Marrakech Flair

It is said that Marrakech awakens all the senses. Whether it's seeing the intricate cellular tiles, smelling the various spices sold in the souks, hearing the call to prayer from the nearby mosques, touching the supple leather that makes up a pair of babouches (leather sandals) is made, or to try a tasty tagine - Marrakesh is always an experience. The city, located west of the Atlas Mountains, has been inhabited by Berber farmers for centuries. It is also known as the "ocher city" because of the many red sandstone buildings and the red city walls that today enclose the medina with Jemaa el-Fnaa, one of the busiest squares in Africa.

Marrakech is bursting with culture and has been inspiring its visitors for decades. From Yves Saint Laurent to Talitha Getty, Winston Churchill to Mick Jagger, Marrakech has attracted great icons inspired by its eternal spirit and sweet, beautiful life. Yves Saint Laurent's close relationship with this city led to the opening of a museum dedicated to his legendary work. The annual Marrakech International Film Festival is a crowd-puller. There are numerous museums exhibiting Moroccan art, photography, carpets and the Andalusian design aesthetic that characterizes the city's architecture. The Hotel La Mamounia, which opened in 1923, looks back on an eventful history and hosted guests such as Winston Churchill. Vanessa Branson's El Fenn is a collection of traditional riads that form a stunning boutique hotel. There are countless ways to immerse yourself in Marrakech culture, but perhaps the best place to start is with a simple glass of mint tea.