It’s no surprise, then, that April is one of the most popular months at Tigmi. And I really enjoy the atmosphere around the hotel as guests arrive with optimism after a cold and dark winter.

And what spectacular views they are greeted with! The Atlas Mountains are in full view now, giving our guests a real picture postcard outlook that never ceases to wow.

Family friendly

April is an ideal time for families to stay at Tigmi. Yes, we are a retreat. But we are also fortunate enough to be able to spread our guests out over two distinct sides of the hotel. This ensures that any disturbance for those without children is kept to a minimum, and parents on family holidays don’t have to worry that their children may be disturbing others.

Indeed, the children make friends with kids from other families, enjoy each other’s company, and rarely get bored exploring the labyrinthian gardens of Tigmi. This gives parents plenty of opportunity to relax around our two swimming pools, the second of which is now warm enough to swim in (the main one is heated all year round, so you’ll have no worries there).

But you cannot come to Tigmi and just stay in the hotel by the pool. There are so many adventurous, wonderful things to do in the city and surrounding countryside that will light up your children’s eyes.

Recommended excursions

Pay a visit to the gardens on the outside of the city, particularly the Menara Gardens where you can gaze across the pond at the snow-capped mountains providing the perfect backdrop to the Saadian Pavilion.

Taking the children to the Moroccan Fanfare is always a good night out. This Moroccan themed evening is held at Chez Ali on the northern part of city and is a night of local cuisine followed by an equestrian acrobatic show in the large arena. (This can be arranged at Tigmi with Jean Paul or Hayat on arrival if this is something that you would like to do.)

The quad biking is a great option (see our guide to Marrakech in March for more details) for those wanting a little bit of excitement in the foothills around Tigmi.

Going further afield, up to the High Atlas is always popular with the guests and is going to be my preferred outside activity for this month as it just so beautiful up there at this time of year.

You can tailor this trip to exactly what interests you, and that is what makes it perhaps our most popular trip. Begin your trek in the morning – I would say the best time to leave is between 9 and 10am – you will go by Taxi to Imlil, a small village which is situated at 1,750m and overlooked by North Africa’s Highest Mountain, Jebel Toubkal, which stands at 4,165m. From the Berber village of Imlil the taxi driver will help you find a local (but very much accredited) guide to take you and your family on a walk or hike for a time set by you.

Sidi Chamarouch

One option is to walk to the shrine at Sidi Chamarouch, which is at 2,750m. This walk is along a river bed and is tiring in places, but for the most part a gentle climb through the mountains. The shrine is a special place where people from all over Morocco come for blessings, often when they are unwell.

The walk to Sidi Chamarouch will take you approximately three hours, and around two hours to get back. If that sounds a little too tiring, there are other shorter walks which are just as enjoyable – and much less strenuous!

When you get back to the town of Imlil you can either have some mint tea in one of the wonderful cafés or head down the valley and get back to Tigmi in time for a slightly harder (but well-earned) drink on the terrace in time for sunset.

A return Taxi to Imlil is 900dh (around £70) and a guide will cost between 200dh and 500dh depending on the duration of your walk.

It’s not just at Tigmi. As you make your way into the city, you’ll see lots of flowers climbing the walls of local houses. And the sun sits slightly higher in the sky, turning up the brightness on Marrakech.

A warmer welcome

March also sees temperatures really start to warm up. If you speak to the expats who have been living in Marrakech for years, they insist the weather always changes on March 10th. I’m not sure there’s any scientific reasoning behind this, but I put it to the test in 2010 – and they were absolutely right! From that date on, we had on a great springtime.

So March really is a great month to visit Marrakech if you’re looking for a warmer climate than the UK, but without hitting the uncomfortable highs of Asia. The days will be in the 20s – a very comfortable temperature for sight-seeing or walking in the local hills. And if you fancy trekking further afield, head to the High Atlas and the fast-retreating snowline left behind after winter.

March is also a perfect for visiting Marrakech if you’d prefer to avoid families – especially with the Easter break being later this year.

Head for the hills

If you’re a couple visiting Tigmi, why not set out on a romantic horse trek? There are horse-riding stables just 15 mins from Tigmi. I’ve covered horse-trekking in Marrakech before, and I can truly say that this is fast becoming a guest favourite. And March is a great month for going for a ride, as all the wild flowers are coming out the land, lending the countryside a bold shade of green that brings it to life.

But if horse riding is not your thing and you would like to experience the countryside around Tigmi, how does quad biking sound? Again, only ten minutes from Tigmi is a quad biking centre. I have experienced this with some guests last spring and we had a great time, with lots of laughs and some very dusty but happy faces afterwards.

