Marrakech-Morocco

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Travel Marrakech-Morocco

If you’re looking for guaranteed sunshine, unforgettable food, and rich culture, Marrakech should be high on your travel list. The city offers something for every type of traveller, from bustling souks and historic mosques to tranquil gardens, luxury hotels, and world-class dining.

My best friend and I visited Marrakech in July 2024, and this was my second visit, five years after my first. Somehow, it was even better than I remembered. Summer temperatures can climb close to 40°C, but with the right balance of activities and relaxation, it’s an incredible destination.

Alongside the culture and food, our hotel was a real highlight — luxurious, beautiful, and perfectly located for exploring the city while still feeling like a peaceful oasis.

I visited again in 2025, staying at the Hivernage Hotel & Spa, which is located around the corner from the Sofitel and next to Nobu. The hotel is another 5-star hotel, with luxury rooms, a pool, a gym area, and a rooftop bar. Another great choice for travellers.

Hotel Overview : Bahia Principe Fantasia Tenerife

  • Hotel: Sofitel Marrakech Palais Imperial & Spa
  • Star Rating: 5-star luxury hotel
  • Location: Hivernage, Marrakech
  • Distance from Airport: Approx 18-minute drive
  • Date of Visit: July 2024
  • Travel Style: Luxury, couples, friends, solo travel, family travel
  • Best For: Couples, friends, families, and solo travellers
  • Approximate Cost: 1-week stay in July 2026, 2 adults, flights included: approx £738 per person
  • Flight Time from the UK: Approx 3 hours
  • 6 swimming pools (4 outdoor, 1 indoor, 1 children’s pool)
  • Heated pool available
  • 5 restaurants
  • 4 bars
  • Fully equipped gym
  • Spa & wellness centre
 

Contemporary Deluxe Room with Balcony

Our room had a beautiful Moroccan-inspired design, which added to the overall charm of the stay. The balcony offered stunning views of the Atlas Mountains, especially magical at sunrise and sunset.

Room Amenities Included

  • Robe & slippers
  • Bottled water
  • Luxury toiletries
  • Private balcony with Atlas Mountain views
The bed deserves a special mention — it’s genuinely one of the best hotel beds I’ve ever slept in. The duvet and pillows feel like sleeping on clouds, giving you the deepest, most restful sleep.
Breakfast at Sofitel Marrakech is outstanding and easily one of the best I’ve experienced. There are multiple stations serving fresh, high-quality food, with excellent options for vegetarian and gluten-free diets. You’ll find:
  • Fresh fruit, nuts, and cheeses
  • Eggs cooked to order
  • A wide selection of breads and pastries

The staff are incredibly accommodating. One morning, I asked if I could swap salmon for guacamole on a croissant — and they remembered, making it for me every single day.
Top tip: Do not skip breakfast — it’s worth waking up for.

marrakech itinerary 2024

Getting to Sofitel Marrakech Palais Imperial & Spa

I booked our package with British Airways Holidays, which offers direct flights to Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) from major UK airports, including Gatwick and Heathrow.

With a flight time of around 3 hours, Marrakech is ideal for a short luxury escape filled with sun, food, culture, and relaxation. The hotel is approximately an 18-minute drive from the airport. Taxis are available at the airport taxi stand (pre-paid), or you can download Careem or InDrive, which are widely used ride-hailing apps in Marrakech and work similarly to Uber.

First Impressions of the Hotel

From the moment you arrive, the experience feels special. Security guards open the gates only for approved vehicles, and friendly staff greet you at the entrance while assisting with your luggage.

While waiting to check in, guests are offered traditional Moroccan mint tea along with delicious macaroons — an immediate taste of Moroccan hospitality.

The hotel smells incredible, with a spacious, elegant lobby and attentive staff. There’s a luxurious atmosphere as soon as you step inside, and it only continues throughout the resort.

Getting to Sofitel Marrakech Palais Imperial & Spa

I booked our package with British Airways Holidays, which offers direct flights to Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) from major UK airports, including Gatwick and Heathrow.
With a flight time of around 3 hours, Marrakech is ideal for a short luxury escape filled with sun, food, culture, and relaxation.
The hotel is approximately an 18-minute drive from the airport. Taxis are available at the airport taxi stand (pre-paid), or you can download Careem or InDrive, which are widely used ride-hailing apps in Marrakech and work similarly to Uber.

First Impressions of the Hotel

From the moment you arrive, the experience feels special. Security guards open the gates only for approved vehicles, and friendly staff greet you at the entrance while assisting with your luggage.

While waiting to check in, guests are offered traditional Moroccan mint tea along with delicious macaroons — an immediate taste of Moroccan hospitality.

