Not too long ago, Morocco for British tourists meant Marrakech and little else. Today there’s a veritable feast for travellers to explore, from beautiful beaches and empty desert dunes to snow-capped mountains and crowded city souks, and all under a four-hour flight from the UK.
Just over three hours from the UK, Morocco brings together desert, mountains, coast and city in a way that feels far beyond its short-haul flight time.
Marrakech, also known as the Red City, is where many Moroccan journeys begin with its busy medina, labyrinthine souks and a choice of elegant riads or luxury hotels.
The Atlas Mountains and Agafay Desert are natural extensions of a Marrakech trip, whether for walking, cycling, rural stillness or a night under the stars in a desert camp.
A stay here can include a wide mix of experiences — everything from cookery classes and hammams to birdwatching on the Oualidia Lagoon or exploring Marrakech by vintage sidecar.
Morocco’s Atlantic coast has fantastic seafood, paddleboarding and surfing in places like Tamuda Bay, Oualidia, Larache and Casablanca.
Morocco offers a taste of the exotic without the need for longhaul travel, be it the heady perfume of orange blossom, the cool refreshing taste of mint tea, the pungent smell of the tanner’s yard, the wailing of the muezzin or the cascade of colour at a local spice market.
Haggle for souvenirs in the souks of Marrakech. Follow your nose through Fez’s ancient medina to the city’s famous tanneries. Marvel at the size and intricate detail of the Hassan Il Mosque in Casablanca. Watch fishermen bring in their daily catch beneath the 18th-century ramparts of delightful Essaouira. Soak up the solitude of the Agafay Desert. Surf world-class waves on the Atlantic coast. Or set out on foot on a guided trek through the mighty High Atlas, where Berber villages cling like limpets to the steep and terraced hillsides.
If you’re looking to move around, the best times to visit are April, May, September and October, with warm temperatures right across the country. July and August can be very hot in Marrakech and in the southern desert areas but perfectly pleasant on the coast and in the Atlas Mountains, which can be cold in the winter months, with snow on the peaks. Ramadan is an interesting time to visit, with the pace of life slower in the daytime but evenings livelier than ever in the streets of Marrakech as the breaking of the fast is celebrated.
You'll find Park Hyatt Marrakech on the edge of the city, where the busy medina gives way to open sky and views of the Atlas Mountains. It offers a contrast to the city without losing sight of what people come to Marrakech for.
With its whitewashed villas, Michelin-calibre dining, and a wellness offering to rival Europe’s best, Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay reframes Morocco’s north coast as a destination for travellers seeking rest, ritual, and refinement.
Discover a cool, contemporary oasis set in ten acres of fragrant grounds dotted with olive trees, within easy reach of Marrakech’s foremost sights and city centre attractions. Moroccan heritage meets Oriental charm as fabulous 5-star amenities, warm hospitality and refined food make this a standout property on the city’s hotel scene.
An award-winning property in Sir Richard Branson’s lavish hotel portfolio, the striking Kasbah Tamadot is an exclusive hideaway located high in the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Lofty luxury abounds throughout the hotel, with Berber-style tents, alfresco dining and breathtaking mountain views as far as the eye can see.
A 1950s icon re-imagined, Royal Mansour Casablanca revives the city’s first five-star hotel with a clear sense of purpose. Expect standout dining, a world-class spa, and panoramic views of the Hassan II Mosque, all set in one of the city’s most architecturally rich districts.
Set in an old citrus and olive farm with cinematic views of the High Atlas, this beautifully decorated resort has been designed to resemble a traditional Moroccan palace and offers both mountain-view rooms and villas with private pools.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cut sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis