Annie Scott

Glorious tiling on the riad floors at La Sultana Hotel Marrakech. Image © Annie Scott

La Sultana Marrakech

From the moment you arrive at La Sultana, you know you’re somewhere special. La Sultana Marrakech offers an oasis of peace and luxury in the heart of the historic Medina.

Its tranquillity and superb location make it the perfect venue for a luxury getaway. But, it is the service that makes La Sultana exceptional.

Great hospitality is an important part of Moroccan culture, and the team at La Sultana is the epitome of this. Friendly, warm and unobtrusive; nothing is too much trouble.

The main swimming pool at La Sultana Hotel Marrakech. Image © Annie Scott

The hotel is formed of five riads joined together and lovingly restored, which means plenty of hidden nooks and crannies just aching to be explored.

Lantern-lit corridors and staircases lead you from one riad to the next – each with a slightly different feel. In one, you’ll find a fountain scattered with rose petals, the next a jungle of palms, and in another a grand swimming pool flanked by wooden loungers. Each corner reveals inviting seating areas, velvet sofas, and little unexpected rooms and places to hide, eat or relax.

The décor is opulent, but not kitsch. Jewel-coloured stained glass, lush foliage, intricate tiling and finely carved cedarwood, all lit by beautiful Moroccan lanterns.

The corridor from reception at La Sultana Hotel. Image © Annie Scott

The hotel has endless nooks and crannies to relax in. Image © Annie Scott

The roof terrace is a real highlight. Spanning the entire hotel it is vast, and cleverly divided up into different areas – a solarium, plunge pool, bar and restaurant.

Pink hued stone and palm trees give a classic Moroccan feel, carved wooden canopies provide stylish shaded areas to sit, and the glass roofs over the riad squares add architectural interest.

In cooler months staff appear from nowhere to wrap you in blankets, and in warmer weather, the sun loungers are artfully laid out with towels and fabulous Sultana straw hats.

A riad courtyard – each has a different feel. Image © Annie Scott

Evening dining by the pool at La Sultana Marrakech.

The views from here are spectacular. The vantage point gives you a 360-degree view over Marrakech and the snow-topped Atlas mountains beyond.

Look out over the roofs, hear the call to prayer, watch the storks and drink in a delicious atmosphere.

Related: The Ultimate Guide to Marrakech, Morocco

Luxurious red bedroom at La Sultana Hotel Marrakech. Image © Annie Scott

Jade green tiles act as a beautifully colourful accent in the bathroom. Image © Annie Scott

A masterpiece of a bathroom at La Sultana. Image © Annie Scott

Moroccan Splendour at La Sultana

The hotel boasts 28 rooms decorated in unapologetically Moroccan splendour, each in a different theme. My room, hidden behind an enormous pair of bolted wooden doors, was opulence incarnate.

A huge, comfortable bed, sensuous red walls, intricately carved cedar wood shutters and cupboards made it feel cosy despite its generous size.

A seating area overhung with intricate, almost lace-like wood was a great place to plan my adventures and enjoy the complimentary soft drinks and snacks provided. Sultana branded leather slippers to keep and take home were another lovely touch.

The bathroom was a Moroccan dream. A fantastical jade green concoction of Moroccan tiles, gold hammered metal basins and the most decadent bath I have ever seen – a circular masterpiece under a vaulted ceiling, lit with an extravagantly beaded glass lantern.

A separate shower was also on hand, and generous quantities of Clarins products and scattered rose petals topped off the luxe experience. I could have spent days in there.

Related: 5 Incredible Luxury Hotels That Should be on Your Bucket List

Caeser salad with a flower garnish for lunch. Image © Annie Scott

Food and Drinks at La Sultana

Life at La Sultana is relaxed, thanks to the friendly staff, and food can be brought to you wherever you’re in the mood to eat. Whether you’re lazing on the enormous roof terrace or tucked away with a book in one of the little alcoves off the riad squares, you can enjoy everything from Moroccan mint tea to a delicious meal.

