If you want to chase away the winter blues but don't fancy flying halfway around the world, Marrakesh is a safe bet. Morocco's sultry capital has been enticing winter-weary travellers for years. Studded with architectural gems, seductive gardens and oozing with atmosphere, it's a great destination for anyone. Add in the souks and spas, and you've got yourself the perfect recipe for a girlie get-away!
Successful souking
Visiting the souks for the first time is like being shaken around inside a giant kaleidoscope. Catch your breath and you'll see new patterns and colours emerging from the blur. A petal-pink scarf, a pair of beaded shoes, a sleeping cat, a stack of pottery and countless other details appear as you walk through the tunnel-like lanes. It's enough to get any self-respecting shopaholic buzzing - but not so fast: in the souks, maintaining a cool exterior is what it's all about. Show enthusiasm and you've had it; crowds of salesmen will descend and before you know it, you'll be the owner of five wicker baskets, a fistful of jewellery and a dubiously crafted wooden snake.
The trick is to look like you know what you're doing. The souks are easy to navigate once you've explored, so go for a stroll to familiarise yourself with the layout before you shop. Take the opportunity to eavesdrop on a bit of bartering as you walk - it will come in handy later on. The easiest entrance to the souks is opposite Café de France on Place Jamaa Fna (the main square).
Our top four souks
Whatever you do, don't miss these…
Au Fil D'or has a smart shop front, with the name of the souk in gold letters across the door. Inside, the walls are lined with glass-fronted cabinets displaying ready-made jellabas and neatly stacked shoes. If you're a fan of coloured shoes, Au Fil D'or is a must. They're made from buttery-soft leather and they feel like heaven on your feet. The style translates well too - they'll look a treat with your skinny jeans. The shoes cost 300 Dirham (£18 approx) and no bartering is required.
La Lamp d'Aladin is crammed with delights. There are embroidered door surrounds, knee-high urns, carved tables, silver tea sets, beaded cushions, trinket boxes and hundreds of other curiosities for sale. Most of the merchandise is certified antique and the prices are reassuringly authentic! You won't pick up anything cheap but you'll certainly get what you pay for. This is the place to come if you like a bit of soul in your souvenirs.
Marbrouk My Ahmed perfumery is easy to miss. It's a small, booth-like souk with a glass counter and rows of honey-coloured bottles on the shelves. Not many tourists stop but if you stand around you'll see plenty of locals dropping by to pick up a phial of scent. The perfume is made from undiluted essential oils. Show your interest and prepare for an eye-widening experience as the oils are passed your way. The jasmine oil is sweet enough to give you a sugar rush and the sandalwood smells like a forest in a bottle. The phials contain roughly 15ml of oil and cost between 100-200 Dirhams (£6 - £12 approx).
You can't visit Marrakesh without visiting a carpet souk and Souk des tapis is the liveliest one in town! If you arrive around 5pm, you'll catch the animated auction that takes place every day. Visitors don't tend to bid so if you're after a carpet, visit one of the other souks. Soufiane at number 13, has a great selection carpets, conversation and mint tea. Carpets are priced on size, age and quality and start from 1,500 Dirham (£90 approx).
The hammam spa
After the frenetic buzz of the souks, there's no better place than a hammam for a spot of Moroccan style relaxation. Hammam Ziani is a good choice if you want a traditional experience. A standard hammam costs 270 Dirham, (£16 approx). Once you've paid, you'll be ushered into a changing area, where there are secure lockers for your clothes. The hammam provide a wrap and a towel. Traditionally, women went in completely naked but it's not always the case now, so it's worth checking! At the Ziani, you keep your knickers on. Once you've changed, you walk though the massage area into the steam room. There, a smilingly dexterous lady will whip off your wrap and soap you down. Next, you lie on a marble slab and receive the most energetic exfoliation treatment of your life. At Ziani, they really mean business. After the scrub, you shower and return to the steam room to marvel at your baby-soft skin and wait your turn for a massage. The top-to-toe massage lasts for about forty minutes and is vigorously deep. After your final steam, you'll be zinging with energy, thoroughly clean and totally relaxed. It's the perfect way to while away the afternoon!
Addresses
Au Fil D'or, 10 Souk Semmarine
La Lamp d'Aladin, 70 Souk Semmarine
Mabrouk My Ahmed, 1 Souk Laghzel
Soufiane, 13 Souk des Tapis Rahba Ked
Hammam Ziani, 14, Rue Riad Zitoune jdid Marrakech Medina
What to wear
Morocco is an Islamic country and the women dress modestly. Skirts should be knee-length or longer and tops should cover your shoulders. Take some closed-toe shoes as well as sandals as the streets can be dusty.
Where to stay
Riad Al Moussika is in the heart of the old medina, just a short walk from Jamaa El Fna. The rooms are beautifully atmospheric and there are petal-strewn fountains in the courtyard. Aspire offers seven nights at the Riad Al Moussika from £860 per person on a half board basis (breakfast and lunch) in a Comfort room, including BA flights from Gatwick and transfers.
Price valid for travel until 7 May 07. For bookings and further information call Aspire on 0845 345 9096 or visit www.aspireholidays.co.uk
It costs £5 to neutralise the flight emissions from this trip at www.climatecare.org
