Marrakesh - From Souks to Sunsets: A Tourism Renaissance

During Christmas 2025, I spent the week between Christmas and New Year exploring the vibrant city of Marrakech, Morocco.

Marrakech takes its name from the ancient Berber phrase Amur(n) Akush, which means "Land of God" and is situated just west of the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains.

The Almoravid Berbers, founders of Marrakesh, ruled territory stretching from Senegal to Spain and from the Atlantic to Algiers. Originating in the Sahara, specifically Mauritania, they made Marrakesh their capital, building significant structures such as ornate mosques and the fortified Ksar al-Hajjar, beside today’s Kutubiyya Mosque. Masters of the desert, they were skilled traders who established thriving regional hubs.

The Almoravids designated Marrakech as their imperial capital, and for centuries, Europeans referred to the entire country of Morocco as "the Kingdom of Marrakech," reflecting the city's historic significance and its ties to Europe.

In modern times, this once-imperial city in western Morocco has evolved into a major economic hub, boasting numerous mosques, luxurious palaces, and green, well-tended gardens.

Its medina, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a walled area filled with narrow alleys and lively markets selling textiles, leather goods, pottery, and jewelry. These meandering arteries are fascinating and a joy to get lost in.

The Koutoubia Mosque, which was built in the 12th century, is the largest mosque in Marrakesh and features a tall Moorish minaret that is a famous symbol of the city and can be seen from a great distance.

Marrakech is Morocco's top destination, and it is easy to see why.  It attracts millions of tourists annually, with recent reports indicating significant growth, as tourist numbers surpassed 4.5 million in 2024.

When you think of Marrakech, bright colours, spices, lamb tagines, the smell of oud wafting in the air, and aromatic Moroccan mint tea all spring to mind.  The souks are a riot of color and intense energy, with commercial activity continuing late into the night, every night.  

Local traders enjoy bartering with visitors and can reel in even the most hesitant shoppers.  And once you break open your wallet for that first bargain of a handmade leather item or some delicately hand-painted pottery, there really is no going back.  

Our holiday consisted of shopping and eating, interspersed with rest periods to enjoy Moroccan mint tea and people watching.  Tea shops are cosy, and the service is attentive wherever you go. The energy, the buzz, the vibe feels ancient and alive at the same time.

When it comes to making a decision about where to stay in Marrakesh, there are many good choices of hotels and Riads.  

A Riad is a traditional Moroccan home with rooms surrounding a private, airy courtyard, often featuring intricate tiles and lush gardens, providing guests with an authentic Moroccan atmosphere.  

We visited an amazing Riad called La Sultana for dinner on Christmas Eve, which stood out for its intimate ambiance and decor influenced by skilled local craftsmanship.  La Sultana is a gem of a find, conveniently located near several historic landmarks, including the Royal Palace, the Bahia Palace, and the Saadian Tombs. All these sites are within the Medina, Marrakesh's old walled city.

However, for our accommodation, we ultimately opted to stay at the 5-star Barceló Palmerie Oasis, a 300-room hotel with Arabesque architecture in the heart of Marrakech’s Palm Grove—an oasis spanning over 6,000 hectares with more than 100,000 palm trees planted during the Almoravid dynasty. We especially enjoyed the hotel’s on-site spa, diverse cuisine, heated swimming pools, and its family-friendliness. Another perk of our stay here was the daily shuttle bus to and from the City, which proved to be very convenient.

There are any number of tours to choose from in Marrakesh, including medina walking tours and highly recommended local food tours, desert trips, cooking classes, mosque and museum visits, or  overnight safaris.  A popular choice is to hire a local guide and take a day trip to the Ourika Valley in the Atlas Mountains, where you can visit the Setti Fatma Waterfalls and enjoy lunch by the Ourika River.

There is truly so much to experience in Marrakesh; this trip offered only a glimpse of its wonders. I look forward to returning and discovering even more of what makes this city so enchanting and unforgettable.

• Return Flights Daily with Qatar Airways

• Hotel https://www.barcelo.com/en-ww/barcelo-palmeraie-oasis-resort/galleries/