Marrakech is Morocco’s breakaway success, a desert trading town that parlayed its bold character, exotic souqs and sun into tourism gold. It was Youssef ben Tachfine, the Amazigh warrior-king from the High Atlas who recognised the city’s strategic location and built the iconic red-earth ramparts in 1062. Subsequent Moroccan dynasties of Almohads, Saadians and Alawites fortified and embellished this desert stronghold with a kasbah (castle), gilded palaces, glorious gardens, qissaria (covered markets) and foundouks (trading houses) paid for by the wealth of trans-Saharan trade.
They also invested in fabulous riads, Marrakech’s signature courtyard mansions set around an internal garden which provide the city’s most atmospheric accommodation. Meanwhile heritage hotels like La Mamounia – built to accommodate wealthy travellers when the railway arrived in the 1930s – boast five-star facilities. In the 1950s and 1960s, Marrakech’s fame increased thanks to a steady stream of heiresses and rock stars, who sought out discreet villas and louche parties in the high-walled villas in the palmeraie (palm grove). Now, Marrakech is Morocco’s premier tourism destination with the finest properties in the country, including big-name resorts, golf courses and a requisite Four Seasons. So why not see what all the fuss is about and treat yourself to a stay in one of Marrakech’s 10 best hotels?
