Why your next holiday should be in Marrakech

There are not many cities that can rival the Moorish jewel of Marrakech as a holiday destination. This spectacular city offers everything one could wish for from an exotic getaway. From the city's sumptuous gardens, the panoramic backdrop of the majestic Atlas Mountains, and the captivating aromas and flavours of Moroccan cuisine, to the most picturesque golf courses, delightfully coloured courtyards and patios, the trendy new town of Gueliz and the breathtaking architecture of the palaces, mosques, riads and museums of the ancient Medina, and, of course, the famed hospitality of the locals, Marrakech is a traveller's dream.

So, whether you have longed to take in the sights, sounds and smells of the colourful souks of Jemaa el-Fna, take a camel ride with the family in the Agafay Desert or simply sip a mint tea while stretched out in a luxuriant palm-lined garden, a trip to Marrakech can't fail to enchant you.

We take a look at just a few of the experiences that await you, and tell you why your next holiday simply must be in Marrakech...

There are few locations more romantic than Marrakech. Walk hand-in-hand through the elegant gardens of the Majorelle, share a mint tea (or something a little stronger) on a beautiful rooftop terrace as the sun goes down, explore the winding streets, colourful souks, elegant patios and secluded spots that dot the city. And of course, treat your loved one to the pampering they deserve in a traditional hammam.

With the airport so close the city, and the flight times relatively short from most European cities, don't be afraid to whisk away your partner away to this magical destination for a romantic getaway. This exotic city of sensuous delights really is the best place to fall in love all over again. 

Children and adults alike will no doubt be captivated by the vibrant life inside the famous Medina, where the sights and sounds emanating from the lively souks and bustling squares are sure to leave a lasting impression. But there are also a number of fantastic excursions into the Agafay desert or the Atlas Mountains where the kids can really have fun.

Children are unlikely to forget a camel ride in the Palmeraie or into the Agafay Desert, and won't be able to wait to tell their friends about the hot air balloon ride over Marrakech and the nearby Berber villages. A visit the wonderful nearby lake of Lalla Takerkoust in the Atlas Mountains, offers the opportunity to do some jet skiing, while there are numerous options available to anyone looking to go biking or hiking in the beautiful Ourika Valley or on a climb to Mount Toubkal.

Then, for older kids (and adults!) there's the opportunity to go karting or even hit the fantastic Oasiria waterpark, where they will go nuts for the wave pool and the Rio Loco!

With that much to keep them busy, who needs the beach?

Sometimes a few nights break in another environment is exactly what you need. And there's really nowhere better to experience something truly out of the ordinary and so close to Europe than Marrakech.

We have already waxed lyrical about the excursions to nearby mountains, deserts and lakes, but the city itself also hosts a huge amount of fascinating spots to explore. From the sensational Garden Majorelle to the iconic Koutoubia mosque, the famous Jemaa el-Fna square to the museums, galleries hammams, patios, souks and so much more, all within walking distance of the famous medina of the old town.

Meanwhile the local Moroccan cuisine is reason alone to visit, whether to sample an authentic tagine in a local restaurant or to take cookery classes so that you can bring home new expertise to impress your family and friends with.

But more than anything, it is the indescribable feeling of the bustle of city life, of the exotic and unexpected, which you find around every corner, that will create truly unforgettable memories.

Authentic riads and luxury villas offer the full package 

Villanovo has carefully selected a range of luxury villas and riads in Marrakech to meet your every need. Beautiful properties with stunning interior patios, heated swimming pools, lush green gardens, delightful hammams, professional housekeepers and personal chefs are all available in the most sought after destinations in Marrakech.