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Marrakech, or ‘the red city’ as it is known, is defined by its earth-tone clay exteriors.
A short 3.5-hour plane ride from London, the jewel in Morocco’s crown is an enticing destination for sun-deprived travellers seeking a vitamin D fix without straying too far from home.
A weekend jaunt offers an intoxicating glimpse into all the energetic city has to offer, from the world-famous Jardin Majorelle (once owned by Yves Saint Laurent) to the bustling souks. Marrakech may be edging the Sahara, but it is in no way a sparse desert landscape.
Founded in 1070, the city is a hive of creativity. Stroll through the ancient medina, taking in the architectural richness and scents of street food, spices and fragrances as you go. You’ll spot snake charmers, the 12th-century Koutoubia mosque as the tallest building in town and the juxtaposition of old meets new. Don’t forget to book a rejuvenating head-to-toe scrub in a hammam.
Given the frenetic chaos of the city, a calming retreat in which to escape is vital. Marrakech is home to some of the finest hotels and most spectacular riads with lush gardens, cinematic views of the snow-tipped Atlas mountains and ornate zellige mosaics providing a wealth of interior inspiration. But which to choose?
Browse through our selection of the best sanctuaries for the ultimate Moroccan experience.
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La Mamounia
The palatial La Mamounia is one of those jaw-dropping hotels you think can't be real — until you get there.
The forged metal doorway opens to a mosaiced paradise, decorating the Andalusian architecture with enamelled tiles in geometric patterns. Marrakech may be famed for its earth tones, but La Mamounia is an expanse of colour, from the rich red tones of the lobby to the horticulture. The 20-acre gardens are punctuated by bright Bougainvillea, orange trees and cacti, giving the nearby Jardin Majorelle a run for its money.
Its location is a huge draw. If you can pull yourself away, it's a mere 10-minute walk to the Koutoubia Mosque. A short distance but the serenity of the space feels worlds away.
There are four restaurants, aptly named for the cuisine that they serve. Le Morroccain is illuminated by lanterns and candles, giving a soft, warm glow to the proceedings. The three-course menu of signature local dishes and herbs from the hotel’s gardens is enjoyed in cosy private booths. L’Asiatique and L’Italien draw in crowds, while breakfast is dished out buffet-style or a la carte at Le Pavillon de La Piscine. Here you’ll find some of the best pastries outside of France enjoyed against the backdrop of the Murano glass outdoor pool.
Inside the spa, you'll find another aesthetically pleasing pool, its painted wood ceiling only rivalled by the lattice and tilework below. If you have time — and you should make time — the Hamman ritual is transformational. It may not be the most relaxing treatment, but the ancient practice leaves you restored from head to toe.
La Mamounia brings in serious star power. The hotel has welcomed Bill Clinton, Kate Winslet, Tom Cruise, Priyanka Chopra, Gwyneth Paltrow, Robert Pattinson and Jennifer Aniston, so you’ll be in good company. It has also seen a surge in popularity since Netflix's Inventing Anna. Yes, this is the very same hotel where notorious con artist Anna Delvey racked up quite the bill in the viral TV series. Signed pictures of the A-list clientele (including Julia Garner who played Delvey) are dotted around the lobby, each praising the establishment for its impeccable service and intricate decor. You will even spot King Charles (then Prince) and Nelson Mandela in the mix.
Winston Churchill, however, is the hotel’s most prized guest, with a petite but opulent bar dedicated to the legendary former PM who spent his last days painting in the garden. After a long weekend at La Mamounia, we can’t say we blame him.
Aman
Designed by the Aman group’s beloved architect Ed Tuttle, Amanjena is a Moorish pink palace. With marble columns, countless smooth reflection pools and washed clay walls, the scent of orange blossom and jasmine fills the air. Perched serenely just outside of the dusty chaos of Marrakech, the hotel is an orange blossom-scented mirage. You could hear a pin drop at the main pool which is at the centre of the ‘action’, sandwiched serenely between the spa, gym and the Japanese restaurant (also the scene of breakfast, which is excellent).
Rooms? Pah! Aman calls them Pavilions and once you’ve stayed at an Aman you’re pretty much ruined for life. Book a Pavilions Piscine for an extra-large terrace, majestic gazebo, sun loungers (with handy sun hats) and a private pool. The spa is small but perfectly formed with expert therapists and a hamman. The more active could make use of the resort’s free bikes, play golf at the neighbouring 27-hole or take on a game of clay court tennis. The resort also has a range of activities to book, from dining excursions to the Afagay desert to hot air balloon rides — always a magical experience.
El Fenn
It’s hard to not fall in love with El Fenn. It’s charming in every sense. Awash with Moroccan tiles, tadelakt walls and vibrant upholstery, even the corridors will have you cooing. The palatial rooms are individually designed and colour-themed, so expect a brave wash of all-pink, soft peach or dark navy.
