Marrakech has always been a popular tourist destination - mainly due to its year-round appeal.
July and August are the hottest months for this exotic city, with temperatures reaching 42 degrees. From November to February, temperatures drop but the city remains warm and relatively free of crowds.
While tourism has always been its main earner, A-list visitors have certainly helped raise its popularity - David Beckham flew friends and family to mark his 40th birthday last year and Poppy Delevingne celebrated her wedding at the popular La Mamounia.
Here, we take a look at the best places to visit, stay and eat for the full magical Moroccan experience.
WHAT TO VISIT
Jamaa el-Fnaa
Jamaa el-Fnaa is the city's main square and it is located in the old city. No trip to Marrakech can be completed without visiting this attraction by day – and night!
By day, most of the square is a big open space with a few snake charmers, ladies who will tempt you with a henna tattoo or two and a variety of entertainers and musicians. At dusk, the square is completely transformed and filled with food stalls of typical Moroccan delicatessens and many, many tourists.
If you don't want to be in the middle of it all, head over to one of the many rooftop terraces with amazing views of the square and see it transform.
Koutoubia Mosque
It's practically impossible to miss out on this beauty, not only because it's the largest mosque in Marrakech but because it's located just opposite the city's main square.
Its main attraction is the stunning minaret, the tower from which the faithful are called to prayer five times a day. It rises to almost 70m and can be seen from much of the city. Tourists must remember that non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the mosque.
Marrakech's souks
If we have to give one reason for why Marrakech attracts so many tourists every year, it has to be because of its souks.
They open from 9am to 9pm and visitors can easily spend the whole day, or trip, lost in them. The best time to explore is in the early morning, when there aren’t as many tourists and the temperature is cooler but at night time, much like its main square, the souks are transformed and illuminated and you get the feeling you’ve entered Aladdin’s cave.
We dare you not to be tempted by the painted tangines, handmade lamps and stunning glassware on offer...
Jardin Majorelle
This twelve-acre botanical garden once owned by designer Yves Saint Laurent is one of the most visited sites in Morocco. It attracts almost one million visitors a year.
For 50 Dirhams visitors can explore the electric-blue villa and its garden, which was created by landscape painter Jacques Majorelle, who began cultivating it in 1924 is now a psychedelic desert mirage of 300 plant species from five continents.
This fabulously photogenic site is also a favourite with celebrities, Victoria Beckham couldn’t resist spending some time in this wonderful location when she visited the city in 2015.
WHERE TO STAY
Four Seasons Resort Marrakech
Conveniently located minutes away from the main city attractions, this 40-acre gated resort community is the perfect choice to unwind after a hectic day of sightseeing.
Its wide-open, sun-filled spaces and swimming pools will make you feel as if you are hundreds of miles from the hustle and bustle of the city.
This five-star resort has only 141 accommodations, including 27 suites – all with private balcony and terrace, so you can take in the lovely breeze after a long day whilst sipping on a refreshing mint tea.
For more information visit fourseasons.com/Marrakech/
Royal Palm Marrakech
If you are really looking to get away from the city, then this 6-star hotel in the perfect destination. There is nothing about this exceptional estate, in the heart of a centenary olive plantation surveyed by the Atlas Mountains.
As soon as you walk through its main door, you are transported to the most luxurious offer in Marrakech.
It has 134 rooms comprising both suites and villas, an inventive gastronomic cuisine, a Spa by Clarins, as well as a one-of-a-kind Kids’ Club, making it not only the perfect destination for adults, but for families.
All of the rooms are open to the gardens and golf and offer an amazing view of the Atlas Mountains.
For more information visit royalpalm-hotels.com/home/royal-palm-Marrakech/
