Marvellous 4 Days in Marrakesh
- 1life2dream
- Jun 25, 2016
- 3 min read
Marrakesh home of the splendid souks, aromatic spices and fresh mint tea. There is so much more to Marrakesh then the brochures tell us. The hospitality of the Moroccan people is second to none, having taken my first trip to Marrakesh I would recommend that a Riad is the best way to experience a little more of the traditional Moroccan life.
Riads are like bed and breakfasts and literally a home from home, an oasis of calm in a busy, bustling city. The overload of the senses, the sights, sounds and smells is something that makes Marrakesh so exciting. The city is steeped in history and is a UNESCO World Heritage site, meaning very little has changed over time (although all mod cons are readily available). Our Riad, Riad Berenssi was beautifully furnished with traditional Morrocan decor, breakfast was always plentiful with beautiful pancakes, breads and pastries, evening meals tasty and the roof top terrace a welcome place to rest weary feet after a long walk. The central pool offered a gathering space for relaxing and to meet other guests. The service offered by the owner was excellent and we were warmly welcomed into our Marrakesh home for four days
Witihin the walls of the old Medina there are some great places to visit for architecture lovers and history buffs and shopaholics. From the thriving souks near Jemma El Fna to the beautiful palaces displaying stunning Moroccan craftmanship. Palais Bahia is filled with architectural gems from lush gardens, separated by ornately decorated tiles, delicately crafted doorways, painted ceilings and cool marble.
The old ruins of Palais El Badii dating back to the 16th Century, the Saadian tombs with it's imposing yet beautiful mausoleum, Ben Youssef Medersa an Islamic college now a tourist attraction displaying immense skills of past craftsmen.
The stunning architecture of the Mosques dotted around the city and the beautiful call to prayer that can be heard everyday, as you see all the men go towards the mosques, it really is a wonderful sight.
Just outside of the walls is Jardin Marjorelle, a stunning garden, thanks to forty years of dedication from French artist Jaques Marjorelle. In the 1980s it was bought, restored and improved by Yves St. Laurent and Pierre Berge who converted the original art studio into a Berber museum. Outside the mix of tropicall plants cleverly separated by waterways and lily ponds provide a haven for birds and insects against an explosion of colours. It is a truly beautiful space and to many paradise.
Food is also as fabulous, with lots of mouthwatering dishes on offer and plenty of places to sample food within easy distance of Jemaa El Fna. Try a Lamb and prune tagine or a succulent chicken, lemon and olive tagine, vegetable cous cous, pastilla or pehaps Moroccan watermelon or orange with cinnamon all washed down with The a le Menthe (Moroccan Mint tea). The food is mouthwatering and excellent value for money.
If you're visiitng the souks looks out for babouche slippers, djellaba, tea sets jewellery, spices. blocks of amber with the most beautiful aroma. and painted clay pots and plates in bright colourful patterns. Haggling is the norm, although can initially feel uncomfortable if you are not used to this, it is a part of Moroccan life, so embrace it.
Morrocan people are hard working, friendly and welcoming. They are industrious, skilled at their crafts and excellent hosts. Marrakesh is an infectious place and once you have visited you will want to go back to experience more.
There are plenty of trips and things to do within Morocco, so if you have more than four days to spare you could consider a trip to the fishing town of Essaouira, a trek of the Atlas Mountains, a camel ride in the Sahara desert and of course visits to Fez, Agadir, Casablanca and Rabat are also great options although there are plenty of other great places to visit so don't limit yourself.
I for one shall be returning to Morocco as I know there is so much more offered by this beautiful country, four days is really not enough but I know this is not the first or last time I shall visit.
Tips:
Stay in a Riad for the authentic Moroccan experience.
Have a mint tea on the roof top of a cafe to get a great view of Jemaa El Fna at night.
Riad Berenssi: http://www.riadberenssi.com/en/
Jardin Marjorelle: http://jardinmajorelle.com/ang/
Palais Bahia: http://www.palais-bahia.com/en/
Medersa Ben Youssef: http://www.medersa-ben-youssef.com/en/
Palais El Badi.
Flights Bristol to Marrakesh: http://www.easyjet.com/en/
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