10 minute read
Travel - Guide to Marrakesh
MARRAKESH WITH KIDS
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Marrakesh – its very name is bewitching! It conjures images of all things exotic: camels and snake charmers, carpet sellers and traders come from the Sahara – and it does not disappoint. The bustling market trading city is now firmly on the tourist trail, with thousands flocking to the ‘red city’ to visit the maze of souks selling everything from herbal potions and kaftans to Aladdin-type lanterns in the Medina.
With its cool blend of Arabic and French influences, Marrkakech oozes charm. Today’s its many western style restaurants and bars in stylish ‘Riads’ (ex-merchant houses), mean it’s a glamorous sophisticated place to party too so you needn’t’ compromise on creature comforts. And the great news is that it’s surprisingly kid friendly too! While it might not seem like the most obvious of destinations for a family holiday, Morocco is packed with family friendly things to do.
Definitely outside of your usual ‘comfort zone’, the bewitching sights, smells and flavours will have you and the kids fascinated.
WHAT TO DO?
Soak up the Souks’ chaotic atmosphere
There’s nothing like the narrow, chaotic alleyways of the Medina’s souk, bustling with bikes and scooters, mopeds and men, all eager to get somewhere. Yes, it feels a little dangerous on occasions and the crowds mean you need to hold onto younger kids, but the assault on the senses, the colourful, crazy stalls and the very buzz of life is something the kids will remember forever. A real-life Aladdin’s cave of goodies – a treasure trove of slippers, lanterns and toys, all sparkling and shiny. Not to mention the odd chameleon, or feral kitten zigzagging through the lanes. Just keep a firm grip on that little hand! Older kids will also enjoy being given a budget and the friendly haggling that ensues to secure their goodies. Fascinating and mesmerising, you can also book a guide who can make sure you don’t get lost with Epic Morocco.
epicmorocco.co.uk
Visit the legendary Pace Jamaa El Fna
© Raul Cacho Oses on Unsplash.com
At the heart of Marrakesh, the famous Jamaa el Fna stretches out, packed with human souls and the odd snake. This is where one really gets the sensation of the crossing of ancient trading routes. Some might enjoy a session with a Henna artist, some might prefer a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or buying some (tacky but colourful) souvenirs. Beware of the photo opportunities with monkeys - not to be recommended, but possibly a useful lesson in how not to treat animals? And, of course, the kids won’t fail to be impressed by the snake charmers, complete with black cobras, baskets and flutes.
Eat in style… and spot turtles at La Mamounia
Stop for lunch at La Mamounia, probably one of the smartest addresses in town. Ultra-chic, the Italian restaurant has a greenhouse vibe with a helping of Art Deco. Service is utterly perfect and the food excellent. The trattoria menu from chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten is all about classic Italian cuisine, from wood-fired pizzas to homemade pasta and the tastiest beef carpaccio in town. It’s also possible to visit for afternoon tea, either way, the hotel is legendary and definitely worth a visit for its opulent design and interiors.
What’s more, outside, the kids can explore the walled gardens that stretch over 17 acres (6.9 hectares). Wander down the red gravel alleyways through the pristine gardens amongst the cactus and the exotic flower beds. They will love the amazing variety of exotic plants and the pond with its lily pads where you might get lucky and spot a turtle or two amidst the lilies.
mamounia.com
Take a ‘caleche’ ride
A great way to see the city, without tiring out little, or longer, legs. Kids will enjoy the ride on the bright red seats in the apple green horse drawn carriages, rocked by the rhythmic clip clop of hooves. Some of the horses might look a little worse for wear, so pick your ‘caleche’ carefully. They can take you for a spin or act as a taxi taking you from town, for example to the beautiful Jardins Majorelle.
Wander the exotic gardens
The exotic flora in Morocco is a sight to behold. Who knew a cactus could provide the kids with such joy? For real beauty, take them to the Jardin de Majorelle, a legendary garden, now one of the most visited places in Morocco thanks to its vibrant blues and instaworthy backdrops. Most famous as the one-time home of Yves Saint Laurent in the 60s, kids will love ambling through the narrow paths, amidst the giant bamboo, spotting frogs, lizards and birds amongst the water features and dense shady vegetation.
© La Mamounia.
