A Luxury Guide To Marrakech

For the Shopping Aficionado

The souks of Marrakech are famous the world over for their electrifying ambience, fascinating goods and sheer quantity. They're an unmissable dimension of any Marrakech holiday but persistence is key: Put on some comfortable shoes and keep your eyes peeled for hidden treasures as locals and tourists alike jostle to get the best bargains.

Seek out spices, fine leather babouches, pierced metal lanterns and silk goods such as scarves. The haggling culture of the souks is well known by most and you should always offer about 1/3 of the pronounced price- it's a difficult practice to master but with time and confidence, you'll get the hang of it. Avoid photographing snake charmers, accepting henna tattoos or taking photographs with monkeys- the fee is high and the animal experiences are of questionable morals at best.

If you're after spices or produce, ask your local concierge to find a small local market where the quality and prices are often better. The souks can be a little daunting for some, so if you wish, your Personal Concierge can arrange a reputable tour guide to show you the ropes.

Alternatively, you could opt to visit a few of Marrakech's boutiques and private shops, where dedicated artists and collectors have accumulated treasure troves of high-quality goods to browse. Drop by Riad Yima, a gallery/tearoom/boutique hybrid created by artist Hassan Hajjaj where you can browse through his purchasable collection of pop-art style clothing, accessories and furniture, largely crafted from recycled products.

Even if you don't buy anything (a nigh impossible outcome) you can still relax in the café with a cup of steaming mint tea, or view the photography gallery. If you're looking for a traditional Moroccan souvenir, Mustapha Blaoui offers everything from fastidiously woven rugs to intricately decorated lamps to ornate silver teapots. The staff are highly attentive, and the goods are of exceptional quality making every trip there a relaxing experience.

Fashion-conscious visitors cannot miss visiting the 33 Rue Majorelle boutique, where 50 different designers display their unique pieces. It's a wonderfully bright and airy space with lots to choose from: Think colourful shawls, silky tunics, handmade jewellery and stylish pottery. They also provide shipping services if your suitcase is already stuffed with souvenirs. Whatever you're after, Marrakech has something to suit everyone's shopping preferences and tastes.

For the Gastronome

Turkish cuisine is some of the most nuanced in the world, and packed with bitter, spicy and sweet notes which will engage even the most seasoned foodie. Marrakech street food is world famous, but always look for the stalls where locals gather as the food will be of much higher quality. Flavourful b'stillas, fresh orange juice and snails in a traditional savoury broth are all great options.

If you're after something to eat on the go, sardine sandwiches are a great choice - balls of filleted sardine are fried in fat and stuffed in a pocket of bread alongside rich tomato sauce and piquant olives for a quick and tasty lunch. For the more adventurous, seek out stalls selling lamb heads. They're a local delicacy served at celebrations and are surprisingly good, novelty notwithstanding- the tongue and cheek are especially popular because of their tenderness. It is highly likely that the head will have been prepared with plenty of cumin, a popular accompaniment to many lamb dishes in Morocco including tagines. If you'd prefer, some stalls offer the shredded meat in sandwiches for quick and easy consumption, especially if you're on the move.

If you're more inclined to enjoy fine dining, there are numerous decadent restaurants in the city to pick from too. Step through the pale archways of La Cour des Lions and be whisked away to a realm of decadence, glowing lights and traditional Moroccan fare: Be sure to sample the classic lamb couscous, golden pigeon pastillas and Moroccan dessert selection including almond-studded Ghribas and delicate 'Gazelle Horn' pastries.

Latitude 31 is more contemporary with plenty of vegetarian options and a spectacular risotto crafted from the best produce the chefs find at the market each morning. Al Fassia Aguedal's gorgeous courtyard would be perfect for a romantic evening of ambience and traditional food: Try the traditional chickpea soup, fragrant tagines and soft Moroccan pancakes dripping with butter and honey. Whether you favour street food or fine dining, you'll fondly recall this city's exceptional cuisine for years to come.

For the Art Lover

Marrakech is a city of culture, and whilst it is fully committed to preserving its historical treasures, there are plenty of creative minds at work in the city's art galleries. Galerie Noir Sur Blanc holds exhibitions which change monthly, showcasing the efforts of contemporary Moroccan artists specialising in a range of mediums including (but not limited to) paintings, sculpture, literature and performance.

The Matisse Art Gallery is larger, promoting up and coming artists of local and foreign descent in its expansive halls: The works of Hassan Hajjaj, Chad Belouahed and Hassan El Glaoui can be viewed here.

Photographers should consider visiting the popular public archive house Maison de la Photographie where thousands of original prints, postcards and documents regarding Morocco are available for public viewing. However you regard contemporary art, it is the modern artists currently thriving in Marrakech which provide variety and a modern twist on a city typically relegated to a historical site.

