The ancient city of Marrakech, in Morocco, is booming! The city is living through an exciting transformation in general maintenance and cleanliness and real estate growth. Although the charm of the old Marrakech remains mostly untouched, now is a good time to visit the city in order to still appreciate the centuries old style of living. Visiting Morocco is like time-travelling, and Marrakech in particular holds a magic charm. It is a city of contrasts with its sweet rhythm yet frantic traffic, humbleness and luxury, kindness and "complications". The international community of artists, business owners and professionals add a touch of sophistication. Many established artists, authors, fashion designers, interior designers, architects, etc. own homes in Marrakech. It is a very unique atmosphere to say the least!
Staying in one of Marrakech's beautiful private homes is a wonderful way to visit the city authentically, getting away from "package-style" tourist visits. All the homes we offer include the service of trustworthy staff. We can also offer the service of guides or drivers, whom we know personally.
Areas of Marrakech:
Gueliz: Newer part of the city built by the French during their protectorate. There are many shops, restaurants, cafs and businesses.
L'Hivernage: Most residential area of the city. There are few shops and cafs on Av. Mohamed VI, where most international hotel chains are located.
La Palmeraie: On the outskirts of the city, it is the first area reached when driving from Casablanca. It is a vast area covered with palm trees (thus its name) and holds some of the most exclusive homes outside of the city center.
We have compiled a list of recommendations to make your choice of entertainment easier:
Restaurants:
In the Medina:
Yacout: Elegant and elaborately decorated ryad in Moroccan style. Serves an all inclusive and fixed menu of traditionally Moroccan food. Be prepared for abundant food! Open for dinner only.
Le Pavillon: Beautifully decorated and charming ryad. French food. Open for dinner.
Ryad Tamsna: Moroccan and international food. Art gallery and boutique. Open for lunch and dinner.
Gueliz:
Caf de la Poste: Excellent colonial style decoration. International food. Very pleasant lounge bar upstairs. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Kechmara: Restaurant-caf. 1970's decor. Convenient place for lunch or to have an evening drink on the upstairs terrace.
Casanova: Good Italian food. Pleasant outdoor sitting. Some evenings they have live music.
Al-Fassia: One of the best in town for Moroccan food.
Bagatelle: Informal, quaint little restaurant. A favourite of residents since the 60's. International food. Terrace covered with grapevines.
Catanzaro: Informal. Good Italian food. Only indoors.
L'Hivernage:
Le Comptoir Darna: Moroccan and international food. Music. Live oriental dancers. Boutique. Open for dinner.
Route de l'Ourika:
Bô&Zin: Contemporary, chic decoration. Trendy music and atmosphere. Slick indoor and outdoor dining. International food with Thai specialties.
La Palmeraie:
The Golf Palace La Palmeraie swimming pool: "Nikki beach chill out style" for lunch and dinner. Access to spend the day at the pool by paying an entrance fee. Music and cocktails.
Chez Ali: Very touristy. Large venue for horse show and dinner with traditional folklore music and dance show. Dinner is served under a "Khaima" (Berber tent). Good Moroccan food with a set menu.
Cafs:
Le Caf du Livre: Gueliz. They also serve lunch. Nicely decorated. Second hand bookstore. Internet.
Les Ngotiants: Gueliz. Traditional Moroccan caf, very well situated on the corner of Av. Mohamed V and Blvd. Zerktouni.
Argana: Traditionally Moroccan caf situated in the Jmna El Fna Square.
Caf de France: Same as above with a terrace overlooking the square.
Caf Bougainvilles: Serves meals. Small boutique. 33 rue El Mouassine, in the Medina.
Bar and Piano Bars:
The Churchill Piano Bar: Situated in La Mamounia Hotel. Very pleasant to have an aperitif before or after dinner. Live piano, jazz.
Pacha: Discotheque.
In the surroundings of Marrakech:
Le Relais du Lac: About half hour drive to the "Barrage Lalla Takerkourst". Very natural and rustic outdoor restaurant with beautiful views of the "Lake" and surrounding Atlas Mountains. Open for lunch and dinner (only go with good weather). Simple Moroccan grilled meat and vegetables. It is a lovely excursion for children as well, with the possibility of canoeing. Beware of receding sand on the shore, upon entering to swim.
La Roseraie: Forty five minutes drive. Quaint charming country style hotel, nicely furbished. Has a lovely tranquil restaurant by the swimming pool. International and Moroccan food. Boutique.
Interesting visits:
The Souk and Jmna El Fna Square: The traditional Moroccan market intertwines in a labyrinth of ancient narrow roads, where anything and everything is sold from craft goods, to chameleons. At peak hours, it is a hustle and bustle of people, donkeys, carts and motorcycles.
The Jmna El Fna square, named world heritage by UNESCO is fascinating. Open stalls are set up selling orange juice, dried fruits, etc. which turn into outside "restaurants" at sundown, serving Moroccan specialties including lamb's head. Only for strong stomachs! Snake charmers, monkeys, musicians and story tellers all group around this square.
Ministero del Gusto: Fantastic space created in a ryad. Art gallery belonging to interior designers Alessandra Lippini and Fabrizio Bizzarri. Exhibitions of Art, furniture, jewellery and vintage fashion. Mouassine. La Medina.
La Menara: Spectacular views of the Atlas Mountains over a gorgeous Pavillon and an enormous pond. Surrounded by vast agricultured grounds and olive trees
La Koutoubia: This mosque was built in the XII century by sultan Albdel Mounem, Almohades dynasty. Its famous minaret, which can be seen from most places of Marrakech, was built by the grandson of the sultan, Yacoub El-Mansour.
Les Jardins de Majorelle: The use of blue and green colours and the variety of plants and flowers make this a charming garden. Sits by the house of Yves St. Laurent.
Palais Baha: This is a beautiful palace built in the XIX century by the grand vizir Sidi Moussa. Has beautifully decorated walls and ceilings.
Saadiens Tombs: This is one of the vestiges of the Saadiens Dynasty who reigns in Marrakech from 1524 to 1659.
Medersa Ben Youssef: Interesting for its history and architecture (Medersa = School of Koran)
Museum of Marrakech: The beautiful architecture is more interesting than the exhibition display.
L'Ensemble Artisanal: Moroccan craft goods sold in many different specialised stalls. One large main shop. Fixed prices (generally).
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