I visited in spring, before the weather was too hot – so morning and evening meals were served inside one of the courtyards by the main swimming pool. Usually open to the elements, in cooler months the area is covered over so you can remain snug while enjoying the riad setting.

The dinner menu is traditional Moroccan fare, although other international dishes were also available. Enjoy rich traditional tagines with melt-in-the-mouth meat, prunes and candied lemons, couscous and vegetables in Moroccan sauces.

Delicious healthy breakfast by the pool at La Sultana. Image © Annie Scott

The roof top restaurant is the perfect place for lunch. Image © Annie Scott

At breakfast coffee and hot food are brought to your table, along with a personalised printout of news from your home country – a great touch. 

The breakfast buffet is a real treat – an extensive array of smoothies, fresh juices, homemade granola, nuts, spiced dried fruits, breads and pastries. The homemade date and orange blossom jam was a real highlight.

The roof terrace restaurant is a great location for lunch.  Enjoy the panoramic views, or peer down at the ancient splendour of the Saadian Tombs in the garden next door. Lighter options are available here as well as traditional Moroccan meals on the seasonal menu. The Caesar salad and a home made smoothie make a perfect meal on a warm day. If the sun gets too much, the staff will provide you with a straw hat.

Roof terrace at sunset at La Sultana. Image © Annie Scott

The roof terrace also boasts a bar and is a wonderful setting for a sunset drink. Night-time is magical in Marrakech.

In winter months the evenings are cooler, but, with the Sultana staff bringing you blankets, you can still enjoy the stars and velvet navy skies.

An evening drink on the roof at La Sultana. Image © Annie Scott

The incredible jade pool at La Sultana Hotel. Image © Annie Scott

La Sultana Spa

It’s worth visiting La Sultana for the spa alone. Morocco does spas well – and this one really takes it to a new level. The jewel in the crown is the pool – a clear green oasis under a stone vaulted ceiling, flanked by marble columns. The light from the ornate lanterns plays off the water giving a magical almost spiritual feel.

A plethora of treatments is on offer, all aimed at serious relaxation. I opted for the “four hands” massage. Why stop at one masseuse when two are on offer? Reclining by the pool selecting my preferred oil, I felt almost embarrassed by the perfection of it all.

For those feeling a little more energetic, a small gym and games room are also available in the hotel.

Carved wooden canopies provide shade on the roof at La Sultana, Marrakech. Image © Annie Scott

What to See in Marrakech

If you can tear yourself away there are so many incredible things to do in Marrakech and La Sultana is brilliantly located to explore the city, particularly the Medina. Much of the old city is within reach on foot or the wonderful hotel staff can find you a taxi in minutes.

Walk out of reception onto the Rue de la Kasbah and you’re in the heart of old Marrakech. The road outside is full of shops, stalls, sights and smells.

Take a walk, let yourself get a bit lost (an inevitability in this rabbit warren of a city) and you’ll quickly soak up the atmosphere. It’s noisy, hectic, brightly coloured and highly addictive.

Next to the hotel are the historic Saadian Tombs which is worth a visit for the incredible Moroccan tiling. Turn left out of the hotel and visit the Complexe D’Artisanat for some great shopping away from the souks.

Shopping in the Marrakech souks. Image © Annie Scott

The hidden alleyway that leads to La Sultana. Image © Annie Scott

A fifteen-minute walk takes you to Jemaa El Fna. the enormous plaza at the heart of the Medina. Full of stalls, musicians and snake charmers it’s a must-visit, especially by night.

It’s also the gateway to the souks. We warned you might come back with more than you anticipated.

After a hard day’s exploring, I can think of nowhere better to retreat to than La Sultana. I will definitely be returning again soon.

La Sultana Marrakech

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The Fit Traveller was a guest of La Sultana Marrakech for this stay. As always, the opinions, words, and images are authentically our own.

