Sussex Exclusive Magazine Edition II 2022

Morocco is only a threehour
flight from Gatwick,
making it a great mini
break destination. Despite
its proximity to Sussex, the
hot, pulsing streets of the Marrakesh Medina
couldn’t be more different to the sleepy slopes
of the South Downs, giving you something
totally different from the norm.
Where to stay
The big decision to make is whether you want
to stay within the Medina. Staying outside
means you can escape the hustle and bustle and
your hotel might be a bit more spacious (with
room for that all important pool perhaps) but
you will have to either walk or catch a taxi into
the centre. Staying in the centre means you’ll be
right in the heart of the action. Or you could
combine space and place by staying in one of
the super swanky central hotels.
We stayed in the Amani Hotel which is not far
from the railway station and theatre and had a
pool, and spa. Shop around for the best price
but I found a double room in September for
less than £85 for two nights.
Things to do in Marrakesh
There is so much to do in Marrakesh, and you
won’t have time to see it all, especially if you
want to fit in some rest and relaxation.
The Medina
Inevitably, your stay is going to be focussed on
the magnificent Medina.
Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the
Medina is the old, historic part of town
surrounded by high stone walls. It was founded
in the 11 th century and is a rabbit warren of
narrow streets, covered alleyways (derbs) and
hidden courtyards, all centred around the large
central square, the Jemaa El Fna. This is where
you’ll find snake charmers, monkeys, stilt
walkers and a whole host of street entertainers,
especially at night.
The Medina is a brightly coloured, full-on
assault on the senses whether you visit day
or night, with hawkers, bikes, carts, fabrics,
pottery, lamps, spices, livestock, pastries and
more all trying to grab your attention. Any trip
to Marrakesh demands that you spend at least
half a day here.
Top tip: if you’re apprehensive, visit early in the
morning when it’s at its quietist and use the 12 th
century Koutoubia Mosque as your way marker
(you can see it from the plane as you land and it’s
in the Medina).
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