Red City Retreat

Marrakech. Even the name conjures up a world full of colour, sights, sounds and scents that feel a million miles from home. And after a few days delving into the endless treasures found in and around the Red City’s ancient medina walls, Marketing Manager Sue Saunders found herself head over heels…

So why Marrakech? Famous for its souks, spices, snake charmers and hidden palaces, these days Marrakech is prized just as much for its trendy art galleries and hip hotels. But it's also the ideal base for exploring the snow-capped Atlas Mountains and a Morocco that time has left untouched: one of enduring views, hidden Berber villages or more exhilarating 4x4 safaris, mountain treks and the camel rides across the dunes.

Good to know Despite the size of this intoxicating city, and its maze of souks, this is a place that's pretty easy to navigate. Head to the extraordinary Place Jemaa El'Fna – an absolute must-see at the heart of the Medina that by night magically transforms into an open-air carnival of storytellers, acrobats, musicians and entertainers – the main souks are to the north of the square, and you'll find most of the sights are within easy walking distance from here.

When to go They say Marrakech is a good year-round destination but the summer months can get crazy-hot, so unless you like soaring temperatures and a dry desert heat, visit between September and May as the winters are generally mild and the temperatures much more bearable, especially for exploring!

My favourite experience For a truly unforgettable and extremely fun-filled escapade outside of the city, head into the Atlas Mountains. Collected from your hotel, you'll be whisked off by 4x4, taking in the incredible scenery (great for keen photographers) en-route to a local village where you'll enjoy a sweet mint tea with the locals. After that, you'll venture further into the mountains by mule, making the last part of the journey to Kasbah Toubkal on foot. Here, you'll enjoy tasty, authentic Moroccan cuisine, before returning by mule back to the jeep for your ride home. Brilliant!