Tranquil Places in Marrakech

Marrakech offers visitors an absolute explosion of sights, sounds and smells, and it is this inimitable chaos that makes it such a great place to visit – there is never a dull moment in this historic city.

However, if you’re worried about feeling overwhelmed by Marakkech’s bustle, we’ve hunted high and low to bring you the finest tranquil spots Marrakech has to offer. Giving you time to recuperate before you are ready to go exploring again.

Take A Break In The Majorelle Gardens

Situated in the heart of the city, it’s hard to believe that Marrakech houses this oasis of calm. The 12-acre gardens were the work of artist, Jacque Majorelle and are a careful maze of lush green fauna, dripping waterways, and structures of the most vibrant blue. Every year thousand of tourists flock here, and yet it doesn’t feel that way – there’s always a bench to perch on and enjoy the quiet. These gardens and the adjoining villa were once home to the designer Yves Saint Laurent, and there is a small gallery dedicated to his work.

Soak Up The History At The Bahia Palace

Visiting a well-preserved 19th century palace doesn’t often come cheap, but here at the Palais Bahia the entrance fee is only one euro meaning that you can spend as long here as you like. Whether you fancy an afternoon soaking up the cultural significance of the buildings, or just an hour obsessing over the intricate tilework, you can justify it at such a tiny price. There are rooms that open to vast white courtyards which centre upon large basins and fountains. The palace is often quiet and the tiled walkways provide shade in a city which so often basks in heat.

Have Dinner At Dar Yacout

Here we move from the very cheap to the more indulgent – it’s easy to save money on many aspects of a trip to Marrakech allowing you to splurge on the occasional thing, and eating here should definitely be one of those excesses. Dar Yacout won a TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Award in 2015 for being one of the best restaurants for fine dining in Marrakech, and it’s not hard to see why. The restaurant is set in a mansion with several floors and guests are encouraged to explore, with the aperitif in the set menu served on the rooftop terrace.

[Photo by kellyneville – Flickr]

Unwind At A Spa

Hunting for bargains in the souks can be tiring work, especially if you have lots of bags full of goodies to carry. What better way to unwind than to enjoy a massage at one of Marrakech’s spas. Les Bains de Marrakech has a great reputation, and the treatments and rooms are designed for two, giving you the opportunity to unwind with your partner. We recommend trying out the hammam treatment, at just under £40 for 45 minutes.

Take Afternoon Tea At La Mamounia

La Mamounia is something of a Marrakech institution, having played host to greats such as Winston Churchill, Alfred Hitchcock and Marlene Dietrich, to name but a few. The hotel, located on the edge of the medina is lavish to say the least. You’ll be surrounded by dedadance at its finest, with acres and acres of lush green gardens, cooling swimming pools, and a luxurious spa. However, all of this does come with a hefty price tag! If you’re looking to explore the grounds of this hotel, you don’t necessarily need to book a room. You can take afternoon tea at the Garden Pavillion for around £12 per person, which is pretty cheap for the number of delicious pastries you receive.

[Photo by Klearchos Kapoutsis – Flickr]

Enjoy A Drink Above The Crowds

Located in the French quarter of Gueliz, Kechmara offers a welcome calm spot for cocktails and food. The rooftop terrace with billowing white shades is where this bar really strikes gold, providing an oasis above the hubbub below. Go for lunch, dinner or even just evening drinks for laid back vibes – it provides a great spot to kick back and relax on summer nights.

[Photo by Karel Schoonejans – Flickr]

Escape To The Atlas Mountains

If the hustle and bustle of the city really does all get too much, escape to the Atlas Mountains for a day of veritable peace and quiet. There are a number of tours on offer but a trip to the Ourika Valley promises to be relaxing. Most of these trips give visitors the opportunity to clamber up to a waterfall in the mountains, where you can splash about to your heart’s content. The valley is also adorned with friendly cafes where you can take lunch sitting at a table in a stream. It doesn’t sound particularly peaceful but eating a tagine whilst gazing at the lush green surroundings and watching the local children play in the water could not be more so.