Gorgeous ancient city with incredible weather all year a short flight from the UK

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Stepping outside of the hotel straight into the heart of Marrakesh is almost like stepping back in time, but the city brilliantly weaves together ancient traditions with modern luxuries

Nestled within the vibrant heart of Morocco lies a city that effortlessly captivates the senses and transports travellers to a realm of enchantment – Marrakesh.

With its labyrinthine streets and bustling souk markets, this ancient city is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. Renowned for its intricate pink-hued architecture and rich cultural tapestry, it attracts adventurers from far and wide to immerse themselves in its kaleidoscope of colours, scents, and sounds.

We flew into the airport and based ourselves just 15 minutes away, but also centrally located, at the stylish four star adults only TUI Blue Medina Gardens Hotel with garden-lined pools, spa and even its own shisha lounge.

It’s oasis of calm and sanctuary of comfort, elegance and relative silence brilliantly located on the doorstep of everywhere you’d wish to walk to by foot. The hotel’s traditional Moroccan architecture, adorned with intricate mosaics and lush gardens, immediately immersed me in the rich cultural tapestry of the city.

The rooms, exquisitely designed with a blend of modern amenities and traditional decor, provided a serene retreat after a day of exploration. The staff, embodying the renowned Moroccan hospitality, greeted me with warm smiles and impeccable service throughout my stay.

Stepping outside of the hotel straight into the heart of Marrakesh is almost like stepping back in time, but the city brilliantly weaves together ancient traditions with modern luxuries.

Its beating heart, the central square called the Jemaa el-Fnaa, is a spectacle like no other. By day, it bustles with snake charmers, performing monkeys, henna artists and spice merchants vying for attention. By night, it transforms into a vibrant night market packed with street food stalls under the glow of lanterns.

A visit to the majestic Koutoubia Mosque, with its towering minaret piercing the sky, offered a glimpse into Morocco’s rich architectural heritage. The tranquil gardens of Jardin Majorelle is a haven of exotic flora with its cobalt-blue walls and exotic botanical wonders which once belonged to fashion designer Yves Saint-Laurent. It provided a welcome escape from the city’s frenetic pace. We also checked out the Bahia Palace where the King lives and can recommend a visit to an ancient school, the Medersa Ben Youssef, to see how the learned once learnt.

Off the Jemaa el-Fnaa square are the many entrances to the narrow alleyways which make up the ancient Medina where I was enveloped by a whirlwind of sights and sounds. It’s easy to get lost in the dizzying maze of streets where you feel you can get anything you want at a price; although probably not the original brand.

Fake watches and cheap jewellery, leather bags, clothing, wooden carvings, fresh olives, fragrant spices… each turn revealed hidden treasures but venture deeper and you will reach skilled craftsman bashing on pieces of steel or leather to make you something of quality. By the time I found some brass taps in the shape of fish I was starting to think a weekend in Marrakesh could be cheaper than a trip to IKEA to furnish a new home.

Of course, many vendors are desperate for a sale and some travellers would worry that being pestered by street sellers could ruin such an experience, but I found they were far from annoying, certainly less so than in other countries I could mention. Whatever price they offer you in the souk, offer half, and remember, you will only be offered the best price when you walk away.

One cannot truly experience Marrakesh without indulging in its culinary delights, and despite our hotel being all inclusive, we also ventured out from the hotel for dinner on occasion.

One delightful location, the Dar Essalam restraurant in the Medina, is to be recommended for its great food and ambiance but also lively entertainment (audience participation optional). It’s where Alfred Hitchcock filmed The Man Who Knew Too Much with Doris Day, the first film I rented on my return to the UK to picture myself amid the scenes. We also took time out to lunch at a roof-top restaurants Nomad, nestled among the pink-hued terraciotta roofs of the city. Moroccans love their tagine, a kind of casserole cooked in an earthenware pot bursting with aromatic spices, which is a must to sample.

Each time we explored a different part of the city we were able to retreat to our hotel and relax on sun beds in temperatures nudging 30 degrees in February. I doubt that this will be the last time I visit the city for a bit of winter sunshine at a reasonable price, and maybe to pick up a bargain in the souks too.