Marrakech
The Palmeraie
Roberto Nickson / Unsplash
Luxury resort territory — palatial hotels, golf, and the Atlas Mountains as a backdrop.
The Palmeraie is the palm grove north of Marrakech where the most lavish resort hotels have been built — the kind of properties with 12 pools, private hammams, and helicopters on standby. It's a self-contained luxury experience that happens to be 20 minutes from the Medina. Not an area for those wanting neighbourhood life or walking; this is for those who want a palatial base from which to make day trips.
Scores
Walkability
Transit
Price
Local feel
Nightlife
Family-friendly
Centrality
What you gain
- ↑The most spectacular resort hotels in Morocco — some have been rated among the world's finest
- ↑Complete privacy and tranquillity that the Medina cannot offer
- ↑Atlas Mountain views from the pool; the landscape setting is genuinely beautiful
What you sacrifice
- ↓Total car dependency — a taxi is required for every trip to the Medina or city
- ↓Completely insulated from real Moroccan life; you could be anywhere with palm trees
- ↓Very expensive — the properties that define this area are among the priciest in Africa
Best for
Avoid if
Other Marrakech neighbourhoods
Marrakech's modern French-built quarter — wide boulevards, galleries, and the city's best restaurants.
The ancient walled city — souks, riads, Djemaa el-Fna, and the real Marrakech experience.
The quieter southern Medina — palaces, the Saadian Tombs, and fewer tourist crowds.
Know where to stay — now find when to go.
Best time to visit Marrakech →