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.

Considered the shoulder season in many destinations around the world, the month of May can be a traveler’s delight. Fewer tourists and great deals, the cusp of the rainy season or the joys of spring, it’s still not too late to enjoy our favorite places to visit in May.

Scotland

May is an excellent time to holiday to Scotland, the days are almost at their longest, wildflowers and rhododendrons are popping out in the countryside, plus statistically you have the best chance of the whole year of getting dry weather.

“The Glenapp Castle is a great place to go in spring,” highlights Andrew Loyd, one of our UK experts of Loyd & Townsend Rose. “It’s truly ideal for garden lovers.”

The impressive 19th-century castle, built for the Earl of Inchcape, is located close to the coast in the southwest of the country. Opened to guests since 2000, its 17 rooms, sophisticated drawing room and library evoke the utmost of Victorian splendour. Outside, the elegance is carried over in its historic Italian gardens and 36 acre private grounds.

Garden aficionados should roam beyond the castle walls to several noteworthy gardens in the vicinity. Andrew recommends exploring the clifftop Culzean Castle and its gorgeous 600 acres of park and woods where you can seek out the spring blossoms along the marked paths through meadows, forests and around secluded ponds. There’s also Castle Kennedy Gardens, an important historic garden as well as the famous Logan Botanic Garden, considered the country’s most exotic garden.

Whereas over at our other UK expert, Warren de Long of Blandings, recommends going to the coast of Fife, where they have some fabulous properties to base yourself for exploring the area.

“So much of the press for Scotland is about the Highlands and the Western Isles – but I think this part of Scotland is every bit as beautiful and full of charm.

“The obvious place to start, of course, is St Andrews, it’s historic university and the world-class golf should be enough to tempt anyone, but to my mind there is so much more. There is a glorious coastal path that is best between St Monans and Crail—beautiful coastline and great villages, as well as excellent fish & chips in the villages near Anstruther. If you are a bit more adventurous, there is the Elie Chain Walk (between Elie & Leven) where there is a bracing, otter-spotting trail over the cliffs where you can do a 2-to-3 hour scramble. It’s challenging but not as scary as it sounds!

“For those who would rather sit than walk, it is worth going to the nearby coastal village of Elie where The Ship Inn not only has great food, but also hosts beach cricket (only when it is low tide!) starting in May and going on throughout the Summer. Pittenweem is another great spot on the beautiful East Neuk coastline, and in August each year they host the Pittenweem Arts Festival—which is great fun for families, and growing in popularity each year. Nature-lovers have plenty to see too, as there are regular ferries from Anstruther to the Isle of May which is known for its puffins, seals, porpoise, dolphin and even the occasional whale!”

To experience some of this yourselves and make the most of springtime in Scotland, you can reach out to these UK experts at Loyd & Townsend Rose and Blandings at this link.

Bahamas 

“May is one of my favorite months to be in the Bahamas, in particular Harbour Island,” says our our Bahamas expert Pamela Murdock. “The air temperature ranges from about 70 – 85 degrees and the water is about 80 degrees. It’s simply perfect. Though it’s the beginning of the rainy season, the weather is generally beautiful. While this idyllic small island remains a wildly popular destination year round, by May the sun worshippers have been joined by those who love fishing and diving.”

We are in luck because Pamela was just on Harbour Island a week ago scouting out some new luxury properties to add to her already extensive portfolio and gave us these insider tips:

“Of course I made time to do some of my favorite things like snorkeling with Jeff of Ocean Fox and shopping for chic clothes at the Blue Rooster and just around the corner at the island’s newest store, Drake. We also had an fantastic lunch at Ocean Talley. Once a best-kept secret, this little jewel is getting more and more popular so definitely make a reservation, especially on weekends,” advises Pamela wisely. “It’s located in a lighthouse on Whale Point, Eleuthera which is about a 10-minute boat trip from Harbour Island. Definitely try their Tequila Shrimp as a first course – It’s so good you may want to have it for your main as well! It really is the perfect way to spend a Bahamian afternoon.”

We couldn’t agree more! A big thank you to Pamela for sharing this valuable local insight. You can learn more about Pamela’s offerings on beautiful Harbour Island at here.

Costa Rica

One of our Costa Rica experts, Jane Moore of Papagayo, confirmed that May is a wonderful time to visit the country. Her luxury villas are located in the most upscale area of Costa Rica, home to the Four Seasons and an Arnold Palmer Golf Course. However, the area is still not overly developed so it feels very private.

“May is the beginning of the green season,” explains Jane. “We’re located in a tropical dry forest so when it rains, even just a little, everything becomes greener. Plus temperatures have started  cooling down from April’s extreme heat. In addition, since it’s the fringe season, just after spring break and before summer school holidays, it’s a good time to visit for couples. It’s like you have the place all to yourself.”

It’s also perfect timing because Papagayo has a fantastic last minute deal of up to 50% savings on certain villas for stays through June 01, 2016. Jane has sweetened the deal even further by running a flash sale which extends this deal for rental up to Nov 1 for bookings made by April 30, 2016.

Find out more about Papagayo and scoop up this amazing deal here. Or peruse the equally exceptional properties of our other Costa Rica expert Mead Brown at this link.

Morocco

May is the most wonderful time of the year to travel to Morocco and Marrakech in particular,” says David Schneuwly one of our Morocco experts at Villanovo, who have some fabulous villas in Marrakech and Essaouira evoking the traditional spirit of Morocco coupled with modern luxury.

“During the day you can enjoy blossoming gardens under clear blue skies and in the evening al fresco dining in all our villas,” he tempts us further. “Golfing at its best, plus i’s also a wonderful time to trek in the Atlas mountains. We  can organize superb lunch parties in the Agafay desert located one hour from Marrakech.”

To arrange your perfect stay in Morocco, you can contact Villanovo or our other Morocco experts, Kensington Finest Properties Marrakech, here.

Bali, Indonesia

May can be a great month to go to Bali, in part for similar reasons to Costa Rica above: it’s still relatively dry and slightly less humid then the rainy season, plus it’s just before the high season in summer making it less crowded and giving the island a more authentic, laid-back feel.

Our Bali experts at Luna2 have a fantastic May Getaway package. Named one of “the world’s top 10 hottest hotels” by Tatler Asia, Luna2 is a private hotel located in Seminyak, Bali’s ultimate beachfront holiday destination. You have exclusive-use of 5 bedrooms (4 doubles, 1 twin) for up to 10 adults. Their additional services include VIP ‘fast-track’ with complimentary airport pick-up/drop-off, daily sunset canapés, 24-hour use of 1 “Lunamobile,” with driver, complimentary kids’ coordinator/babysitting services.

Their May Getaway package is available for any bookings made from now until May 31, 2016 for stays between May 1 and August 31. They are also providing a special exclusive offer for UltraVilla readers, who will also receive a 5-course degustation dinner at the Chef’s table, for up to 10 guests, with the uninterrupted sunset and ocean views.

Learn more about Luna2 here or the exclusive properties of our other Indonesia experts, Global Nomad, who are all booked by for May, but the autumn is also a nice time to go to Indonesia.

Happy travels and we hope to see you at some of these wonderful destinations!