Marrakech

A true crossroads of Africa, Arabia and Europe, Marrakech is for many travellers a unique experience. The city thrives as Morocco's imaginative centre and attracts visitors throughout the year with its arts and crafts and various festivals.

Marrakech has been able to preserve its individual mystique and timesless allure. Berber in origin, it looks and feels like the very definition of a Moroccan desert capital.

The result of a somewhat boisterous history has made the city a vibrant Gateway of Africa. The daily life in the medina is for the most part absolutely authentic. In the shadow of the Koutoubia Mosque, the tallest in Marrakech, are the hustling, bustling crowds going about their business of buying and selling in the main square of Jemaa el Fna, spilling out into the network of alleyways of the souks (markets). This is the heart of the city and during the evening you see the square through the haze of gas lamps that illuminate the crowds who stroll amongst stall keepers, public scribes and street entertainers. You can experience the many local restaurants that line the square, or take yourselves off into the alleyways of the souks to discover the artisans skilled in leather, metal and ironwork, wood carving and basket weaving, not forgetting the many carpet sellers who will all be trying to sell you their wares. The whole community will be around haggling... be prepared.

Marrakech is surrounded by extensive palm groves, and yet there are also sandy arid areas that, when combined, give the city a semi-saharan feel. Outside the medina ramparts is the modern city of Guilez, european in character and built during the period of the French protectorate. Broad avenues and the lengthy Mohamed V Boulevard are lined with an increasing selection of modern shops, cafés, and some of the best restaurants to be found.

Fishing, Riding & Trekking

The foothills of the Atlas Mountains are less than an hours drive away where there is trout fishing, riding and trekking. You pass through fields of barley and corn, orchards full of olives, oranges, figs and pomegranate trees, and the Ourika valley.

Hot Air Balloon Rides

Enjoy spectacular views as you drift high across the moroccan landscape. Followed by a traditional breakfast.

Details are available on the Ciel d'Afrique website.

Watersports

The great reservoir of Lalla Takerkoust is less than a 30 minute drive away. All types of watersports are available.

Kite & Windsurfing, Bird Watching and Oysters

The charming seaside town of Essaouira is a pretty fishing port less than a 3 hour drive. It has wonderful sand beaches and is a great place for windsurfing. There is also the beautiful town of Oualidia with its lagoon which is famous for oysters, beaches and abundance of wild migratory bird-life.

Golf Courses

There are three superb golf courses. All are a very short distance from the villa. A further three are under construction.

Marrakech Royal Golf Club built in 1935 has 18 holes par 72 and 6,200 metres. It is a beautiful course with the Atlas mountains in the background.

Amelkis Golf Club has 18 holes par 72 and 6,657 metres. A relatively new course located in the heart of a magnificent olive grove.

Palmeraie Golf Club has 18 holes par 72 and 6,214 metres. Designed by Robert Trent in the Palmeraie, an exotic setting with an excellent hotel in the grounds.

Skiing

Just 50 miles from Marrakech lies Oukaimeden, Morocco's principal ski resort, home to 20km of runs and some off-piste (some of it chutes, accessible only by donkey). Whilst it won't challenge the Alps anytime soon, a day or so taking in the stunning Atlas Mountains views and doing a few runs is thoroughly enjoyable. Oukaimeden is a 45 minute drive from the villa.

Mount Toubkal, 4,167 metres high, is the highest mountain in Morocco where you can climb or ski trek, and is a 3 hour drive.

Especially for Children

Moroccans love children, which can be both a godsend and an irritant, as every shopkeeper in the souks will wave you into his store to both acquire your business and interact with your young one. There is plenty to keep your children's attention while you wander around the souks - music shops with lots of drums; Berber pharmacies (called herboristes) with brightly coloured concoctions; butcheries with the odd sheep or camel's head prominently displayed.

The souks are very busy areas with lots of pedestrian traffic, so be sure to keep an eye on your kids. After you're done shopping, check out the entertainment on Jemaa el Fna, where you'll also find a number of cafés and patisseries. the Ménara Garden is a good place to let little legs run free for a while. A ride around the Medina's walls on a calèche or aboard the open-top double-Decker City Sightseeing bus can be a quick fix for tired kids, and those who miss their familiar burgers and fries can stop at the McDonald's on place de la Liberté

Oasiria, the Marrakech aquatic theme park gives the feeling of being at the Beach with its wave pool and big dipper slides, 10km outside Marrakech.
Oasiria Beach, la plage à Marrakech, Km 4, Route D'Amizmiz, Cherifia, 40000 Marrakech.
Visit the Oasiria website.

Plage Rouge is 3 km from the villa.
Route de l'Ourika - KM 10, Marrakech.