For the Wellness Seeker

The intense vibrancy of the city can prove tiring for some, and in such cases, the hammams and spas of Marrakech are there to help. The Palace Spa offers an impressive variety of luxury treatments including bespoke massages, hammam rituals, steam baths and honey facials. There is also a circuit known as Oriental Thermae where you can spend two hours (with a pass) enjoying herbal baths, aromatherapy steam baths, a Finnish sauna, a laconicum, foot whirlpool, sensory experience showers and ice fountain.

The Pearl spa is another excellent choice, known for its soothing signature massage and facial treatments which are tailored to address the needs of each guest. There are also salon services on offer if you're planning a special night out, as well as a list of treatments tailored to men.

If you're after a traditional Moroccan experience, Les Bains de Marrakech can certainly deliver. Decorated in shades of brown and gold the spa emanates elegance- there are also lots of luxurious touches such as stained-glass windows, ornate lamps and a grandiose entrance. Aside from its appearance, the spa boasts impressive hammam facilities designed to clear your mind and lungs with heady, aromatic steam.

Hammam sessions are also excellent for the skin, relieving anxiety and relaxing muscles: It's the perfect antidote to the stress accumulated after a particularly busy day. There are also massages, aromatic baths and facials to select from, giving you ample methods to relax before stepping outside and back into the fast-paced city.

For the Inquisitive Traveller

For the visitor with a passion for history and culture, Marrakech is a veritable goldmine. As an example, the Saadian Tombs are the grand resting place of Saadian Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour ed-Dahbi and those who were close to him during his reign. Today, tourists roam the site taking in the sultan's ambitious designs as well as the tombs themselves, whose placement in proximity to the sultan reveal much about his reign.

Those with an interest in the city's architecture will love visiting the often-overlooked Ali Ben Youssef Medersa, a stunning former Islamic college which boasts magnificent archways, vibrant illustrations and cedar cupolas. The Bahia Palace is of a similar vein, with beautiful archways, vibrant wall decorations and a stunning garden. Looking upwards reveals a wealth of intricately decorated ceilings and detailed columns.

In modern times, Marrakech has become the location of iconic fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent's Majorelle Garden: The garden gets its name from the trademarked hue 'Majorelle Blue' which was used to decorate the site's house. The garden populated with cacti, palm trees and bamboo groves is a great urban retreat. For a memorable yet comprehensive tour of the city, consider hiring a traditional horse-drawn calèche, which can be distinguished thanks to their bright green carriages. Ensure the welfare of the horses by looking for ones which have been licensed by SPANA (you'll see a small band on the horse's leg) and agree on a fair price prior to the ride.

Take a daytrip out of town to Ouarzazate, also known as 'Moroccan Hollywood' thanks to its monumental role in cinema history - the city has been used as a setting in films and shows such as Jesus of Nazareth, The Living Daylights, The Man Who Knew Too Much, Gladiator, Game of Thrones and The Mummy. Ouarzazate's popularity as a filming site will become apparent once you arrive: The dramatic rugged backdrop and sandy hued buildings which seem to organically co-exist with the mountains are stunning.

If you're looking for a change of pace, the stunning coastal town of Essaouira is full of traditional charm. The winds make it less desirable for the bulk of the beachgoing tourist hordes so if you're after a laid-back seaside experience this is the place to go. Spend a day exploring the narrow streets of the whitewashed Medina, visit the jewellery and spice souks and admire the expansive beaches free of crowds.

For the Active Adventurer

For those looking to embark on an adrenalin-pumping journey, discover natural wonders, or just get bit of exercise, Marrakech has plenty of options. For golfers, there is an excellent range of options. The famous Marrakech Royal Golf Club 18-hole course is world famous and has been played on by the likes of King Hassan II and Winston Churchill - the surrounding apricot and cypress trees make it a joy to play through.

If you're after a challenge the Al Maaden Golf Resort course, designed by Kyle Phillips, provides a wealth of environmental nuances including tees on promontories above the fairways, water hazards, and greens at differing heights. There is also no shortage of well-kept tennis courts, expansive swimming pools and professional riding stables for those looking to practice their favoured sport or learn a new one. For families, the Oasiria Water Park offers a myriad of waterslides, a wave pool and a relaxing lazy river, making it the perfect option on an especially hot afternoon.

Those looking for something a touch less conventional can embark on a camel trek across the Sahara or Atlas Mountains: Riding past dunes or Berber villages is a great way to get a feel for the rural dimension of Morocco. On a similar note, your Local Concierge can organise an exclusive trek by foot through the Atlas Mountains, marvelling at the natural landscape, fauna and local villages where you'll get a seldom-accessed understanding of local customs.

To top it all off, you'll be allowed to enjoy an authentic lunch with a local Berber family consisting of local salads, tagine, seasonal fruit and mint tea. Finally, for a truly memorable experience, take to the skies in a hot air balloon just outside of Marrakech. The sight of the distant city surrounded by undulating stretches of sand, small settlements and farms is spectacular.