Annie Scott

Annie Scott is a freelance writer, communications pro and wannabe urban hippy. Since quitting corporate life you’ll find her saying yes to anything that terrifies her, lurking at the back of West London yoga classes and pretending to like kale.

www.anniescott.co.uk

Annie Scott

Exploring the newer part of Marrakech, Morocco. Image © Annie Scott

Things to do in Marrakech Morocco

Exploring Marrakech feels like an adventure, and there’s always something to marvel at.

The taxi driver peeled an orange one-handed while hurtling around a corner and simultaneously honking at a donkey and cart. The man cycling past holding a silver tea tray aloft in front of him. Colourful sacks of spices in the street. Stalls piled high with strawberries and the fragrance of chestnuts and wood smoke in the air.

It’s a city of contrasts. The ancient town inside the Medina walls, and a more modern new city beyond. Decadent luxury next to shabby back streets. 

Ancient craftsmanship next to tourist tat. It’s a glorious melting pot perfect for a curious traveller.

Exploring the atmospheric streets of Marrakech’s old town. Image © Annie Scott

A trip to Marrakech can be whatever you want it to be. You can have a glorious spa weekend in a sumptuous hotel and enjoy the sunshine.

You can head to the souks and shop ‘til you drop. You can wander around ancient monuments and revel in the ambiance – or combine all of these.

Where to Stay in Marrakech

As ever on a city break it’s best to stay central – and nothing gives you a flavour of the city like staying inside the old city walls. Eschew the big chain hotels on the outskirts and dive into a Marrakech riad.

La Sultana

A luxurious gem of a hotel tucked away off a busy street, La Sultana is five riads in one. Impeccable service, sumptuous décor, and a phenomenal spa make La Sultana the ultimate sanctuary to retreat to after a busy day exploring.

Deco decor at Villa Makassar Hotel, Marrakech. Image © Annie Scott

Villa Makassar

Indulge your inner Gatsby with some Art Deco splendor at Villa Makassar, a quiet hotel tucked away on Derb Chtouka.

Large modern rooms with some quirky features (vintage cinema seats or a hot tub, anyone?) open off the central riad, and the roof terrace is great for soaking up the sun.

Lunch on the roof terrace of Dar Les Cigognes Hotel, Marrakech. Image © Annie Scott

Dar Les Cigognes Hotel

The intimate Dar Les Cigognes hotel has a real family feel. Enter by knocking the big brass knocker on the street and staff will greet you like a long-lost friend. The hotel brings together two riads – so it’s a maze of little corridors, beautifully tiled staircases, and idyllic courtyards.

A chic roof terrace is the best place for lunch, overlooking the ruined Badii Palace – a popular nesting place for storks.

The hotel also has a traditional hammam, spa services, and even cookery classes.

La Mamounia

A port of call for everyone from Winston Churchill to Will Smith, if your budget can stretch to it, stay at La Mamounia.

This art deco paradise is pure unadulterated luxury and unutterably beautiful. Built as a royal palace in the nineteenth century, the property (and its astonishing 17 acres of gardens) was turned into a hotel in 1923. Walk in and feel like a film star.

Getting Around Marrakech

Exploring on foot is my favourite way to travel around any city. It’s easy to do in Marrakech and it’s the best way to soak up the atmosphere.

Set off to any destination and your journey is likely to take in all manner of wide hectic roads, winding back-alleys, stray dogs, a van full of chickens, someone selling incredible crockery, and a near-miss with a scooter, but that’s all part of the fun.

Just look both ways when you cross the street.

Hectic roads in Marrakech, Morocco. Image © Annie Scott

Spice shops like this fill the air with delicious scents. Image © Annie Scott

If you’re staying in the old town you might need a taxi to get further afield, but taxis in Marrakech are plentiful and easy to find.

Taxis are not metered (or, at least, the meters are never used), so you’ll start the journey with a haggle.