Quad biking is 400dh (around £30) per person for 1 hour, 700dh per person for 2 hours and 900dh per person for half day – there is a 100dh supplement for a second person on the bike. A taxi to the place is 250dh return. Bookings for weekend are advised to be made in advance. Minimum age is 16, although younger children can ride if accompanied by an adult.

From city riads to mountain retreats, Morocco has plenty of stylish hideaways. Alastair Sawday, publisher of the Special Places to Stay guides, picks 20 favourites:

Max’s hilltop retreat is a cluster of reconstructed village houses between Marrakesh and the mountains. You are led onwards and upwards through endless courtyards, corridors, arches and alcoves where light and dark play games with your eyes and level-changes confuse your geography. The peace of the place can now take over. Materials and forms are organic: irregular walls of stone and plaster, tadelakt bathrooms, quietly furnished bedrooms for rest and refreshment. The monastic serenity does not preclude gentle yet high-class hotel service.

Read the full article

If you’re in need of a break after a hectic Christmas period, and fancy doing something a little out of the ordinary, then why not consider a skiing holiday in Africa?

[Photo by Simon White on Flickr]

We agree, it does sound odd. Snow isn’t the first thing you’d associate with Africa. But perhaps that’s part of the charm of hitting the piste in Morocco – it’s a great story to tell friends and family on your return.

Just one hour from Tigmi is the ski resort Oukaïmeden. The resort is situated at the altitude of 2,219m above see level and the top station is at an altitude of 3,232m. There are a number of runs at the resort and depending on the amount of snow they should all be open. Experienced skiers will enjoy Oukaïmeden, as it’s very challenging in places – look for a number of black runs and some good off piste action on a powder day.

I have personally skied there, and while I cannot say it compares to Europe’s best resorts, it’s certainly worth visiting. What made me laugh on the trip was that it does not matter how high you go or how fast you ski, you may just encounter a Berber, potentially out of control, trying to sell you something in their own inimitable style!

Equipment, including clothes (although I wouldn’t necessarily recommend the clothes), can be hired at a number of shops in the resort. Last time I was there the equipment was a little dated, but in perfectly good condition and certainly skiable. So if you a fancy a day of retro-skiing then take to the slopes at Oukaïmeden.

I’d recommend rising early at Tigmi and having breakfast at around seven o’clock. Aim to leave Tigmi by eight so you arrive in the resort just after nine. That way you can have a morning ski and be back at Tigmi in the afternoon for a swim in the pool or even a late afternoon massage in the Tigmi Spa.

A Taxi from Tigmi to the resort is 900dh return (around £70) and includes a few hours waiting around time. If you make it a full day, just give the driver a little more for his time.

Back in Marrakech, January and February are without doubt quieter months. But what’s really special is that you can make the most of the city without seeing hordes of other tourists around, and get a chance to experience the true Marrakech life.

Temperatures are much more bearable, too. Expect mid to high teens, perhaps early 20s, during the day and cool nights – although in the sun it can feel much warmer.

Need to escape the bleak midwinter? You’ll be very welcome at Tigmi.

And it’s not just about the food – there are many experiences to be had in Marrakech: You may be looking for a casual night in the square, a romantic evening for two, an authentic of Moroccan meal followed by some belly dancing, or something a little wilder.

So with that mind, we’ve compiled this definitive guide to the best restaurants in Marrakech. After all, everybody has a favourite place in the city, and we’ve written this guide to help you find yours.

A square meal

As the sun sets, Djemaa el Fna (the main square in Marrakech) turns into a fabulous night market and is well worth exploring. Follow your nose to the collection of food stalls; you’ll find a range of fish, meat and vegetable dishes for a very fair price.

The food is fast and cheap. Quality wise … well that just depends on the night. I’ve had delicious food on some nights; other times it’s been overdone to say the least. But what I can say with my hand on my heart is that I have never been ill and never had a bad time at Djemaa el Fna. It’s certainly an experience worth ticking off your list.

Above: The night stalls at Djemaa el Fna, by Tom Parker – see the full collection here.

You will see tourists and locals all sitting together enjoying what the square has to offer at this time of night. No doubt you’ll also be approached by one of the many restaurant workers who’ll do their best to entice you to eat at their establishment. Some of their truth-bending propositions will make you smile – expect a “come and eat at Jamie Oliver’s restaurant” or “this is Gordon Ramsey’s new place in the square”. (By all means choose one of these restaurants if you wish. Just don’t expect Jamie or Gordon to make an appearance.)

