6 reasons to book a golf holiday to Marrakech

With it quickly becoming North Africa’s best-selling holiday destination, a golf trip to Marrakech should be on every golfer's bucket list. With a stunning backdrop of the Atlas Mountains, and some of the highest-quality courses anywhere on the continent, the city has seen a surge in golf travel over recent years.

Although the city is just a three-hour flight from the UK, it remains warm throughout the year, making it the ideal winter getaway for those looking to extend their golfing season. Temperatures can get up to the high 30’s in the middle of summer, but for those looking to travel during this period, fear not; the immaculate hotels are adorned with swimming pools and shady cabanas to cool you in the midday heat!

Away from the course, the colourful souks of Marrakech are known the world-over for their authentic cultural stalls, with the city also boasting some of the best and most diverse cuisine on the planet. A base here really allows for full exploration of this fabulous country, whilst providing easy access to some of the region’s best golf.

There’s a variety of both four and five-star hotels to choose from in and around the city. For those looking to stay in the city, the Movenpick is a five-star option, laden in luxury. The hotel has incredible facilities and cooling swimming pools, ideal for a dunk after a warm day on course!

Elsewhere in the newer part of the city, the Kenzi Rose Garden hotel has been completely renovated over recent years and is a fabulous all-inclusive option. It’s a great base from which to explore Marrakech, but with the security of knowing that if you don’t fancy venturing out one evening, you’ve got unbelievable food included at the hotel.

Just outside of the city you’ll find the Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech resort. With the five-star service you’ll find throughout the Fairmont chain, this hotel has spacious rooms, impeccable service, and a golf course on site – ideal for those that want to fit their golf in around their wider travels in Marrakech. Another of our favourites close to the course is the Iberostar Club Palmeraie Marrakech. Another all-inclusive offering, with modern rooms and easy access to the area’s top tracks.

Speaking of the golf courses, you’re spoiled for choice here. Assoufid remains a firm customer favourite, located just 10 minutes from the airport, and 20 minutes from the Old City. The course has a full academy, perfect for honing your game whilst on your break, and unbelievable views of the Atlas Mountains. A real must-play during your golf trip to Marrakech.

Sharing the same view of the skyline, you’ll find the Jack Nicklaus-designed Samanah Golf Course. This layout has hosted Senior European Tour events over recent years and won “International Golf Development of the Year” upon its opening in 2009. Another of our favourites is Royal Golf Marrakech. A stunning clubhouse leads you out onto an equally impressive golf course. The course itself has been recently renovated and with first-class practice facilities on site, as well as incredible food in the clubhouse, it’s the sort of place you could stay all day!

Where to start with the cuisine of Marrakech? For an authentic taste of the city, you absolutely must try a tagine or two during your golf trip to Marrakech. This North African specialty can be found throughout Marrakech and mixes succulent meat with local vegetables and fruit, all cooked and served together in the iconic domed-shaped pot.

Throughout the city you’ll also frequently find meat keftas, kebabs and skewers, again usually served with a selection of the local veggies. These dishes can often be found ‘to-go’, but we’d recommend finding the time to take in the full experience of a meal at a local restaurant. Our other go-to favourite in Marrakech is the mint tea, served almost everywhere! The tea is offered regularly throughout the hotels here, and so make sure to try a cup when offered by the staff.

Whilst the food around the city is absolutely to die for, as mentioned earlier, many of our hotels offer all-inclusive packages, meaning that you needn’t travel far for a good meal. All hotels will also offer a selection of cuisine to satisfy both those looking to try something new, and those after a more familiar meal.

The main square in Marrakech (Djemma El Fna) is a hub of activity. Within here you’ll find market stalls, entertainment and places to grab some food on the move. Keep your eye out for the snake charmers and other entertainers making their living from (impressively!) wowing tourists in the area.

Within Djemma El Fna you’ll find the famous souks, local markets where it’s well within the norm to haggle for your items. The souks themselves are loud and vibrant, and so we’d hugely recommend relaxing in one of the city’s many rooftop bars after your visit to soak in the atmosphere from on high.

If you’re still looking to take in more of Marrakech, we’d recommend a visit to the Marrakech Tower and both the Bahia Palace and El Baddi Palace during your golf trip. Both have a very minimal entry fee but showcase some of Morocco’s most impressive architecture. There are also loads of day excursions out to the desert or to the Atlas Mountains to choose from, and you’ll find a mode of transport to suit all groups … whether it’s a camel ride or a dune buggy!

Although not thought of as a ‘party town’, Marrakech comes alive at night. The bars and clubs are filled with entertainers playing (and dancing to) live music. One of our favourite spots for a drink is the Comptoir Darna bar, a great spot to kick back after a day on the course. Shisha pipes are to be found in almost every establishment for those looking to fully get into the Moroccan spirit, and night owls will be pleased to know that the city is home to several nightclubs and casinos to keep you entertained into the small hours.