Destination: Marrakech
Marrakech is probably one of our favourite short haul destinations. Having had the opportunity to develop many programmes in the city over the years it never fails to amaze us and our customers. So why do we love it so ………
Firstly the location – it takes just under 4 hours to fly from London, but you don’t just have to fly from London, regional airports also serve Marrakech making it a great option if your audience is based around the country. When you arrive, despite the short journey time you know you are no longer in Europe. The heady smell of engines, the beeping of horns and the fearless driving as well as the warmth or heat (depending on which month you travel) is what you first notice as leave the airport. The landscape is vast with the Atlas Mountains majestically visible from the city, the Agafay desert is just 40 minutes away, closer is the lush Palm Grove and then of course you have the walled Medina itself.
The accommodation options in the city are varied and suit all budgets. From the historic grand dames such as La Mamounia which sits in the verdant imperial gardens, on the very edge of the city walls – a perfect retreat for an incentive; You have the contemporary offerings such as Nobu with its beautiful rooftop pool and restaurant. There are of course many of the large chains such as the Sofitel, Movenpick and Le Meridien N’Fis, as well as independents including Es Saadi which is a tranquil resort a stones throw from the bustling Medina. In the Medina itself you have some stunning smaller properties such as Les Jardins de la Koutoubia and of course there are also many beautiful and intimate Riad’s offering boutique accommodation, and amazing views across the rooftops to the Atlas beyond.
Beyond the city you will find the larger resort hotels offering high levels of service and relaxation, many of which have their own golf courses which are open all year round, brands here include Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, Fairmont, Barcelo and many others.
Then you could also consider staying out of the city perhaps in the Atlas – where there are small and luxurious properties perfect for those looking to explore the mountains and villages that dot the slopes; or in the desert where luxury camps offer experiences such as camel trekking, quad bike safaris, buggy tours, hiking and yoga, star gazing and so much more. These options are perfect for creating two centre itineraries with the city itself, but also with the camps they are incredibly flexible and with our skilled contacts we can create a desert village just for your event. The tents have bathrooms, running water, electricity, air conditioning and quite often wood burners for the cooler evenings.
As well as the activities which you can do in the desert there is plenty to do in the city too. Cooking classes are always popular and these can be combined with visiting the spice sellers in the souk to select the best ingredients; or visiting the farms to see the produce and artisan bakers at work. For team building we love our Apprentice style challenge – where small groups have to find all the items on their shopping lists in the souk and come back with change! For incentives we can offer private shopping experiences and guides which makes the bartering aspect of the souks easier for some and guarantees you will not be lost! The palm groves offer some of the adrenaline activities without going as far as the desert and opportunities to take a hot air balloon over the city are not to be missed.
You will also be spoilt for choice with dining options whether you want to try local flavours or something international, there is so much choice from rooftop terraces; riad courtyards, old palaces, party venues and so many more to choose from. We love party nights at some of the famed restaurants in the city or recreating an Arabian desert party in the Palm Grove. The choice and range of options is incredible and the food is absolutely delicious.
We have already said Marrakech suits all budgets – but it is worth noting that many costs are distinctly cheaper. For a recent event we decided to have a gobo projecting the clients logo on the side of the building. We were quoted in excess of 3 figures to have it made in the UK, our fixer in Marrakech had it done for less than £10 in the souk – a huge saving!
If you would like more information or think Marrakech could be a great choice for your next event please do get in touch.
01905 676444
