OUR new Spotlight On column gives you the lowdown on what to see and do in your favourite holiday hotspots.
This week we’re shining the light on Morocco’s Marrakech where it’s a balmy 23C right now.
Lisa Minot, Head of Sun Travel, filled us in on her recent trip to the Moroccan city. She said: “I’ve just returned from a wonderful long weekend in Marrakech and the city is as exciting as ever.
“We were sunbathing on the roof of our riad in the Medina in glorious 22 degree temperatures – and I loved the amazing desert landscapes just 40 minutes from the hustle and bustle of the souks.
“Tourism is booming in the city and while the streets are as colourful and chaotic as ever, the influx of visitors has brought some gorgeous new bars, restaurants and stunning hotels.”
She added: “It pays to do your research and book restaurants and tours in advance though as even in February and the start of Ramadan, the souks were teeming and lots of places were fully booked.
“We did a three-hour food tour of the Medina with Get Your Guide and while stuffing ourselves on some fantastic street food I probably would never have had the courage to try on my own, he revealed the secrets of the city and its fascinating past.
“With six stops along the way, there was more than enough food and it cost just £35 each.
“My favourite stop was deep in the souks – a dish the locals love where beef is cooked in a dry frying pan with tomato, spices and eggs that is eaten by scraping the delicious dish straight from the pan.
“Also worth the money was our very special day in the Agafay Desert. An hour’s drive from the souks and we arrived at The White Camel, a luxury tented camp.
“After an afternoon of dune buggy fun we watched the sun set with a drink by their infinity pool before indulging in a fantastic four course meal.”
Lisa continued: “It cost just £170 for everything including the dune buggies, food, drink and transfers to and from the city.
“Two things to note though. Keep an eye out for the motorcyclists that whizz through the narrow streets of the Medina though – it’s the one thing that perhaps is ruining the charm of the city.
“And beware the henna ladies in the Jemaa el-Fnaa main square – they can be quite aggressive in dragging you to sit and have your hands painted and demand outrageous sums. Politely and firmly pull your hand back and avoid.”
Must see and do
You can’t go to this cultural city without experiencing the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square and all of its vibrant cafes and colourful stalls.
The square, in the heart of Marrakech, has been named a Unesco World Heritage site and it captures the city in a nutshell, making it ideal for first-timers.
Most of the cultural experiences are free to see, including musicians, snakecharming, above, and other street performers.
And make sure to visit one of the square’s many food stalls to pick up some maakouda – a traditional potato cake.
Hidden gem
Within the Kasbah district, you’ll find the Saadian Tombs. This historical landmark often gets overlooked by tourists, but is one of the city’s most beautiful spots.
The 14th-century site was discovered in 1917 and the tombs are some of the most lavish you’ll ever see, made from Italian Carrara marble, while the ceilings are decorated in pure gold.
Best view
With 360-degree views, the Nobu Hotel’s rooftop offers some of the best vistas.
Here, you’ll be able to watch the sun shimmer over the Atlas Mountains, while tucking into quality sushi or sipping on a cocktail – go for one of their signatures like the Atlas Breeze made with vodka, basil syrup, lime and ginger beer.
The best time to visit is at sunset, when you can listen to mellow tunes from a live DJ.
Rated restaurant
For traditional Moroccan dishes in a charming setting, head to Safran By Koya, a short walk from the Koutoubia mosque. It can be pricey but nails the classics.
You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to tajines – perhaps the tastiest is the slowcooked lamb one with caramelised dates and prunes (around £50).
For something a bit more lively, head to Le Azar which has live oriental music and belly dancers from Thursday to Saturday.
Tuck into mezze sharing dishes of lemon hummus, spit-roasted chawarma and freshly baked bread with dips.
Best bar
The boutique El Fenn hotel has a charming rooftop with red-striped cushions and heavily patterned sun loungers that are perfect for relaxing on while soaking up the rays and views of the Koutoubia mosque.
You can’t reserve a spot so arrive early. Sip on cocktails like the Marrakech Negroni made with spice-infused vermouth, Campari and gin.
Best hotels
Stay in Le Riad Berbere Marrakech, a very affordable and sweet little boutique hotel, north of the city centre.
Rooms are simple yet characterful with marble floors and huge tubs – some also have patios where you can spend tranquil mornings with a cuppa.
You’ll have many top attractions nearby including the Jardin Majorelle, which is a 25-minute stroll.
Rooms cost from £84 per night. See leriadberbere.hotels-marrakesh.com.
Here Are Our Top Picks for April
We've got some great recommendations for anyone planning a European break this April ...
“While I’ve been lucky enough to spend one week exploring the Amalfi Coast in the height of the summer, the crowds were unbearable. I learnt my lesson and on a second visit, I plumped for early April. Even though the weather wasn’t as sensational – and dips in the sea definitely weren’t on the agenda – it was warm enough for a light jacket. Make the most of exploring without the crowds and book visits to Pompeii and Herculaneum.” – Hope Brotherton, Travel Reporter
“If you are wanting to find the best place in Spain where you can expect it to be hot in spring, then Seville is the very best option. Just a few hours by plane, it is one of the country’s hottest cities (so much so that you will want to skip it in the summer holidays, where temperatures can hit 40C). Enjoying highs of 24C in April, it is also one of Spain’s most beautiful locations, where you can find stunning old cathedrals and plazas as well as glasses of wine for a few euros.” – Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor
“Amsterdam has always been a top city to visit in spring, from the budget-friendly flights to the biking-friendly weather. April is also one of the top months to visit, with 80 per cent of the days set to be sunny. It’s also extra special because it’s tulip season. And just 35 minutes away from Amsterdam city centre is the biggest tulip display in the country. Keukenhof Tulip Gardens plant seven million flower bulbs by hand and the best time to see them all in bloom is in April. With 800 different varieties of tulips, it’s an experience not to be missed.” – Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter
“For fly-and-flop holidaymakers seeking faff-free travel with guaranteed sunshine, few holiday destinations beat The Canary Islands. I paid a visit to Gran Canaria for the first time this year – and it did not disappoint. The volcanic island is only a four-hour (ish) flight from the UK, yet it offers balmy weather that is worlds apart from those April showers back home, reaching highs of up to 23C in spring.” – Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor
“April is an exciting time to visit Ibiza, as the island is slowly coming out of its winter hibernation. Many of the big clubs like Pacha and Hï launch their summer season with grand opening nights towards the end of the month. While some of the day parties like O Beach and Ushuaïa don’t start until late April / early May, the more chilled beach clubs like Jockey Club start to reopen in May.” – Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel
