DK Travel : Marrakech

An oasis in every sense of the word, Marrakech was once a beacon for the trading caravans that had driven north through the desert and navigated over the often snow-capped Atlas Mountains. Marrakech may be Morocco’s third most important city after Rabat and Casablanca, but its fabulous palaces and lush palm groves exercise a powerful hold over tourists. It has always been the place where sub-Saharan Africa meets Arab North Africa, and, even today, this market town located on the edge of nowhere remains a compellingly exotic port of call.

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Al Ksar Riad Marrakesh

Al Ksar Riad & Spa in Marrakesh: Exotic chic riad guesthouse in the heart of the medina, with a unique charm.

The ideal secret place for an escape in marrakesh. Al Ksar Riad & Spa boutique hotel features a restaurant, a panoramic terrace, a spa. Riad Al Ksar offers numerous packages where luxury becomes affordable
Carpet Auction

About 3pm the carpet souk turns into a carpet auction. This is not a traditional auction, but sellers walk around the souk with a carpet draped over their shoulder asking shopkeepers for their best price. You can't buy carpets from the auction, but it is an interesting spectacle, and you see the newly arrived carpets!
Dyers' Souk

This is the wool dyers' souk. You can watch the workers up to their elbows in vats of dyes. Natural elements such as indigo and saffron are used to get the vivid colors. Then the wool and silk are strung up under the roof to dry in the sun and warm air.

The fun begins as you batter for silk scarves or other attractive textile items in a range of lovely shades
Hotel Essouaria

Stay right on the main square amidst the Snake charmers, Orange sellers, Story tellers and acrobats. Get lost in the maze of markets shopping for carpets/jewellery or the odd chameleon or take a horse and carriage ride around the old city.
La Maison Arabe Cooking Workshop

Spend a fantastic morning or afternoon learning so much about Moroccan culture and the cuisine. Very friendly and professional tutor with delicious receipies
Le Tobsil

Amazing Traditional Morrocan Cuisine at a restaurant deep within a residential area in a riad. Rather than a meal it is a full experience, being led to the restaurant by a costumed guide, to course after course of traditional cuisine, to entertainment and top quality service.
Les Bains de Marrakech

A luxurious, friendly hammam (spa) in the heart of Marrakech where you can be pampered and forget the stress of the city streets. As well as sipping mint tea in the hammam, there are various relaxing treatments on offer including scrubs and massages. Booking is essential due to popularity.
Majorelle Gardens

Of Marrakech’s numerous gardens , these are the most famous and the legacy of an expatriate French painter, Jacques Majorelle, who considered himself a “gardenist”. In 1924, he acquired land and set about creating a botanical sanctuary around his studio. Majorelle opened his gardens to the public in 1947 and they remained a popular attraction until his death 15 years later. The property fell into disrepair until 1980, when it was rescued from ruin by French fashion designer Yves Saint-Laurent and his artist-friend, Pierre Berge.

This is another very small site, easily crowded by the presence of just a single tour group. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best chance of avoiding the crush. There is a small café in the gardens, open from 8am, serving hot and cold drinks, salads, sandwiches and, until 11:30am, three kinds of breakfast. Situated northwest of the medina in the New City, it’s a good idea to take a taxi or calèche to the gardens.
Peacock Pavilions

A beautiful boutique hotel privately owned by ex-Pats now in love with their new home, Marrakech. The hotel has 10 rooms with different pavilions and a 5-acre olive grove.
Riad Aubrac

An oasis of peace and tranquility in the heart of old Marrakech. The riad has been beautifully renovated and has a small pool in the courtyard and a roof terrace with a panoramic view of the medina.