The hotel smells incredible, with a spacious, elegant lobby and attentive staff. There’s a luxurious atmosphere as soon as you step inside, and it only continues throughout the resort.

marrakech itinerary 2024

Pools & Relaxation

The pools at the hotel are luxurious, with plenty of sunbeds and cabanas. We planned our sightseeing in the early mornings, then returned to the hotel to relax by the pool in the afternoon, and there were always beds available.

We tried the heated pool, and even in 40°C heat, it was surprisingly comfortable. Staff are attentive and happy to move umbrellas to provide shade when needed.

The remaining pools are perfectly cooled, ideal for escaping the Moroccan sun. One of the best parts is the peaceful atmosphere — birds tweeting softly, making it feel like your own private oasis.

The hotel smells incredible, with a spacious, elegant lobby and attentive staff. There’s a luxurious atmosphere as soon as you step inside, and it only continues throughout the resort.

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Best Restaurants & Bars in Marrakech

  • Hotel: Safran by Koya Imperial Spa
  • Moroccan & Mediterranean cuisine
  • Live performances and vibrant atmosphere
  • Book an outdoor table after 8–9 pm (best vibe)
  • Vegan & vegetarian options available
  • Must try: Eggplant caviar with black truffle
  • 6-minute drive or 20-minute walk from the hotel
  • Hotel: La Trattoria
  • Stunning Art Deco villa setting
  • Over 50 years old
  • Candle-lit dining by the pool
  • Romantic and dreamy atmosphere
  • Gluten-free options available
  • Book after dark to experience the magic
  • Tip: Request a poolside table (Côté Piscine Delight Moment)
  • 11-minute drive from the hotel
  • Hotel: Azzera – Four Seasons Marrakech
  • Pool bar with a peaceful, luxurious setting
  • Mediterranean menu under olive trees
  • Vegetarian options available
  • Must try: Veggie burger
  • 9-minute drive from the hotel
For dinner, Inara at Four Seasons is another excellent choice, serving rich Moroccan dishes overlooking fountains inspired by traditional riads. Ask for a terrace table.
  • Hotel: Buddha-Bar Marrakech
  • Asian fusion cuisine with a live show
  • Internationally renowned brand
  • Book after 9 pm; shows run from 10 pm–12 am
  • Great for groups
  • Request a table in the main room for the best view
  • 5-minute drive or 16-minute walk from the hotel
  • Hotel: Kabana Rooftop
  • Located at the entrance to the Medina
  • Great for lunch or dinner
  • Views of the iconic Koutoubia Mosque
  • Must try: Guacamole
  • Visit after dark for the best atmosphere
  • 9-minute drive or 20-minute walk
  • Hotel: Nobu Marrakech
  • World-famous Nobu restaurant & rooftop bar
  • Panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains
  • Sunset is the best time to visit
  • Rooftop entertainment on select nights
  • Shisha available
  • 3-minute walk from the hotel
  • Hotel: Le Jardin
  • Slice of peace in the busy streets of the souks
  • Delicious food mixture of Moroccan and European
  • A combination of Moroccan and European chic
  • Hotel: Comptoir Darna (2025 edition)
  • Exceptional Mediterranean & Moroccan cuisine
  • Live shows during dinner
  • Book for after 8/9 pm
  • 4 min walk from the hotel

Things to Do During the Day

  • Hotel: Jemaa el-Fnaa & Souks
  • Visit in the morning or evening for the atmosphere
  • Keep bags secure; be mindful of pickpockets
  • Try fresh juices (pomegranate & strawberry are my favourites)
  • Walking distance from the hotel
  • Bring cash — haggling is expected
  • Hotel: Medersa Ben Youssef
  • Architectural gem in the heart of the old town
  • Perfect for history lovers
  • Close to the souks — easy to combine
  • Beautiful both day and night
  • Hotel: Marajah Spa
  • Traditional oriental hammam experience
  • Must try: Royal Package
  • Value for money
  • Excellent value for money
  • Perfect for couples, friends, or mother–daughter trips
  • 7-minute drive from the hotel
  • Hotel: Jardin Majorelle
  • Book tickets online in advance
  • Peaceful gardens with iconic cobalt blue buildings
  • Final resting place of Yves Saint Laurent
  • Located next to the YSL Museum – perfect for fashion lovers
  • 11-minute drive from the hotel

Final Thoughts

If you’re visiting Marrakech during the summer months, I highly recommend doing activities early in the morning, before the heat peaks. This allows you to enjoy the culture and adventure, then spend your afternoons relaxing by the pool — the perfect balance

I would absolutely recommend both Sofitel Marrakech Palais Imperial & Spa and the restaurants listed above. Marrakech has a naturally romantic, luxurious vibe, making it ideal for couples, friends, and solo travellers alike.
This won’t be my last visit, I’ll definitely be back.

Gallery of Our Sofitel Marrakech Palais Imperial Spa
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