The Medina of Marrakech – a chaotic maze of ancient architectural treasures, delicious food and drink, and exciting shopping. It’s an opportunity to dive right into Moroccan culture. It’s also pretty hot during the mid-day sun and in the winding souks. These are our favorite Marrakech retreats for when you need a rest. Drop in for a few hours of pampering or just a chance to refresh while enjoying the views.

Our Favorite Marrakech Retreats

La Sultana Hotel

Don’t miss: Treat yourself to a royal hammam experience.

While we definitely recommend also checking out a local hammam for a more traditional experience, take this opportunity to be fully and wonderfully pampered at the La Sultana Hotel. You’ll enjoy fresh juice while taking a cooling dip in the jacuzzi under the lanterns before being whisked away for your hammam treatment. The scrub will leave your skin so smooth, and you’ll be ready to hit the souks with a renewed energy for bartering. If it all feels too good to be true, do what we did and add a massage for right after your hammam. You’re on vacation, after all!

Pro Tip: If you book your treatments in the late afternoon, leave yourself a little extra time for cocktails and hors d’ouevres on the rooftop.

How to get there: If you’re braving the medina with a map, just head straight to the Saadian tombs. Otherwise, your taxi driver will be familiar with the hotel. Look for a butler on the street in red and white attire with a red fez hat. He looks regal – you can’t miss him! He’ll lead you to the entrance, and you’ll feel like royalty as you walk along the carpets leading up to the gold door.

 

Jardin Majorelle

Don’t miss: Escape the heat by spending the afternoon in the shade of palm trees while enjoying some peace and quiet along with an important piece of art history at the Jardin Majorelle.

This beautiful former home of Yves Saint Laurent is located just outside the old Medina walls. Watch the frogs hopping across lily pads in the pool and find a nice bench along the pathways for a nice spot to read your guidebook. Just enjoy the view!

Pro Tip: While you’re there, be sure to visit the Berber museum and partake in some refreshments in the little café. You can “see” this site pretty quickly if you’re in a rush, but take your time and enjoy it. For a pretty but affordable souvenir, grab some postcards of Yves Saint Laurent’s annual LOVE prints. We liked choosing prints from years that were special to us.

How to get there: It’s too far of a walk from the Medina. Any taxi driver will be able to take you there, but remember to decide on a fare ahead of time. When you leave, hail a taxi on the main street instead of at the stand right outside the Jardin’s entrance. You’ll get a better deal.

Have you been to EIther of these wonderful Marrakech retreats? Which are your favorites? If you’re planning a trip to Morocco soon, which ones just made it on your itinerary? We want to hear from you in the comments below!