With its famous medina now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a labyrinth of souks to explore and luxury riads to stay at, there’s never been a better time to head to Marrakech. Whether you’re looking for a spot of winter sun or want to soak up the culture later on in the year, you won’t be disappointed. We were surprised by how much was on offer – and in fact, your only problem is likely to be not having enough time to explore.

Where to stay in Marrakech

Hidden down a little alleyway, you’d never find Tarabel Marrakech unless you knew it was there, which makes it the perfect place to rest and relax after a long day of exploring. Upon arrival you step into a courtyard filled with orange trees and are welcomed with fresh mint tea, served with the most delicious biscuits. Looks can be deceiving – you may think the riad is small but there are three hid- den courtyards and cosy alcoves to unwind in. One of our favourite features was the mirror which opened up to reveal the hammam and spa, where you can indulge in a much-deserved massage or facial.

The hotel is made up of just 10 individually designed rooms and suites, meaning peace and quiet is guaranteed. If you can pull yourself away from your room, take a dip in the outdoor pool or recline in the sun on one of several roof terraces.

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While the hotel doesn’t have a restaurant, it does have a dedicated kitchen team who are on hand to ensure you get to sample the best Marrakech has to offer. We enjoyed a romantic candlelit dinner on one of the many terraces, which was the perfect start to our trip. Our three-course Moroccan meal was bursting with flavour, starting with a trio of salads and sweet meat samosas before tucking into a chicken tagine with a citrus infusion. To finish it was a heavenly molten chocolate cake accompanied by sliced orange with a dusting of cinnamon.

The kitchen is also open for lunch, but it was breakfast that stole the show – we still think about the fluffy pancakes with honey and fresh fruit juice served in the warmth of the morning sun on the roof terrace.

What to do in Marrakech

We’d never been to Marrakech before but had a long list of spots we wanted to visit – but with just two days to pack it all in, we had to be decisive. Just a five minute walk from the hotel and amongst the hustle and bustle of the medina is Le Jardin Secret, a small but stunning garden filled with plants from across the continent. Stop and spend a minute or two under the pergola that sits in the centre of the gardens.

If you love fashion then be sure to head to Le Jardin Majorelle and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. The garden is an oasis of calm and will have you stopping to take photos at every turn. Make sure you book tickets online to avoid disappointment, and get an early slot to avoid crowds.

And if you love architecture then Bahia Palace is a must. You’ll be blown away by the stunning tile designs on the floors and walls along with the beautifully painted ceilings and wooden doors. Our favourite spot however was Dar El Bacha Museum, which is located just minutes from Tarabel. Set back from the street, you’ll be open mouthed as you step into the courtyard with its intricate tiled floors, handpainted ceiling and the garden full of pomegranate trees.

Stop for a drink at Bacha Coffee, which is hidden inside the museum (although be warned, you may be waiting a while for a seat).

And finally, you can’t spend time in Marrakech without heading to the souk. The little alleyways are lined with small shops selling everything from jewellery and leather goods to spices and rugs. It’s a visual feast and you can easily lose hours exploring.

Hidden hotspot

One of our favourite finds while exploring the city was Ice Mamman. Once you’re finished haggling in the souks or just tired from exploring, this ice cream parlour with a roof terrace has everything from sorbets, snacks and smoothies for you to enjoy. The winning flavour has to be the chocolate ice cream – absolutely delicious!

How much does it cost?

Rooms at Tarabel Marrakech cost around €350 per night including breakfast. Marrakech is served by direct flights with BA, easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair, TUI and WIZZ Air from various locations across the UK, and Aer Lingus and Ryanair from Ireland.