1. For a hidden oasis… The secret garden
A remarkable newly restored garden, Le Jardin Secret was the site of one of the largest riads in the medina, belonging to the chancellor of Sultan Moulay Abd al-Hafid, the last sultan of Morocco before the French protectorate. By 1934 it had fallen into disrepair. It reopened in 2016 with gardens designed by the British gardening architect Tom Stuart-Smith. Split into an exotic garden and an Islamic garden (laid out according to strict geometrical rules), it’s a place of sublime beauty and peace. Enjoy the view from the elegant rooftop terrace, along with a mint tea and one of their tasty homemade cakes (lejardinsecretmarrakech.com).
2. For cocktail lounging… Café Arabe
There is no better place to linger for a medina aperitif than on the sprawling terrace of Café Arabe, Marrakech’s universally loved rooftop bar. It has everything: chilled rosé, an ambient soundtrack, comfy sofas and plenty of shade. In the heat of the day, simply position yourself under the fine mist of their sprinklers with a frozen margarita in hand and enjoy the view of the medina baking below you (cafearabe.com).
3. For stunning tiles… Dar El Bacha
The Dar El Bacha palace, built in 1910 at the entrance of the medina, is one of the city’s finest examples of riad architecture. After the Second World War the palace doors were closed and for 60 years it was shuttered. In 2017, it came back to life as the Museum of Cultural Confluences, where visitors can explore Morocco’s rich cultural heritage. Once the residence of the Marrakech pasha, Thami El Glaoui, it’s awash with zellige (colourful geometric tilework) and the central courtyard is filled with fountains and orange trees. Dar El Bacha, Rte Sidi Abdelaziz, open daily, except Monday (darbacha.com).
4. For old-school lodgings… La Sultana
Perfectly located near the Royal Palace and overlooking the 16th-century Saadian Tombs, La Sultana is a 28-room sprawling collection of five different riads. This maze-like oasis has treasures at every turn: artworks, antiques, palm trees and exotic plants fill each of the ornate courtyards. There’s an opulent pink-marbled spa with a plunge pool and hammam, while the bedrooms are equally fabulous; some have an internal balcony with idyllic views of the turquoise pool below, framed with palms and pretty white sunbeds. It’s another world, but one you don’t have to stay overnight to…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Travel | The Guardian…