Published 28th Jun. 2021
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Boutique chic in Marrakech... Everybody loves a boutique hotel. Small and stylish (in theory), they are the perfect boltholes from which to explore our favourite cities and nowhere, but nowhere, does boutique chic like Marrakech.
The Moroccan marvel of Marrakech
We at Original Travel love this Moroccan marvel, which is quite simply the most exotic place you can get to in a short flight from the UK. There's culture and shopping galore, but the highlight can also be staying in a riad somewhere in the medina. And, boy, are there some to choose from. The latest estimate puts the number of riads in Marrakech at more than 800. And counting.
Regular visitors
With that amount of choice it can be extremely difficult to know where to start so - at the extreme risk of sounding a bit salesy - we would definitely recommend giving us a ring to find out where we're loving at the moment. Members of the Original Travel team spend a week a year in the red city checking out the latest haunts, and restaurants, cafes and bars besides, so you know you'll be making the most of your precious time away.
We know just the place...
So what should you be looking for? Well, while there are some lovely places to stay in the Palmeraie outside the city walls, the medina with its winding alleyways and bustling atmosphere is the place to be. The ideal riad will be tucked away down some tiny alley with a discreet old wooden door behind which should be a verdant (and quiet) oasis of shady terraces and tinkling fountains. There will be a handful of beautifully decorated rooms and possibly a small restaurant serving nouvelle Moroccan cuisine (not endless tagines). The owner will know all the latest boutiques and where to buy the best quality rugs, and you should be able to savour a cocktail on a small roof terrace watching the nearby Atlas Mountains turn a deeper shade of red as the sun sets. Sounds nice? We know just the places....
As regular visitors to Morocco, we know our riads from our kasbahs and our tagines from our hariras. Whether travelling as a family or a couple, our consultants know the best accommodation options for you and can plan everything from intimate picnics in the Agafay Desert to authentic interactions with Berber families. Forget about the stress of moving from A to B, as we have first-hand experience with Moroccan rail and roads and can tailor your itinerary around their nuances. Our in-country Concierges even have restaurant recommendations galore; their advice is just a WhatsApp away.
Enquire nowPractical advice and inspiration for your next trip
We believe travel should positively impact the destinations we visit, which is why our Foundation supports projects like Education For All (EFA) in Morocco. EFA is dedicated to tackling high illiteracy rates among women and girls in Morocco’s rural regions. The non-profit organisation funds boarding houses that enable teenage girls from remote villages in the Atlas Mountains to continue their secondary education.
25th November 2025 - Morocco
Any trip to Fes should include a day out to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, probably the largest and best-preserved ruins in Morocco. With scenery reminiscent of Russell Crowe’s homecoming in ‘Gladiator’ (more for the surrounding countryside than for the grisly welcome he got), Volubilis is a must-see for history buffs and lovers of picturesque vistas alike. Find out why you should visit in our Volubilis guide… 1.
23rd April 2025 - Morocco Culture
Marrakech is undoubtedly one of the ultimate city break destinations. Where else is filled with so much exoticism and mystery and yet can be reached in less than four hours from the UK? Picture this: you're slowly making your way through the sprawling labyrinthine alleys that make up Marrakech's famous souq, all hope of finding your way back seems lost, but it doesn’t matter because you’re too absorbed in soaking up everything around you.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from checking you in for your flights to our network of local Concierges