Typically you’ll ask how much it is and the reply will be “How much do you want to pay?”.

The conversation will go from there, but taxis are relatively cheap. If you’re staying in a hidden riad, having Google Maps to hand is also helpful.

Related: How to Plan a Luxury Holiday For Less

The Best Shopping in Marrakech

Shopping in Marrakech should come with a health warning – it’s dangerously addictive. Goods are so reasonably priced and it’s hard not to fall in love with Moroccan design when spending time in this intoxicating city.

Be careful though as you may return home wondering exactly why you thought that brass tea set, giant rug, 20 pottery bowls, and enormous inlaid lantern were just the thing for your tiny studio apartment.

Eyeing off some beautiful plates in the souk. Image © Annie Scott

Lamp shopping in the souk. Image © Annie Scott

The famous souks are Aladdin’s cave of temptation, stretching for what seems like miles north of the Medina.

Access the souks from Jemaa El-Fnaa (the central square in the medina), take plenty of cash, and embrace the chaos of it all. You will get lost in this labyrinth of stalls, shops, and markets, but you’ll always find your way out again.

From stunning painted crockery, fabulous lanterns, and eye-catching slippers, to great leather goods, beautiful jewelry, spices, and Argon oil, everything is covered.

Exploring the Medina streets after dark. Image © Annie Scott

The colourful souk in Marrakech. Image © Annie Scott

Haggling is an important part of life here. Indeed, I received a friendly ticking off from one stall owner for not driving a hard enough bargain. It’s part of the process so take part with good grace and never accept the first price offered.

Where you go from here is up to you. Some guidebooks recommend only conceding at 70% or 80% below the asking price, but I’d recommend simply working out what you want to pay. Walking away is also often a good negotiating tactic.

For a sanitized version of Marrakech shopping, head to the Complexe D’Artisanat on the Rue de la Kasbah.

This enormous showroom offers all the goods you’ll find in the souks, but in an air-conditioned environment and at a set price, so no haggling here. It lacks the atmosphere of the souk but is a quiet, simple way to pick up some beautiful items without being hassled.

Related: Photography Equipment for Beginners: Choosing the Right Travel Camera

Exploring the shops and cafes in Marrakech. Image © Annie Scott

Where to Eat in Marrakech

Food in Marrakech, like so many things, is rich, sweet, and indulgent. Glorious tagines of dried fruits and butter-soft meats, cous cous, and delicious fresh salads are all staples at most eateries. Here are a few recommendations for places to eat in Marrakech.

The doorman at Le Fondouk in his Fez. Image © Annie Scott

Head to Cafe Clock for an evening of traditional storytelling, a jam session, peruse their library, or eat some delicious vegetarian food. Image © Annie Scott

Le Foundouk

It’s hard to find this little secret gem, Le Foundouk in the north of the souks – so just getting there is an adventure.

You’ll know it from the man wearing a fez and holding a lantern outside.

Inside you’ll find glorious modern Moroccan décor, wonderful service, and delicious food. In addition to traditional fare, an international menu is available in case you’ve had one tagine too many – and the cocktail (and mocktail) menu is worth exploring.

The restaurant also has a beautiful roof terrace which is perfect for a sunset drink after a busy day exploring the souks.

Café Clock

Part café, part cultural phenomenon, head to Cafe Clock for an evening of traditional storytelling (in both Arabic and English), listen to a musical “jam” session, peruse their library, or view some art.

The menu has plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, as well as fresh smoothies, homemade ice cream, and even a camel burger. 

The Bar at La Mamounia

An early evening drink at the bar of this famous hotel is a wonderful thing to do in Marrakech and a great way to enjoy a slice of famous luxury.

Sit on the terrace or inside the decadently Deco bar, and listen to the live jazz band while enjoying a cocktail – and imagine yourself in an F Scott Fitzgerald novel.

Grand Café de la Poste

Head to the new city outside the medina to this chic bistro with excellent French cooking. Built in 1925, the wonderful Art Deco interior makes this a great place to sit, enjoy, and people-watch.

