and the air fills with eucalyptus and rose. As the steam rises so does the sense of calm, as you indulge in this centuries-old tradition of cleansing and renewal.

Beyond the city, nature offers its own form of restoration. The Atlas Mountains promise stillness in motion with winding trails, crisp air, and sweeping views. A little farther north, the Ouzoud Waterfalls tumble through olive groves, inviting a cooling pause beneath the spray before the sun warms your skin again.

Moroccan cuisine is as much an art form as what you’ll see hanging in the city’s museums. Warming spices, bold flavours, and time-honoured vessels make every dish uniquely delicious. From mouthwatering, slow-cooked tagines to syrup-soaked baklava, these are flavours to savour, served in the city’s most extraordinary restaurants.

• At Sahbi Sahbi, women take centre stage in the kitchen, creating authentic Moroccan dishes in a space that feels both modern and deeply rooted in tradition. Expect fragrant lamb tagines, steaming bowls of harira soup, and the fluffiest of couscous.
• Join a hands-on cooking class at Souk Cuisine, where you’ll learn the secrets behind chermoula marinades and the perfect preserved lemons before sharing your creation over mint tea.
• For a contemporary twist, Nomad serves modern Moroccan cuisine on a rooftop overlooking the medina. Try the spiced lamb burger or roasted cauliflower with tahini and cumin, best enjoyed as the call to prayer echoes across the city.
• At La Mamounia Hotel, elegance is on the menu. Come for afternoon tea amid lush gardens or linger over refined takes on traditional dishes in one of Marrakech’s most iconic settings.
• Those seeking something a little different should try +61, a bright, Mediterranean-inspired spot known for its fresh produce and airy, minimalist style; or La Famille, where vegetarian dishes bloom with colour: think courgette pasta, citrus salads, and flourless chocolate cake, best enjoyed beneath trailing vines.
• When it’s time for something sweet, Amoud and Pâtisserie Amandine are legendary for their almond pastries, date-filled briouats, and flaky, honeyed msemen. Finish with a coffee at Café 16, the perfect pause before diving back into the city’s beating heart.