Marrakech - 2017

Mrs H and I booked this one last minute; Marrakech has always been somewhere we wanted to visit plus the resort we stayed in had the perfect mix of quiet and lively to suit all moods and occasions. Plus Mrs H is always a big fan of a bit of sunshine and with temperatures reaching in the mid-forties some days, she certainly ticked that box! Don't forget your sun cream!

Our hotel was the Club Med La Palmeriae on an all-inclusive basis for 7 nights. The complex is huge and spacious and very well thought out. All the accommodation is situated at one side of the grounds with the main reception in the middle and the restaurants, sports and activities at the other side. This meant that those wanting some peace and quiet could relax, perhaps around one of the pools near the accommodation area (some of which are super quiet as they are designated for adults only), whilst the other end of the site contained all the action.

The restaurants were good; the usual buffet style you get in all-inclusive resorts but with a good variety every day. I’d certainly recommend it for families especially as all the sports are included. Activities such as Golf, Tennis and Archery or even Trapeze are available on a daily basis. (Incidentally, for a man in his sixties, it turns out that I fly through the air with the greatest of ease…).

There’s also lots of entertainment both throughout the day around the pools and Shows etc on a night. There’s even a night club for those wanting to carry on until dawn.

We were really excited to visit the Town. The “Jemaa El Fna” Square is a must-see place to visit where the architecture and atmosphere combine all the cultures that have settled here to create something truly unique. If you go during the day, it is quieter so you can visit the Mosques, Palaces or Gardens or the maze of market stalls (souks) selling shoes, cloths, spices, leathers, pottery, jewellery, lamps - practically anything! A real shopper’s paradise! Be prepared to haggle as you can get them down to around a third. Some can be a bit pushy but it is so busy that they quickly move to the next customer. By night the place transforms as many thousands of people gather in the square in the cool of the night, often until the early hours of the morning. There are all sorts of sights, sounds and smells to experience such as Snake Charmers, Gambling and even Street Fighting. Just be wary when taking photographs as many locals will want paying if you take a picture of them.

Other sites to see include the Atlas Mountains which can be done a half day or full day long coach journey featuring some fabulous scenery, with other local village stops on the way depending on the type of tour you choose. The Majorelle’s Garden and Bahia Palace are well worth visiting not just as a point of interest but also for some local history about the city and its culture.

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