The design is bold and daring but in the most enticing way possible. Behind the curated 41 rooms is Vanessa Branson (sister of Richard Branson) and Howell James, who began restoration back in 2002. The roof terrace is the place to be to watch the sun disappear as you gaze out at the Koutoubia Mosque and is worth a visit whether you choose to stay here or not. It is perhaps one of the best views in the city to enjoy with a cocktail in hand and one of the few places that has a party spirit. Don’t sleep on the food that puts a modern twist on local dishes. Sure you’ll find tagine but the chefs get creative using locally-sourced fruits and vegetables with each dish more colourful than the last.
La Sultana Marrakech
La Sultana is situated just a ten-minute walk to the main square, Jemaa El Fna, which you have to visit at least once. It really is a site and an experience to behold. Note: you can expect to see both snakes and monkeys (chained), plus a plethora of instruments all passionately being played come dusk. From the sprawling rooftop at La Sultana you can enjoy panoramic views of the city, where, despite the bustle below, you'll hear no more than the call to prayer.
The hotel consists of five riads in total; all unique in design, making for quite the place to explore. Decadent and ostentatious in parts, this is a feast for the eyes. Indoor garden courtyards, a swimming pool and a spa will all keep you well occupied. Rooms are large but I’d recommend requesting one on a top floor for optimum privacy and maximum daylight. Cookery classes are also a must here.
Royal Mansour Marrakech
Commissioned by King Mohammed VI as a showpiece of Moroccan craftsmanship, the Royal Mansour is magnificent. Super discreet, staff are rarely seen and instead, move about the six hectares via 1 kilometre worth of secret tunnels. Guests stay in three-floor riads rather than rooms and all come with rooftop terraces and private pools (some just plunge).
Acclaimed chef Hélène Darroze (she has six Michelin stars, making her one of the most decorated chefs in the world) has taken the helm of two of the hotel's four restaurants and the Royal Mansour is a place for fine dining and, we'd argue that La Grande Table is the top table in all of Marrakech. Le Jardin is a poolside area with a bar, Asian-inspired restaurant and chic private cabanas. Day passes are available for non-guests. Special mention should go to the spa. Featuring 13 treatment rooms (with three private spa suites), two hammams, a watsu pool, sauna, gym and hair salon, the spa is one of the best hotels we've ever been to.
Riad L'Hôtel Marrakech
A design project from Jasper Conran means you can expect an on-point yet understated design with flashes of colour. With only six suites, this place fills up quickly. The 19th-century riad is hidden within a maze of pink-wash pathways in the heart of the ‘red city’s’ Medina. Our Google Maps failed us and we had to be escorted by one of the charming staff. Each suite is luxuriously large, with a draped four-poster bed, and brings together both modern design and traditional Moroccan antiques. The restaurant and food offering (which is open for non-guests to book, too) is an experience worth treating yourself to. Both our vegetarian and fish tagines were among the favourites we tried. If the weather fails you, and you're not able to sit on the relaxed roof terrace, book the spot by the fireplace.
Dar Zitouna – Private villa
For those with a family, or friends, wanting a more private and peaceful time, then one of the serviced villas on the private eight-villa estate of Bab Adrar ticks the box. Remotely situated a thirty-minute drive from the country’s capital. With all vistas directed towards the horizon of the Atlas mountains, this luxury villa has five double bedrooms, several terraces all laced with olive trees and an enormous spread of grounds that play host to your private pool and numerous outdoor seating and dining spots. Luxuriously decorated, with tasteful nods to both Morrocan and French design, with interesting pieces of art and photography. Staff are on hand to cook, clean and assist with any requests.
The Oberoi
It took more than 200 local craftsmen over 10 years to construct some of the intricate detailing carved into the walls and ceilings of The Oberoi’s magnificent main building which was constructed on the site of a former 11-hectare farm and designed to look like an ancient Moroccan palace. The owners hired the same designer as Marrakech’s famous Yves Saint Laurent or Majorelle garden for parts of the landscaping, and the craftsmanship shows. The courtyard of the main building is a replica of Morocco’s iconic 14th-century monument, the Medersa Ben Youssef, and the whole hotel is centred around a 787-foot-long grand canal, which runs through the grounds and offers an opulent and satisfyingly symmetrical backdrop to any stay, whether it’s dining on the terrace at Tamint at sunset or taking a golf buggy back to your room after a day in the desert. With fine dining, an award-winning spa and more than 80 private villas dotted charmingly around the landscaped grounds, it’s no wonder the hotel was ranked the number one resort in North Africa and the Middle East in 2022’s Travel + Leisure World’s Best awards.
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