Posted on October 26, 2010 by James Robbins
We had the most wonderful time, we were on out honeymoon and we felt so relaxed. The hotel is perfect, everyone is so welcoming and lovely. The Hammam was perfect. It allowed us to relax totally after a busy wedding!! And to feel the ghost in room 1 was a bonus. Merci a tout le monde
Sarah et Richard Sandford, Oct
Posted on October 18, 2010 by James Robbins
The last few days have been delightful. We hope that Tigmi stays exactly the same – the courtyards, the flowers, the calmness, place and space! Look forward to seeing you again. Best wishes
Anthony and Sarah
Posted on October 17, 2010 by James Robbins
If you’ve decided to make the journey into Marrakech, a little planning goes a long way. Here are just a few suggestions for making the most of your day in The Red City.

Go early
For a fabulous day of sightseeing, take the mini-bus leaving Tigmi at 10ish. This will get you into the city in just half an hour. Head straight for the Majorelle gardens (also known as the Yves Saint Laurent garden), as these are stunning on a good day and the colours are magnificent. It’s best to go early before the crowds, though – otherwise you could find yourself on a conveyor belt following coach-loads of tourists.
Grab a cab
Walking between all the wonderful things to see in Marrakech will eat up your time and also make you hot and tired. Don’t be afraid to jump in one of the small Fiat Uno taxis around the city. (Be aware: they only take three people. So if you are a family of four you will need two taxis.) If you are in separate taxis, do make sure you both know where you are going.
I have heard of families ending up in different places, usually because of a Hollywood-esque (tempting but wholly inadvisable) request to “follow that cab”. All of the taxis in Marrakech look the same. It would be as hard as following a black cab around Piccadilly Circus or a yellow cab around Times Square.
Make time for Lunch
Ask one of the team at Tigmi if you are looking for something specific or perhaps a little special. My personal favourite is Kechmara, in Guéliz. This is a chic Moroccan café in the new town; if you choose to eat there, you’ll find a lovely sun terrace on which to eat good food at a fair price – oh, and it is all served with a warm smile. Kechmara is also a good place for those wanting to have a coffee and check up on emails. Ask one of the waitresses about their free Wi-Fi to avoid amassing roaming charges on your iPhone or Blackberry.
Another Popular place for lunch is Grand Cafe de la Poste, this is located, again in the new town but a little closer to the Medina.
Know your prices
In the afternoon, head to the souks and just suss them out. Maybe head to the Ensemble Artisanal, this is on Avenue Mohamed V. It is a government souk so the prices are fixed. I am not saying shop here, but it will give you a good idea of prices, and will stop you from getting ripped off in the actual souk. Then head to the souk …

Soak up the souks
I personally would not buy anything on the first visit, well OK just one or two things but I would save the rest for the second visit if you have time. This first visit is so that you can enjoy the souk: see it, smell it and feel the rush of it.
Sometimes the souk is very tame, but this depends on the time of year. Foot traffic can be much worse than walking down Oxford Street during the Christmas sales – it simply has to be seen and felt to be believed. The best part of seeing the souk is getting lost and finding yourself in a random alley, (Please note: I am recommending this in the daylight, not in the dark of night), selling just leather, or in the metal district where you will note that health and safety in Marrakech is, well, … relaxed. (You may find yourself stepping over workers using welding tools wearing just sunglasses or holding the nail they are banging with their toe.)
Depart, rest and return
Head back to Tigmi – after a tiring day in Marrakech, you’ll be in need of a cooling, long drink and a swim in the pool.
If you decide to head back into Marrakech, then I would go in the afternoon or evening. This time go straight to the Medina (the ancient part of the city) and get those items that you have seen and want to now spend time haggling for. After you have shopped, head to one of the roof top cafés and enjoy a mint tea while watching the life in La Place Djemaa-el-Fna (the main square). Alternatively, head to Kosybar’s roof terrace if you feel the need for something a little stronger.
At dusk the main square comes to life with all the snake charmers, story tellers, dentists and street performers. The air becomes filled with smoke from the food sellers, the noise is deafening but awakening and it truly is an amazing experience.
If you’re starting to get hungry, jump on the last mini-bus back to Tigmi at 7pm. Should you wish to return later and stay longer simply call the hotel and we will send a taxi to meet you.
Posted on October 11, 2010 by James Robbins
You can’t improve the quality of Tigmi, we should know – this is our 4th time here! We think Jean Paul is great, he takes times to talk to everyone daily. We love the waiters especially Hussain – super friendly. We just love to come here and chill out – which is what Tigmi allows you to do. We have booked for May 2011 – that says it all!!
James and Helen Ottewell, September 2010
Posted on October 11, 2010 by James Robbins
As always 101%!
Caroline BB – Yoga group in October
Tigmi has been a wonderful place to stay – the service has been excellent. Thank you
A Yoggie on the holiday
Posted on October 5, 2010 by James Robbins
My friend and I were looking for an escape from the daily grind of work and domestic life. Just 4 nights have felt like a week – in a right way. Thank you to the staff for their calm efficiency. We will try and take the zen like state home for a while at least.
H&E Oct
Posted on October 4, 2010 by James Robbins
I came here looking for some peace, relaxation and a spot of pampering. I found all three, but so much more. Tigmi avoids categorisation. It’s a haven and a home from home – the wonderful team of discreet and kind staff are more like a family. I will be back with my family and although I’d be tempted to keep Tigmi a secret, I shall nevertheless spread the word. Inshallah
Lucy Hooper, October 2010
Posted on September 18, 2010 by James Robbins
An amazing stay, we couldn’t fault it. Will be recommending Tigmi to EVERYONE!
Emma and Alex Clayton
Posted on September 18, 2010 by James Robbins
A wonderful place – very special. Thank you for a fantastic holiday.
Richard Wallen and Family
Posted on September 17, 2010 by James Robbins
Tigmi exceeded all my expectations. Luxurious yet comfortable and homely. The staff are courteous and make you at ease during your stay. The architecture, use of space and interior design have been a welcome haven to relax in. The food/menu considered delicious. Wish we could have stayed longer but will return and recommend Tigmi to our friends and family.
Catherine
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