City guide: a trip to Marrakech with LRNCE

Looking for somewhere to stay? Rosemary is, without a shadow of a doubt, a Marrakech must when it comes to accommodation. This stunning riad, designed by LRNCE, is nestled in one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods. Step through the door and you’ll find five rooms adorned with hand-carved furniture and decorative pieces, all arranged around a patio and a small tiled pool. Once you’ve drunk in the design, head up to the rooftop terrace, where seasonal dishes inspired by local produce are served at lunchtime – a cuisine that captures the colours of the nearby markets. Here above the rooftops of Riad Zitoun Jdid, a quarter humming with activity, the medina suddenly feels a world away. For a refreshing escape, be sure to book ahead.

25 rue de la Bahia, Medina

Set right in the heart of the medina in a garden filled with fruit trees, La Famille feels like a laidback vegetarian canteen where you come to slow down. On the menu? Seasonal salads and homemade pasta, enjoyed around communal tables. And once you’ve satisfied your hunger, take a short stroll through the little adjoining shop for a leisurely post-lunch wander. A true breath of fresh air just a few streets from the souks (the medina’s labyrinth-like marketplaces). Reservations are recommended.

42 Riad Zitoun El Jdid, Medina

Well worth a taxi ride, MACAAL is an independent museum located a little way out the city. Opened in 2016 in the Al Maaden district, it’s entirely dedicated to contemporary African art. Its exhibitions include pieces from the Fondation Alliances’ collection as well as commissioned works from artists across the continent. Prolong your visit by exploring the Al Maaden Sculpture Park, or enjoy a well-earned rest on the terrace of the museum’s café.

Al Maaden, Medina

Spanning 2500 square metres, the Royal Mansour spa is a true wellness sanctuary. Housed within the prestigious Royal Mansour hotel, it has its own private entrance. Step inside and you'll be met with total tranquillity – the perfect place for a restorative pause. From facials and body treatments to massages and multi-day wellness programmes, every experience can be tailored to your needs and desires. And if you had to choose just one spa offering, we’d recommend booking the signature hammam – a quintessential Moroccan ritual given the palace treatment. We suggest booking several days in advance to make sure you don’t miss out during your stay.

Rue Abou Abbas El Sebti

For a dose of culture, don’t miss Dar el Bacha, with its courtyards and fountains. Built in 1910 for Pasha Thami El Glaoui, the palace is now home to the Musée des Confluences, dedicated to the dialogue between art and culture. Move from room to room, taking in the courtyards, fountains and intricately carved woodwork, before taking a break at Bacha Coffee, tucked inside the palace and boasting what seems like an endless menu of coffees. Good to know: the museum is closed on Mondays.

65–69 Riad Laârous, route Dar El Bacha, Medina