Traditional Moroccan cuisine

If you are looking for a far more traditional Moroccan meal then there are, in my view, only four restaurants to consider.

The first is Dar Yacout (Derb Sidi Ahmed Soussi 79 – Tel: 024 38 29 29), a restaurant located in the medina and incredibly famous for the arab interior design and the amazing ceiling. Guests have come back from a meal at Yacout with neck ache from looking up so much. The food here is amazing, but there is an awful lot of it – you must pace yourself! Expect up to seven courses to arrive at your table, so avoid the temptation of filling up on the first two.

Above: Dar Yacout by night, courtesy of Kat n Kim’s Marrakech set on Flickr

Similar to Dar Yacout is Dar Moha (Rue Dar el Bacha – Tel: 024 38 64 00). Again, the food is amazing. The atmosphere isn’t perhaps as lively as Dar Yacout, but you may prefer a quieter ambience. Certainly worth considering.

Le Tobsil (Rmila Bab Ksour – Tel: 024 44 15 23) is a charming little restaurant, and much more understated than Dar Yacout. When your taxi drops you off, you’re greeted by a man from the restaurant with a lantern. He walks you down a narrow alley to the restaurant door and you enter into a small oasis from the streets of the medina. Again, expect plenty of courses – but when the food is this good, tucking into the next course is a joy rather than a chore. The food, atmosphere and service all get a big thumbs up from me, so I’m sure you’ll have a fabulous night at Le Tobsil.

The last of the four is Foundouk (55 Souk Hal Fassi – Tel: 024 37 81 90). Although you’ll find plenty of traditional Moroccan flavours here, the menu is also dotted with french cuisine. Foundouk’s popularity amongst our guests seems to fluctuate – I suddenly get waves of guests booking and then none for a long time. But certainly worth a visit so you can decide for yourself.

A little taste of Italy

Casanova (221 Avenue El Manour, Gueliz – Tel:  024 32 3735), an Italian restaurant in Gueliz, is the first restaurant I went to when I first came to Marrakech back in 2006. It has a good atmosphere and is pretty cheap. It’s not necessarily one of my favourite restaurants, but if you are on a budget and with a group of friends then I think you’ll have a good time here – I always do.

If you want an Italian restaurant that’s a little more upmarket and romantic, then head to La Trattoria (179 Rue Mohammed El Bekal – Tel: 024 43 2641) – also in Gueiliz. This certainly is one of my favourites in Marrakech. The setting is quite stunning: tables are set around a beautifully small pool in a courtyard that’s teeming with amazing flowers and plants – the drooping petals that look like upside down trumpets nearly touching the pool like are a personal favourite. The restaurant is popular among tourists, but also expat French and the media crowd from Marrakech.

Above: The courtyard at La Trattoria, courtesy of La Trattoria’s website

And the food? Well, I love it. Perhaps because it’s a pleasant break from Moroccan cuisine, but also because the quality is better than good and the service is professional. The last time I was there, I overheard a couple saying that this was their third time in La Trattoria in one week – I think that tells you a lot.

Bo-Zin

And so to what I would call the most fun place to head to in Marrakech. Bo-Zin (Route de l’ Ourika – Tel: 024 38 80 12) is the chic and glitzy restaurant the gossip journalists rave about because it’s where the rich and famous come to party hard.

Bo-Zin is on the outskirts of the city, on the same road as Club Pacha. It’s not what you’d describe as traditional Moroccan, but does have everything which has made Marrakech a place for the rich and famous.

As you enter, there is an immediate feeling of the Asian fusion influence that has gone into making this restaurant. The decor is flowing and very cool – and this slickness is mirrored in the service. Everybody is attractive, from the host who greets you at the desk to the servers that shows you to your seat. The music is contemporary and very well selected (well, they certainly think so because you can buy Bo-Zin CDs to take the experience home with you).

Outside, the garden boasts water features landscaped perfectly around seating areas and semi-tropical plants. But the main features that draw the eyes are the two fire stands. These huge, two-metre wide metal plates on stilts with large fires in the centre are very simple, perhaps, but they give the place a distinctive ambience and definitely create the wow factor.

And so to the food. There’s an Asian / Thai twist to the menu, which consists of Asian, Moroccan and French/European dishes at each stage. The wine list is extensive, with lots of great French reds, Champagnes, and Morocco wines. Thankfully, the food lives up to Bo-Zin’s impressive styling; it’s simply delicious and I always enjoy going there.

