8 travel experiences for your Marrakech holidays 2019

Fancy heading to the city’s most stylish museum that’s entirely devoted to the work of the legendary fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent? Perched on the edge of the luscious Jardin Majorelle, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum boasts a permanent and temporary exhibition space that showcases the work of the iconic designer, making it every fashionistas’ paradise.

You can also explore the famous garden surrounding the museum, which is one of the most visited sites in Marrakech. With exotic trees and plants, streams and pools filled with water lilies and lotus flowers, and enchanting paths, the complex truly is an oasis of tranquillity and a sight for sore eyes.

If you speak to anyone who has visited Marrakech, you can be sure that they will mention the city’s famous Souk District. Souk Semmarine is the central channel of the district, where you can stroll past stalls and shops specialising in pottery, patisseries, textiles, spices, carpets, jewellery, fabrics, clothing and more. About halfway along, the Souk Semmarine forks – on the right you will come across Spice Square, and on the left is Souk el Attarine, where you can find copper and brass lanterns, mirrors, candlesticks, silver teapots and lamps, plus spices and perfumes.

The Bahia Palace is one of the most beautiful palaces in Marrakech and one of the masterpieces of Moroccan architecture. Countless rooms, courtyards and riads are at the heart of this popular attraction, plus stunning pieces of ornate decoration on every turn, from the floor to the ceiling. With 8 hectares open to visitors, there is plenty to explore in this Moroccan gem.

Located just 15 kilometres from the Barceló Palmeraie you will find the Jemaa el-Fnaa Square – a huge square and market place in the city’s medina quarter. It remains the liveliest and main square in Marrakech and is extremely popular with both tourists and locals. By day or by night, the square is filled with musicians, dancers, snake charmers, henna artists and street vendors attracting the attention of the cosmopolitan crowd. You can also head to one of the rooftop bars to watch the sun set over the square below, whilst you listen to traditional music in beautiful settings.

If you’re heading to Marrakech, visiting a hammam has to be near the top of your to-do list. There are plenty of options available, but Hamman De La Rose is certainly one of the best. Immerse yourself in a sensuous Moroccan experience, where you can relax and unwind in a sanctuary of peace and tranquillity. Steam baths, scrubs, mineral-enriched masks and massages are just a few of the things you can expect at this hideaway spa, so be sure to give it a visit if you’re in need of some R&R.

The Saadian Tombs are a truly rich architectural gem which lie just a short distance from the bustling city centre.

Housing two lavish mausoleums with approximately 60 tombs and over 100 more in the beautiful gardens, the Saadian Tombs are one of the most elaborate and best preserved resting places in Morocco today. Deliberately hidden for centuries, the magnificent tombs were eventually uncovered in 1917, and now host plenty of tourists who are keen to explore its grounds.

If you’re looking to escape the bustling city life and desert-like heat of Morocco, head to the refreshing Menara Gardens, located to the west of Marrakech near the Atlas Mountains. The majority of the area is taken up with olive groves, but for visitors, the main attraction and reason to visit is the large reflective pool with its fine pavilion. Enjoy a peaceful stroll around or bring along a picnic for a relaxing day out.

The Koutoubia Mosque is the largest mosque in Marrakech and a must-see for those who are keen to indulge in the city’s history and culture. Located in the district of the south-west medina, this beautiful mosque is decorated with curved windows, a strip of ceramic, pointed merlons and decorative arches. Enjoy the call to prayer coming from the top of the minaret five times a day, at which time the mosque if off-limits to non-Muslims, whilst you wander around the base of the building and admire the ruins and stunning gardens.