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Ancient, vibrant, otherworldly and less than four hours away from the UK, Marrakech is surely the best short-haul trip for a long-haul adventure. Embrace the chaos of the walled Medina with its bustling souks and labyrinth pathways. Seek out tranquillity in the fragrant walled gardens of Majorelle and Le Jardin Secret. For a fashion fix, there are contemporary concept stores in Marrakech’s buzzing industrial quarter, as well as the YSL Museum, devoted to the life of the designer. From the sleek cocktail bars in the Gueliz district to the old-school elegance of Bacha Coffee, this is a city that dazzles with old and new.
Friday midday: Check in
Riad Botanica is a pretty, tranquil oasis in the heart of the Medina. Unwind with a mint tea by the plunge pool in the shade of their fragrant orange tree before delving into the souks nearby.
1pm: Go concept
Browse Moro Marrakech concept store on Rue Yves Saint Laurent with its chic homeware collection of ceramics, kaftans and beauty products. Grab a table in its courtyard cafe for a selection of tempting veggie sharing plates.
3pm: Fast forward to fashion
A stone’s throw away is the YSL Museum: go for Saint Laurent’s iconic creations – the Le Smoking jacket and Mondrian dress – stay for the fabulous bookstore.
5pm: Escape the crowds
Find peace in the lush botanical gardens of Jardin Majorelle close by (pictured), with its vivid blue cubist villa and 300 tropical plants from around the world.
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7pm: Dine at Farmers Marrakech
Hang with a younger crowd at this sleek restaurant in the heart of the Gueliz district, known as the “new city”. Sit near the buzzy open kitchen and watch a feast cooked up in front of you – the hanging steak and sea bass are highlights. (farmersmarrakech.com)
Saturday 10am: Find your caffeine fix
In the grand Dar El Bacha palace, Bacha Coffee is an art nouveau institution with its monochrome marbling and uniformed waiters. Choose from over 200 varieties of Arabica coffees, served old-school with chantilly cream.
11am: Hit the shops
Go on a guided shopping tour of Marrakech’s hidden markets and vintage boutiques with Riad Botanica owner Angela Mellak. Highlights include Bab El Khemis on the edge of town for antique and Art Deco homeware, and Chabi Chic and LRNC in the industrial quarter for modern ceramics.
1pm: Lunch at Le Jardin Secret
Grab a taxi to Le Jardin Secret, a Enjoy a niçoise salad n exquisitely designed 16th-century garden oasis best viewed from the rooftop terrace. For dessert, Sweet & Sook is a minute away: their scoop of orange blossom and almond ice-cream is the best.
3pm: Be dazzled by zellij
Lose yourself in the myriad courtyards of Medersa Ben Youssef Islamic school with its Italian marble and colourful zellij (mosaic) tiling. Once the largest in North Africa, it’s now a UNESCO world heritage site.
5.30pm: Take a juice break
Drop in for a fresh pomegranate juice at Atay Café and head for the shaded roof terrace with 360 views across the city.
7.30pm: Seek out Le Trou au Mur
Tucked away behind an old wall, this opulent dining spot, once you find it, has a chic interior and eclectic menu – don’t miss the ir signature Berber shepherds pie. (letrouaumur.com)
Sunday 9.30am: Make time for tea
Breakfast in the elegant palmed courtyard of 1112 Teahouse in the Medina, renowned for their eclectic choice of regional teas and traditional Moroccan pastries.
11am: Join the country set
Twenty minutes by taxi from Riad Botanica is the Beldi Country Club, an idyllic sprawling estate of pools and landscaped gardens. For £35, a day pass includes swimming access, a lounger and towels, and a three-course lunch under the olive trees. For last minute gifts, visit their mini souk set in a peaceful garden close by.
Image by Getty