Above: The dining area at Bo-Zin

After your meal, make sure you stick around. You may have noticed the music has been slowly changing, and by about 11pm the beat is distinctively stronger and the vibe in the room has changed. People gather around the long bar and the place is slowly changing from a restaurant to a cocktail bar with great music. Don’t be surprised if you’re still there at three o’clock in the morning.

One thing that I must stress is that Bo-Zin is not a club and is not full of twenty-somethings. It is far more sophisticated and the average age is much older. In fact, I would say maybe late 30s or even mid 40s – but there are young people here too.

Bo-Zin is not your standard, incredibly loud, cramped club. It is an airy, open, and not-too-loud bar with dancing. If you want the normal club scene then just head outside to the taxi rank and Pacha is fives minutes down the road.

Wild cards

The first I am going to mention is the Azar (Rue de Yougoslavie –  Tel: +212(0) 524 430 920) – a French-Lebanese restaurant in Gueliz. I call it a wild card as every time I have been, there are not many people there but the food is very good. The interior design is very modern and smart, and the service is also good but that could be because of how quiet it was! I really cannot see any reason as to why this restaurant should be empty as the Arabian cuisine is divine.

Metro 80 (27, avenue Hassan II – Tel: 05 25 06 03 84) is, hence the name, very close to the train station. It’s a fabulous little French restaurant that serves real French food at good prices. I know it must be a good French restaurant as a large group of fifty-somethings who are all french expats in Marrakech were raving about it when I was in there.

The owners are cheerful, smiley and lots of fun. The interior is a little strange (bright silver covering on the tables and chairs!) but you soon get over that and start enjoying the close, friendly atmosphere of the place. The food, I have to say, is delicious. Perhaps because I enjoy a break from Moroccan food once in a while, but I think after visiting you’ll agree.

After the meal we headed down the steep stairs to the very small bar and were greeted with a shot of tequila. Shortly after, the dancing started. Metro 80 is a very surreal place as you almost forget that you’re in Morocco; you could just as easily be in some Ville en France.

But if you are looking for something different in Marrakech – either you’re bored of the tajine, getting fed up with the sometimes overly-attentive service in the glitzy restaurants or are just wanting to find a hidden gem in the red City – then head to Metro 80.

Best of the rest

Try Le Comptoir (Avenue Echchouada, Hivernage – Tel: 024 43 77 02) or Jad Mahal (Fontaine de la Mamounia – Tel: 024 43 69 84) – both restaurants are busy every night like Bo-Zin and also have a bar for drinks after your meal. Their location is far more central as they are in the Hivernage area of city. I’ve had enjoyable nights at both of these restaurants, and the highlight of the evening in both is the belly dancing show towards the end of the meal. The food is again a mixture of European and Moroccan at La Comptoir, but at Jad Mahal there is a Thai fusion element added.

If you get the desire for Indian cuisine when you’re in Marrakech, and want it the Moroccon way, then head to Salam Bombay (1, AV Mohammed VI – Tel: 024 43 70 83) – it’s a very stylish and contemporary Indian restaurant. The food is good and well presented. The cocktails in the bar afterwards are well worth staying for, too. (But for the finest Mojito in town, head to the Bab hotel bar.)

In summary

For traditional Moroccan food – Dar Yacout, Dar Moha, Le Tobsil, or Foundouk
For upmarket Italian – La Trattoria
For pizza, and if you are on a slight budget – Cazenova
For Indian – Bombay
For a very touristic, mini adventure – eat in the square
For glitz, glam and dancing – Bo-Zin
For an enjoyable meal and belly dancing – Le Comptoir or Jad Mahal
Wild Cards – Azar for something Arabian and very tasty food or Metro 80 for that special night of fun and good French food

Afterwards

If you want to head out for a night of dancing in Marrakech then head to either Le Theatro or Pacha night club. If you fancy trying your luck at the roulette table or showing/hiding your hand then head to the Saadi Casino which is next to the night club Theatro within the grounds of the famous Es Saadi hotel.

Kate and William’s wedding on 29 April 2011 means we can look forward to a triple rollover of bank holiday weekends and short working weeks. Technically, if your boss allows, you can stretch your Easter holiday to 11 days – while only using three days holiday allowance. Which is a bonus. So Stylist have hunted around for the best deals for late April. And if you book now you’ll be getting a bargain too.

Peace In Morocco

Half an hour outside Marrakech is Tigmi, a rustic, restorative retreat that is far away enough from the mayhem of Marrakech, but near enough for a daytime visit to haggle in the souks. The hotel is run like a private house and has an infinity pool, hammam treatments and stunning views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains.

