Page 20 - Flipbook

Moroccoan Spice
How to make the most of Marrakesh
did you know that the market scenes in Sex and the City 2 were filmed in Marrakesh, under the guise of being in abu dhabi?
Magnificent cosmopolitan Marrakesh has long been a fashionable destination, not just for shopping but as a base for
soaking up more Moroccan culture than you can wave a handbag at.
STAY
RCi affiliated resorts in marrakesh include:
Available for Exchange or Rental Résidence Amina 2935
residence amina will be an ideal centre for a memorable holiday, located near the exclusive avenue de France, less than two kilometres from the centre of Marrakesh. the resort has a bar on the rooftop, which offers breathtaking views of the atlas Mountains, as well as a small outdoor swimming pool.
Member review: “we were not sure what to expect but were pleasantly surprised by the resort and Marrakesh the resort was ideally placed with easy access to atMS groceries and restaurants.”
marrakesh Palm Club 4259
the resort is located near Jardins de Majorelle, near the city centre. the units are furnished and decorated with wrought iron and have modern comforts. From the resort, you can visit the city, go skiing in the winter, play golf 10 km away, escape
in the Moroccan south, but also enjoy the fitness centre and spa on site at the resort.
Member review: the city was majestic we would come back here in a heartbeat.”
inclub Palmeraie 3230
located within an extensive estate development of international reputation, about 10 km from the fascinating city of Marrakesh. a car is recommended for use within the estate and to reach Marrakesh.
Member review: “Staff were lovely! Made our trip that extra bit special.”
Everywhere is a shopper’s dream in Marrakesh, as the walled city is a maze
of hidden stores bursting with authentic, well-made crafts. For ceramics, head
to Akkal, the city’s warehouse belt.
For tailor made men’s and women’s clothing, head to Beldi. For homeware and furniture, shop at Ministero del Gusto, owned by designer Alessandra Lippini. Souks (open air markets) are all around you, but the Criée Berbère is worth a special trip. It’s a hub of low-lit alleyways that used to be a slave market.
The other famous aspect to this magical city is of course the culture and food. For cultural chaos, head to Djemaa el-Fna, the food stalls there are undoubtedly the best place to eat in Marrakesh. Try harira, a delicious local soup made with lamb or beef, red lentils and vegetables. Snails are a popular cuisine, as are fried aubergines. To drink, try the special ginseng tea with cinnamon and ginger, and for breakfast try the riifa - dough stretched, flattened and folded, and cooked in a frying pan
a bit like a pancake.
Other cultural hotspots include the Place of the Dead - the open expanse at the heart of the medina where food stalls, entertainers wielding monkeys and snake charmers will get you paying for photos. And of course the Saadian Tombs, one of the most visited sites in Marrakesh is a must, featuring amazing geometric mosaics from the Arab Saadi dynasty (1554 - 1659), only rediscovered in 1917.
If you want to make like a movie director, visit the lunar landscapes seen in Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator with a day trip
to Ouarzazate. The fortified city of Ait Benhaddou Kasbah is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has featured in many films. You could also visit the traditional Portuguese harbour, Essaouira, boasting many examples of Moorish and Portuguese art, a silver souk and some incredible woodwork. If you’re feeling brave, why not get high in the Atlas Mountains, bumping along the Berber Trail in a 4x4!
Magical Marrakesh has plenty to offer everyone who visits, so there’s no need to limit your options just to shopping.
EV
20 JULY 2012