How To Plan A Magical Trip In Marrakech, According To Hotel Insiders
Rich with history, vibrant with art and culture, Marrakech is a world-renowned destination that enchants and excites. Here, three hotel insiders from some of the region’s most beautiful places to stay share their secrets for a city experience like no other – from unforgettable rooftop views and magnificent architecture to the best restaurants and local delicacies to try. By KATIE BERRINGTON
Madeline Weinrib, co-owner of design-led boutique riad El Fenn
My favorite spot in Marrakech…
“I have to admit that my favorite spot in Marrakech is El Fenn. It could be my favorite spot anywhere.”
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Marrakech…
“You must buy a one-of-a-kind handmade Moroccan rug from an old established rug-manufacturing family. As the world becomes more global and Moroccan rugs become more popular than ever, it’s so important to support this unique tradition. Two Moroccan-rug manufacturers that have been in the business for generations are Studio LID and Soufiane Zarib.
The local delicacies to try…
“Sahbi Sahbi is the latest Moroccan restaurant to open in Marrakech, and the food is traditional and delicious. It is managed by a women’s cooperative, and the interiors are by Studio KO. Elsewhere, Ling Ling by Hakkasan is a great Chinese restaurant in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, and locals are abuzz over Blue Ribbon, a new bakery that is just about to open.”
For the best views…
“I have been racking my brain over this, but, really, there’s no better view in Marrakech than the one from El Fenn’s rooftop.”
On the enduring allure of Marrakech…
“Morocco is where Africa, Europe and the Middle East meet. It has so many influences and is utterly magical.”
“Marrakech beautifully mixes its Middle Age heritage with the most contemporary lifestyle experiences
”Meryanne Loum-Martin
Meryanne Loum-Martin, founder of the boutique hotel Jnane Tamsna
My favorite spot in Marrakech…
“Apart from the Jnane Tamsna, of course, it has to be the Monde des Arts de la Parure, which is a brilliant new museum that is home to a collection of jewelry and textiles from West Africa to China. The architecture is by Joseph Achkar and Michel Charrière, who designed Hôtel de la Marine in Paris. The roof terrace has a garden and a small restaurant. It’s paradise…”
The local delicacies to try…
“There is one place where I have always eaten spectacular Moroccan food, and that’s Palais Soleiman.”
For the best views…
“If you have the chance, stay at La Mamounia, where high-floor rooms have views of the Atlas Mountains. Otherwise, do drinks at the rooftop restaurant DarDar, or the roof terrace at Nobu Hotel has beautiful views, too.”
Something only insiders know…
“Maybe not only insiders, but my book Inside Marrakesh: Enchanting Homes and Gardens [published by Rizzoli New York] starts with this anecdote: A little part of Marrakech in a historical moment. In January 1943, Churchill and Roosevelt met in the Anfa Hotel, Casablanca, to decide on a strategy to win the war. After long days of negotiations, Churchill told Roosevelt that he could not leave Morocco without seeing the sun set over the Atlas Mountains in Marrakech, so they took to the road and arrived in time for sundown at the beautiful Villa Taylor. There, staff carried Roosevelt – who was in a wheelchair – up to the top of the tower. There is a magnificent photo of them gazing at the view over our magical city. I find it very moving that Marrakech is associated with this moment, and when I went to Villa Taylor in the ’80s and the owner had us for tea, seeing the staircase leading up to the tower struck my imagination.”
On the enduring allure of Marrakech…
“It beautifully mixes its Middle Age heritage with the most contemporary lifestyle experiences. Where else can you visit a remarkable piece of architecture, such as the 16th-century Medersa Ben Youssef in the morning, walk through a square classed as a historical monument in the afternoon, then dine at Nobu in the evening?”
Oliver Ripley, co-founder & CEO of Caravan by Habitas Agafay, a luxurious desert camp 45 minutes from downtown Marrakech
My most-loved spot in the region…
“I adore the freedom of La Palmeraie, with its dramatic views of the Atlas Mountains, but Agafay, where Habitas is located, has a special place in my heart. On the cusp of the desert, it is a place to muse and reset while exposed to the natural beauty and vast expanse of untouched land.”
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Marrakech…
“Visit the souk (go early in the morning), spice market and tannery, then grab lunch at Nomad, located on a rooftop with views across the city.”
The local delicacies to try…
“You have to try traditional mint tea and a lemon-chicken tajine – they’re cooked in amazing tajine pots that lock in the flavor in a remarkable way. I suggest you visit Comptoir Darna to have a contemporary Moroccan dining experience, or Al Fassia, which is run entirely by women and serves amazing home-cooked Moroccan food.”
For the best views…
“The view from the balcony at Le Grand Balcon du Café Glacier is amazing – you have a bird’s eye view of the heart of this bustling city.”
Something only insiders know…
“There is a restaurant in a petrol station between Marrakech and Essaouira that serves the best food in the region – you would never know from the outside.”
Why you need to see the desert as well as the city…
“The city is intense, exciting and vibrant. However, after a few days, it’s great to escape and visit the desert. See how the landscape changes [as you pass] incredible farms owned by the King and enter more arid land – it’s very cathartic.”
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