The famous Majorelle Blue at the Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech. Image © Annie Scott

What to See in Marrakech

There are plenty of things to do in Marrakech, Morocco. Here are the top Marrakech sights that we highly recommend you plan to visit.

A Fruit stall in Jemaa El Fna, the main square in Marrakech. Image © Annie Scott

Jemaa El Fna

The main square in the old town and gateway to the souks is always worth a visit, particularly after dark when the night market gets going.

Home to snake charmers, musicians, storytellers, and orange juice sellers, the square is an assault of sights, sounds, and smells. Wander around and drink in the atmosphere.

Inky skies and stars at the night market. Image © Annie Scott

The Majorelle Gardens with their famous blue accents in Marrakech are a must-see. Image © Annie Scott

Majorelle Gardens

These iconic gardens, also known as the Jardin Majorelle were created by French artist Jacques Majorelle, and later saved from demolition by Yves Saint-Laurent.

It’s a stunning place to visit – the use of stunning “Majorelle blue” paint makes it truly special.

There’s a great café and the adjacent Yves Saint Laurent museum is also worth visiting. Get there early or late in the day – queues can get quite spectacular.

Saadian Tombs

This small, quiet garden houses several royal tombs from the 16^th and 17^th centuries and it remained hidden until the 1920s.

The decoration on display here is incredible, with intricate tiling, soaring arches, and carved columns.

Annie made a friend at the Saadian Tombs, Marrakech. Image © Annie Scott

Terracotta pinks and palms at the Saadian Tombs, Marrakech. Image © Annie Scott

Badii Palace

Once one of the most extravagant palaces ever built, this ruin is now home to a vast number of storks. The scale of the place is phenomenal – and gives an insight into the dynasties that came before.

Traditional Moroccan tiling in the Saadian Tombs. Image © Annie Scott

The Kasbah Mosque in Marrakech. Image © Annie Scott

What to Avoid in Marrakech

I’m often asked “Is Marrakech safe?” – particularly when it comes to being harassed as a solo female traveller and I can categorically say I felt safe in Marrakech. Here are a few tips on what to avoid and how to stay safe and comfortable while visiting Marrakech.

• You need to be respectful and cover up when you are out and about. I’d recommend covering shoulders and legs – you’ll feel more comfortable. Dressing appropriately and respectfully will minimize the additional attention you might get as a foreign woman.

• People will always try to sell you things but it’s easy enough to say “non merci” and move on without being chased down the road. French and Arabic are the main languages spoken here.
• Some of the back streets late at night are probably best avoided. While they are probably safe, the city can be confusing to navigate and you can get easily lost. Stick to more crowded areas if you can.
• You might find taxi drivers who try to take you to their friend’s shop. It is not sinister, but it can be irritating.
• Some shops will insist on sitting you down and giving you mint tea (hospitality is big) which can make you feel uncomfortable if you don’t want to buy anything, so just politely say no.
• Avoid paying too much. Taxis and the stalls expect you to haggle so the price they give you will be ridiculously high.
• Marrakech is an assault on the senses, so I wouldn’t recommend staying for more than a few days at a time. If you’re in Morocco for longer, try to get out to the Atlas mountains or visit the coast.
• The best time to visit Marrakech is in the cooler months. It gets very hot in summer so avoid visiting then. Late spring is a good time to visit.

Getting to Marrakech

Marrakech airport is served by many major airlines and is conveniently located a 15-minute drive outside the city. Compare airlines, dates and prices with Skyscanner.

Warm, evening light in Marrakech, Morocco. Image © Annie Scott

 

Annie Scott

Annie Scott is a freelance writer, communications pro and wannabe urban hippy. Since quitting corporate life you’ll find her saying yes to anything that terrifies her, lurking at the back of West London yoga classes and pretending to like kale.

www.anniescott.co.uk