Get up close to the camels
Whether you choose to head to the foot of the Atlas Mountains or to the vast palm grove outside town, a trip to get up close to the camels is unavoidable! Climb up onto the gentle giants and go for a wander in the desert landscape or in the fields. The best part? Meeting junior camels and having a cup of mint tea with the locals under the tent while being treated to magic tricks - a sure hit with kids! For teens, day excursions can also be set up heading out on sand buggies.
epicmorocco.co.uk
WHERE TO STAY… IN TOWN
An oasis amidst the chaos, La Sultana is a real gem. Book the Jaguar suite and step into another era, with its dark mahogany ceilings, red brick and mud walls, and marble floors throughout. It’s decadent. The mix of noble woods, stone, wrought iron and brass, even the kids feel its rich history, especially in the peach and white marble bathroom with its painted ceilings, stone columns and giant sunken bubble bathtub. Beautiful details include the pineapple shaped lamps, the bird print adorning the walls in the kids’ rooms,
antique desk and plenty of arts and crafts to remind you of where you are. Best of all, double doors give onto a latticework wooden balcony overlooking the Riyadh turquoise swimming pool. It’s so quiet. Unthinkable from the outside.
The huge bed is wonderfully comfortable, and the dark room makes an ideal resting place. There is a mini bar with complimentary drinks and more seating space outdoors with another terrace overlooking the pool where cool white cactus sculptures sit. It’s a bit of a maze, like the entire riad is. Exploring it is quite the adventure. Rooms after rooms with intricate furniture and chandeliers, each more opulent than the next, with a 1001 nights flavour. The best spot in the house? The rooftop with its hidden corners, bar and mezze restaurant and plunge pool. On the ground floor, the main pool and restaurant await. Breakfast is amazing. Awesome Madeleines, yummy brownies and great croissants and pains au chocolat. For something traditional there are Moroccan dishes like smokey aubergine spread, yoghurt with cucumber and spice as well as European hams and cheeses and fresh eggs from the farm! Not to mention the delicious Moroccan pancakes. Dinner is very chic, with tasty turbot, pigeon pastillas and sophisticated spider crab with avocado stuffing. The staff is just the right blend of polite and friendly, and we know we’ll miss them when we move on!
lasultanahotels.com
WHERE TO STAY… OUT OF TOWN
For the perfect antidote to the hectic chaos of Marrakesh city centre, head 15 minutes away to the swanky Fairmont resort. The estate is a haven of peace with all the resort features you could dream of, from a gorgeous all white Clarins spa, to the cutest kid’s club, a gym and several pools, as well as a choice of several restaurants.
Breakfast is a highlight. The buffet laid on is beautiful with everything you could dream of from croissants and muffins to cupcakes, cakes and pancakes - there’s also savoury, cheese boards, salmon, salads, eggs to order and plenty of freshly baked breads. A real treat. For dinner we try Al Ain, the Moroccan that serves up delicious roast pumpkin soup and Royal Couscous. It’s the perfect place to watch the sun set and skies turn pink over the Atlas Mountains with live music. The other restaurant La Caravane is all about international dining with great lamb chops, steaks and risottos. Each restaurant comes with the kid’s menu which is helpful too. There is also a Mexican option with fabulous fish tacos so plenty to chop and change!
Book into a villa, for extra space. So much space, it might be larger than your usual home. A large living/dining room open space overlooks the stunning garden with its own plunge pool. Mature gardens with heaps of bougainvillaea, palm trees and olive trees make the place feel extra special. The overall look is 1001 nights exoticism. The pool is surrounded by beautiful lanterns, sleek sunbeds with thick beige towels match the Adobe style walls and there’s plenty of dark latticed woodwork to provide much appreciated shade.
With two bedrooms, each with their own flatscreen TV and plush marble bathrooms, not to mention outdoor showers and giant walk-in wardrobes, the villa feels extremely luxurious. I love the bathrooms, with their intricate dark brown mosaic tiles, beautiful marble flagstones and Neroli products, made from rose extracts and orange blossom in keeping with the Moroccan theme. I also love the shaggy Berber carpets with their black criss cross motifs and the fireplace.
The resort is enormous, so part of the daily fun is riding the golf buggies to the restaurants. Another big attraction? The kids club! Without a doubt the swankiest one in Marrakech, this junior playground paradise is a sight to behold. A beautiful space, all mellow blues and creams, the huge space is laid out around a central ‘tree house’. Lucky little guests can join in arts and crafts, painting, reading, building or riding the very friendly looking, life-sized fluffy wooden sheep! They also run cookery classes in its full-blown professional kitchen, all in miniature size where kids can make cakes and cookies and pancakes. They are also good with arts and crafts.
Other ‘local’ excursions include the resort’s own farm where we meet Lola the six-year-old turtle, a handful of chickens, ducks, rabbits, a cow, a puppy, a pony and a couple of donkeys! A bit further afield you can head to get a taste of the desert in Agafay for dune buggy tours and to take it easy, the Clarins Spa is a world of relaxation, while the gym is perfect for a ping pong game or a workout! What more could you ask for?
fairmont.com
