Al Maaden Villa Hotel & Spa ★★★★★

After a busy day exploring the wonderful city of Marrakech, we enjoyed returning to the Al Maaden, in order to relax and unwind. Back at the villa, the late afternoon peace and quiet was broken only by the soft rippling of the surface of our private swimming pool. Meanwhile, I was reading my book on a shady lounger in our garden, occasionally glancing up to gaze over at the mighty peaks of the Atlas Mountains which sat majestically on the horizon.

When the sun had finally sunk lazily behind the mountains, it was time to freshen up for the evening’s entertainment. Thanks to our two spacious and luxurious bathrooms, with huge walk-in showers and inviting marble bathtubs, we were all ready to go in no time to the on-site tapas bar for a few drinks and some light snacks. While it was an absolute treat to not have to leave the resort for some excellent entertainment and scrumptious food, we decided to head into town the next day for a taste of Marrakech’s night scene.

With this in mind, we spent our second day relaxing around the resort before heading out a bit later. We started, of course, with the superb breakfast spread, before whiling away the hours sipping cocktails taking a stroll through the enormous and eye-catching installations in the sculpture park, and even going for a round of golf on the 18-hole course, which contributes to the green and secluded feel of the resort and is designed with respect to golf lovers and nature in equal measure.

Soon enough it was time to head back into the Red City, eager for another Moroccan feast and a tour of the new city’s numerous bars. Between its effervescent night scene and the enthralling traditional life, Marrakech truly is a city with something going on at all hours. The Al Maaden is the perfect base for exploring Marrakech, thanks to its sensationally friendly staff, sumptuous comfort and soothing surroundings: the perfect retreat from one of the world’s most enigmatic and frenetic cities!