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Back in January when it was pouring with rain, the nights were long and we’d only just got the keys back to our house… my best friends decided that the stars had aligned and the time was right to book a girls trip. Never in the universe has a girls trip come together so quickly. From the first message at 7.30am I think we had decided where to go, had flights sorted and accommodation booked for nine by midday.

We booked a Riad (local name for a villa) and the flights on Wizz air and EasyJet. We did use google scanner to check cheapest/best options. Read to the end to see where we stayed and the link.

The only catch on all this was that we would have nine whole months to look forward to this trip. Many a weekend in the run up I found myself wishing it would come sooner. I was starting to feel the burnout of an international move and everything that comes with it. But in reality going on holiday in September with your best friends is a bloody brilliant idea. That last hurrah at absorbing as much vitamin D and sunshine as possible all whilst it chucks it down with rain at home. Then come back refreshed before we head into that long run up to Christmas.

The Journey to Marrakesh

A few of the girls who live further from the airport opted to stay the night at Gatwick the night before. I opted for my own bed and an early taxi, when I saw early it was basically the middle of the night. Despite check-in taking a little longer, due to the lack of staff on the check-in desks, it was relatively smooth. I do miss Changi airport carpets, efficiency and friendly staff, iykyk.

Both flights there and back were smooth with very little turbulence. It just got a little windy on the landing back into Gatwick, I may have squealed a little too loudly, but thankfully the kind man next to me offered me some reassurance.

The only real inconvenience on our trip was the wait we had at immigration upon landing in Marrakesh. If I went again, which I will, I will be investigating how I can get in the fast-track lane. We lost about 2hours of precious pool time.

Girls Trip Itinerary for Marrakesh

Now when it comes to what to do in Marrakesh and how to organise your weekend, you’re possibly not going to be as lucky as we were. My friend Elaine has been to Marrakesh an astounding 15 times, it’s practically her second home, she is also an event planner by trade. So she jumped in and organised everything for us, so we could kick back and relax.

Here’s what we got up to on our girls weekend in Marrakesh.

1. Day Passes for Beldi Country Club

Only a short drive from Marrakesh airport lies the serene estate of Beldi Country Club. Upon arriving at the clay entrance wall that surrounds the property you cannot imagine the serenity that lies within waiting for you. We were able to go straight from the airport, as they looked after our bags for us. A few of us had massages pre-booked and headed straight into the most divine spa.

Top Tip: I had a lymphatic massage, it was incredible. Only two ladies are trained to offer this service so book ahead if you’re keen.

From the spa I literally floated over to a three course lunch in the shade overlooking one of the swimming pools. After lunch we did a spot of sun worshipping, there was plenty room for us all to spread out. What I loved about the layout was that there was a labyrinth of paths and spots to lounge tucked under the trees for shade and privacy. You never felt that you were on top of other guests. The pool was cool but super refreshing.

Before you leave make sure you wander around their shops, they have a collection of shops selling not only local products but goods they make on site and use in the hotel. Including a candle making factory, glass blowing, pot making, I loved it all. I may have been restrained and came home with only a few wine glasses, ok a dozen but who’s counting.

2. Dinner and a Show at Comptoir Darna

Comptoir Darna is a great place to soak in some local entertainment, think belly dancers, ladies dancing with candelabras on their heads and local musicians. Food was local and the tajine’s flavourful, I opted for bubbles to drink but the girls loved the cocktails. We were seated on a round table as we were a big group, but the seats were really uncomfortable, so if you’re going maybe ask for another table.

3. Day Passes for Mandarin Oriental

The pool at Mandarin Oriental, Marrakesh opens at 11am and runs till 6pm for day passes. We got there a bit before to organise ourselves. The lunch at Mandarin Oriental was the best during our trip, the fish was so meaty and tasty, I’m still dreaming about it. The staff were amazing at catering to my gluten free needs.

They day beds were really comfortable here and the staff made sure we had lots of shade. The pool was a great temperature and a great size. Only thing to note is that it’s on the flight path, or was the day we were there, so there were a few jets passing overhead, but it didn’t bother us.

4. Let Off Steam at Epicurean

One of the trip highlights for me. We booked (I say we, I mean my friend Elaine booked) a table inside Epicurean. This is the important part, you want an inside table for around 9.15pm. The garden is lovely also but you want an inside table for later in the night. We ate lots of lovely food, some had a selection of starters and other main courses, and a little bit of wine.

After dinner a band came on, they were amazing and played all the hits that made us dance like we were still 18 and on the dance floor in The Blue Orchid nightclub of our younger years. My feet however did not thank me the next morning! Having a table inside was a godsend as we had somewhere to leave our bags and plenty of space to spread our wings and dance.

5. Day Passes for The Fairmont, Marrakesh

About 30mins out of town lies The Fairmont, Marrakesh with views over the Atlas Mountains. This was the best pool view of all the hotels we visited, over looking the golf course and then the mountains. The pool was also my favourite, the lap pool was over 100m long! The staff here were brilliant and even took part in our Instagram reels bringing all the giggles.

Top Tip: They had some construction going on, so maybe check this has finished before you go. Whilst this didn’t damped our spirits, if you’re looking for peace and quiet it might put a spanner in the works.

6. Dinner at La Trattoria

Have you even been researching your trip to Marrakesh if you haven’t come across a reel from La Trattoria. Part warehouse part bougie bar. I loved the ambiance in the bar as we got there early to enjoy a drink before we sat down for dinner. Food was good, not so good on managing food intolerances though. Make sure you get a seat overlooking the pool as I had a view of the carpark.

7. Go Shopping in the Medina

I was itching to get into the souks and do some homewares shopping, so I left the Mandarin Oriental early and headed to the medina with a few of the girls. I can put my hand on my heart and say that two hours is not enough time here. We barely scratched the surface.

We haggled hard, part of the culture they say, and bought a few goodies. I could’ve spent half a day wandering up and down the rows and rows of stalls. I sadly only walked away with a few goodies. Cash is king in here but a lot of stalls also had card machines, although reluctant to use them.

8. Visit a Roof Top Bar for Sundowners

I missed out on this as I was sucked into the souks but some of the girls got to do sundowners from a roof top bar near the main medina. There are plenty to choose from, some of the more popular ones I suggest you book ahead: OTTO Rooftop Bar, El Fenn, Dardar, Kabana, Kabana Rooftop, are all ones to consider.

Where to Stay in Marrakesh

We stayed in a riad in Marrakesh near the main medina as we wanted to all be together. Riad Imperia was unique as nobody lived in, so we had it to ourselves. It was catered for with a simple breakfast each day and included room cleaning. It was lovely to have the space to enjoy and the roof top was a treat. All rooms had aircon and an ensuite.

When staying in a riad they’re often down little lanes that cars cannot drive down, the route to ours was well lit and only about a five min walk. We felt safe as we were a group of nine and always stuck together. Something to consider if you’re looking at riads.

We stayed at Riad Imperia, it’s so much better than the booking.com images!

What’s on your Marrakesh list, let me know if there is anything I missed?