MARRAKECH

A 14th century Islamic college that will cement your love for Moroccan architecture and design, the Ben Youssef Madrasa is eye-candy in the heart of Marrakech. Intricately carved cedar and marble meet Morocco’s signature mosaic tiles, covering a courtyard complete with a washing pool and student living quarters once fit for over 100 Islamic scholars. Picturesque archways and wooden balconies will leave you wishing you went to school in this city some 700 years ago.

With more silver jewellery and leather goods than the most imaginative shopaholic could dream of, the medina in Marrakech will have you captivated for hours. Taking a wrong turn in this maze of mayhem will rarely lead you astray. You may happen upon the overpowering tanneries or find yourself sitting in the vegetarian farm-to-table oasis of Earth Cafe. If you can resist taking home a woven rug or hand-painted tagine, your self-control is impeccable.

To see the city from a completely new angle and tick an awe-inspiring activity off the bucket-list, a sunrise hot air balloon ride is a must-do activity when you visit Marrakech. With some companies offering their balloon rides teamed with a camel trip and breakfast in a rug-filled tent, the experience will be something you remember for a lifetime. With the sun peaking up and touching the far-off glimpses of the Sahara, the views are nothing short of remarkable.   

After long tiring days of Marrakech sightseeing, a traditional hammam will be just what the body is yearning for. A traditional, royal body treatment involving a vigorous scrub often teamed with a steaming and massage, it is said to eliminate toxins and leave the body feeling young and soft. Offered in opulent, tranquil spas in Marrakech complete with nourishing products like oils of argan, eucalyptus, and rose, you are sure to leave feeling renewed and relaxed from the inside out.

Arm yourself with a sprig of mint and prepare to be overwhelmed, the leather tanneries of Marrakech are a jolting reminder of what our bags and shoes are really made of. The animal skins sit fermenting in pigeon poo and baking in the sun before being soaked in vats of barks and vegetables to achieve an array of bright coloured leather. Though not many visitors stay more than 15 minutes due to the smell, it’s still declared the best of Marrakech sightseeing. Best timed after your shopping or you may be turned off making purchases.