Read the full article here.

You may find it overwhelming. But perhaps that’s the point of travel – after all, nobody wants to holiday in a different continent and culture only to be underwhelmed.

The problem with feeling overwhelmed is that it can also make you feel unsafe. And we don’t want that. So we’ve put together a guide to allay any concerns you may have about visiting The Red City.

Pack it up

Buy or bring a secure bag or rucksack – one that isn’t easy for wandering hands to enter. It’ll be useful for keeping for shopping in, carrying a bottle of water, and keeping your camera safe.

Beat the heat

Marrakech can become uncomfortably hot due to the lack of breeze and the heat island effect. Keep your energy levels up by drinking plenty of water and eating regularly.

Plan ahead

Before you head to the city, have a good idea of how you’ll make the most of Marrakech. Without a plan, you’re an easy target for the local guides or, worse, wannabe guides –  especially if you’re idly walking around and holding up a map. If you do take advice from them make sure you are firm and let them know exactly where you want to go. Leave the route to their discretion and you’ll more than likely end up in their uncle’s shop or having mint tea with their second cousin twice removed.

Learn to say no

Give a firm “la” to anyone that is trying to take advantage of you. It means “no”. And if that doesn’t work, a mention of the “police” should see them back down. Basic, perhaps, but these people don’t want to be trouble with the law, they just want to sell you something.

Pickpockets

Beware of pickpockets. They’re not who you may think they are. Yes, little children and other people always seem a little too close for comfort, but the one to watch are the old ladies begging in the souk. They look harmless but some of them would give the Artful Dodger a run for his money.

Manners cost nothing

Moroccans are lovely people and very helpful – but they are tough people, too. Don’t be rude or do anything to antagonise them; what you may see as a joke or banter during a haggle over price may not be taken in the right context.

Take the ‘any city’ test

Bring some of the sense with you – would you walk down a dark alley at 11pm in any city? Probably not, so best not to take the risk in Marrakech. Sadly, you’ll find bad people in cities around the world – Marrakech is no exception.

Ask the police

There are lots of police around Marrakech, and they are so helpful. Never feel threatened by them; they are there to make your trip to Marrakech as safe and enjoyable as possible.

Don’t be afraid to call it a day

If you’re feeling flustered, frustrated, or plain lost, don’t be afraid to jump on the next minibus back to Tigmi, and return to Marrakech another day when you’re armed with a better idea of where to go and what to do.

I awoke reasonably early and met Charlotte, Ben and Louisa in the hotel gardens. Charlotte and Louisa had been horse riding many times before – although not in Morocco – yet Ben and I were very much novices (but no less excited).

The four of us took a 15–20 minute drive down to the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, stopping at a beautiful spot surrounded by lake Lalla Takerkoust. There we met Hassan and his team, our tour guides for the day and owners of many handsome and healthy steeds. They greeted us with a traditional Moroccan mint tea and then asked us about our horse riding ability.

Charlotte and Louisa explained that they’d ridden many times previously and were soon high above us on good looking horses. Ben and I were allocated two equally handsome horses who wouldn’t be flustered in our inexperienced hands. Hassan and his team did a great job of making us all feel welcome and safe.

Mounted and ready, we set off through the smaller hills of Morocco’s High Atlas. Charlotte was off and away in full chase of tour guide Hassan, with the rest of us trotting comfortably behind. Ben and I were accompanied on foot by one of Hassan’s team who was making sure we were comfortable and that our horses were calm.

The Moroccan terrain was fascinating; we were riding along dried up river beds, through harvested fields, down beaten tracks away from all communities. But just as you thought we were miles away from everything, a head would pop up from a rock or from behind a tree – a shepherd with his flock of sheep and goats graving on the hill side.

After riding for about two hours we stopped on the top of a hill for refreshments. Our stop also gave us time to take some mid-trek photos of our horses and the amazing views of lake Lalla Takerkoust below.

One hour later we were back at camp saying farewell to our horses, who all deserved a good rest. Hassan and his team gave us some more of their mint tea – which this time was sweetened. Clearly Hassan had one look at Ben and I realised that we were shattered from this amazing experience!

I’ll certainly go horse riding in Marrakech again – it’s one of the best experiences I’ve had in Morocco.

Day-to-Night time lapse of Djemaa el Fna, Marrakech from Michael McKelvaney on Vimeo.

A beautiful place, magnificent food, courteous staff. Thank you all.

Andrew and Hillary Seager from London