Short Break In Marrakech
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Where To Stay In Marrakech – And Just What Is A Riad?
Marrakech's Medina is like a vast warren of tunnels, there are over a thousand narrow streets spreading over some two and a half miles. Yet away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, behind the ancient walls, lie Marrakech's best-kept secrets, the grand houses known as riads. These splendid dwellings were created as retreats from the hurly burly of city life and many are distinctly opulent. Today these former family homes have been tastefully renovated and are providing a welcome alternative to traditional hotels for Marrakech's visitors. Think eminently stylish guesthouse and you're on the right lines. Riads are usually built around beautiful courtyards and have secluded roof terraces where you can relax and soak up the sun right in the centre of the old town. Perfect for a short stay or a short break holiday especially for those who want a taste of the real Marrakech.
Marrakech – Still Full Of Eastern Promise?
Marrakech is one of those few completely charismatic places that immediately send your imagination into overdrive. Just the thought of it conjures up mysterious ‘other-worldy' images that seem to shimmer in your mind like a distant mirage. Moreover, one of the best things about Marrakech is that your preconceived ideas about it are seldom at odds with the reality - it really is mysterious and ‘other worldy'! To have somewhere that's so different and so perfectly lends itself to a mini-break almost on the doorstep is real plus.
Where Is Marrakech?
If you want to be precise, it's 31 9 North 8 0 West. If you'd prefer some geographical context it's in a vast palm grove at the foot of the Atlas Mountains beyond which lie the shifting sands of the almost boundless Sahara desert. Most people find Marrakech's situation beautiful and completely bewitching. It's known as the ‘pink city' and it stands amid a patchwork of greenery framed by the Haouz plain and the snowy peaks of the mountains. The 200 foot minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque dominates the city skyline.
Why Take A Short Break To Marrakech?
Our favourite reason is that it is quite simply the most unusual place you can get to in a relatively short space of time. Five days here will make you feel like you've spent real quality time travelling in distant, exotic lands.
Marrakech is a real city of the senses - if you're looking for antiseptic order you probably ought to look elsewhere. The main square or Djemaa el Fna puts the theatrical into street theatre. You'll find preachers, peddlers, herbalists and snake charmers all competing enthusiastically for your attention. Our travel tip here is that if you find it all a little overwhelming or you grow tired of the hubbub, you can always watch the entire performance from one of the plentiful roof-top cafes with a large glass of freshly squeezed orange juice in your hand and, perhaps, a delicious pastry to nibble on?
Remember the noise and activity of the souks are all part and parcel of Marrakech's raison d'etre, this is where the mysterious Berbers and the nomads from the deserts and hills of North Africa came to trade and, thankfully, this is still a vibrant city of markets and merchants. Although many traditional skills live on - where else could you see carpet being woven and dyed with saffron and pomegranate - you'll find many shops will offer the facility of having your new rug couriered back to the UK.
Sightseeing In Marrakech
Try the Bahia Palace whose intricately painted ceilings and wonderfully ornate plasterwork speak volumes about the skills of the regions craftsmen. Elsewhere the Saadian tombs date from the 15 th century and house many ancient sultans and even more ancient sultan's wives. Notice the walls beautifully decorated with marble and gilded cedar wood. The serene Majorelle Gardens offer tranquillity while an evening stroll to the Koutoubia Mosque is a pleasant way to reflect upon this fine 12 th century building that was built (in 1147) only to be demolished (in 1199) because it was not correctly aligned to Mecca. The mosque is closed to non-Muslims but everyone is free to admire its splendid minaret or stroll around the grounds and the adjacent orange groves.
It's not everyone's idea of sightseeing but you're guaranteed to see some sights at the local hammam or public baths. It's not for the feint hearted, but for the equivalent of a few pounds you can have yourself exfoliated, massaged and washed down. It's not completely dignified but, apparently, you feel great afterwards!
Eating In Marrakech
Not surprisingly a popular city like Marrakech has many excellent restaurants. Restaurant Yacout is definitely the place to go if you want to go star spotting as it attracts all sorts of famous people. The food is authentic and of a very high standard and, yes, you do eat it with your fingers! The restaurant is deep in the old town and the décor is like something out of a Moorish fairytale.
Bargain Hunting In Marrakech
It's not everyone's idea of shopping chic, but for those who like to haggle Marrakech is like a foretaste of heaven! Good buys include carpet, not always magic but almost always beautifully made and good quality leather goods. After a few days here you'll probably want to buy a tajine in order to try and duplicate some of the delicious local dishes you simply have to try.
Marrakech In A Nut Shell – Britain's Most Exotic Short Break Destination?
Quite simply the most extraordinary place you're likely to stay without travelling across half the world. Archers Direct has a selection of 2, 3 and 4 lantern rated riads as well as more traditional hotel accommodation that will enable you to make the acquaintance of this remarkable city.
