Where to Stay Cool in Marrakech

You have virtually nothing but blue skies overhead during the summer in Morocco. While this is extremely pleasant to the eyes, the high temperatures hovering around 35-40 degrees can make touring in the country’s vibrant cities, like popular Marrakech, often unbearable. But, it doesn’t have to be if you take strategic breaks at some of these prada replica refined restaurants, cafés and country clubs.

Lunch at the Pool Garden – Mandarin Oriental

Surrounded by a 20-hectare garden, the Pool Garden restaurant at the luxury 5-star Mandarin Oriental is the perfect place for a sophisticated lunch in a cool setting. The dior replica restaurant encircles the hotel’s main pool and is shaded by pergolas crawling with colorful bougainvillea. Its Mediterranean-inspired menu uses local products and home-grown organic vegetables in delicious dishes like sea bream ceviche drizzled in yuzu dressing, organic quinoa taboulé or prime beef fillet and Jerusalem artichoke purée.

Website | Address: Route du Golf Royal | Tel: +212 5 24 29 88 88

Lunch and a swim at the Beldi Country Club

After a morning of sightseeing, let loose and cool down at the Beldi Country Club. Open spring through autumn, here you can have lunch at the poolside restaurant then rent a lounge chair, dip into the pool, have a game of tennis or tee off at the golf course. Situated next to a vast 35-meter pool with a backdrop of olive trees, rose bushes and the peaks of the Atlas Mountains, the country club’s El Badia restaurant offers a seasonal menu of both Moroccan and Mediterranean dishes. In addition to the large pool, they have a smaller one specifically for children, plus the Beldi has a well-renowned spa and a variety of shops selling local handicrafts.

Website | Address: Km 6, Route de Barrage. “Cherifia” | Tel: +212 5 24 38 39 50

Ice Cream or tea at Le Bar Menzeh – Mamounia

A trip to Marrakech wouldn’t be complete without a visit to its legendary Mamounia Hotel. It has several classy restaurants and a fabulous spa, but if you’re looking for a cool mid-afternoon pitstop, make your way to its Bar Menzeh. Lost in the heart of its vast gardens, you can sample their delicious ice creams, with such flavors as Medjool date and lemon and ginger, or opt for the Moroccan and French pastries accompanied by some refreshing mint tea. Afterwards toss some balls at the boules pitch or have an early apératif at the Pastis bar, which also has a selection of chanel replica board games.

Website | Address:  Avenue Prince Moulay Rachid | Tel: +212 5 24 38 86 00

Moroccan Afternoon Tea – Royal Mansour Marrakech

One of the best places for afternoon tea is the opulent Royal Mansour Marrakech hotel. You can soak up the luxurious ambiance while enjoying your high tea in the Loggia, the lobby or in one of the lounges. For a more local experience, order the Moroccan afternoon tea which includes local tea or “nos-nos” coffee, a plate of sweet Moroccan pastries and a selection of Moroccan pancakes flavored with thyme and honey. Alternatively, you may prefer a more traditional British tea served with scones, muffins and finger sandwiches or the gourmet French tea which comes with cheese, “foie gras” and classic French pastries. Tea is served daily from 3:30 to 6:00 pm.

Website | Address: Rue Abou Abbas el sebti | Tel: +212 5 29 80 82 82

Aperitivo – Grand Café de la Poste

A popular meeting point in the new town district of Gueliz, the atmosphere of the Grand Café de la Poste mixes the best of authentic Marrakech with Western influences. Located in a former mansion, the classy 1920s decor evokes the bygone colonial era, also found on its mainly French menu. The best time to visit is between 6:00 and 8:00 pm for the happy hour when you can enjoy reduced-price cocktails, free aperitivo snacks and indulge in excellent people-watching on its busy terrace.

Website | Address: Corner of Boulevard el-Mansour Eddahbi and Avenue Imam Malik | Tel: +212 5 24 43 30 38

Dinner at Villa des Orangers

Located near Jemaâ El Fna square, the Villa des Orangers is a peaceful oasis from the chaotic Medina. A traditional noble riad, classified by Relais & Châteaux, it’s the perfect setting for a romantic dinner on its beautiful candlelit patio. The talented French chef, Jean-Claude Olry, highlights local ingredients in his refined classic French dishes and modern takes on Moroccan specialities. Treat yourself to tangia of rabbit with new potatoes, Rhamna region free range chicken m’kali with olives and peas purée, or grilled beef tenderloin, gnocchis and Rif’s mountains chanterelles.

Website | Address: 6, Rue Sidi Mimoun –Place Ben Tachfine | Tel: +212 5 24 38 46 38

 

Drinks at the Sky Lounge – Pearl Marrakech Hotel

If you want to chill out at the end of a long hot day, head to this comfortable and stylish rooftop lounge at the Pearl Marrakech Hotel. As its name indicates, the Sky Lounge has amazing views of the Medina, the Red City, the Agdal Gardens, the Imperial Ramparts and the Atlas Mountains. Relax with a crisp cocktail on one of the daybeds by its circular pool, and if you have your swimsuit, take a refreshing dip. Stay to savor the sunset or dance the night away under the stars.

Website | Address: Corner of Avenue Echouhada and rue du Temple, Hivernage | Tel: +212 5 24 42 42 42

General tips on surviving the Moroccan heat:

• Get your day started early to beat the heat, that way you can have a rest in the afternoon during the hottest hours from 1.00 to 4.00pm
• Always have a bottle of water with you
• Don’t forget to apply sunscreen before you go out and top up throughout the day
• Wear a hat or head covering to protect yourself from the sun
• Eat olives! The salt can help fend off heat stroke and exhaustion

Where to stay in Marrakech

If you’re looking for the best place to stay and keep cool in Marrakech, our Morocco experts at Villanovo, Kensington Morocco and cazenove+loyd have a fabulous range of luxury villas in and around the city.