From the Jemaa el Fna the sounds of ancient stories passed down through the centuries, mix with the clash of water sellers cymbals and the call to prayer. Men in Jelabahs rush to the 12th century Koutoubia Mosque for morning prayer, as caleche drivers tout for fares. Marrakesh is a captivating city, set against the back drop of the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains, where Saharan caravans once passed.

Artisans from Fes were called upon to build the El Bahia Palace. The once slave Abu Ahmed insisted on only the finest craftsmanship and his palace’s opulent design shows the fashion of the time. Inside the near perfectly preserved green tiled roofs of the Saadian Tombs, lie some of the best examples of plaster work to be found anywhere in Morocco. No trip to Marrakesh is complete without a visit to the tranquil Majorelle Gardens, designed in the 1920’s by French artist Jacques Majorelle and now owned by Yves Saint-Laurent. With its turtle filled pools and exceptional collection of flora, it’s hard to believe such peace can be found in a city that never sleeps.

Marrakesh founded in 1062 by Yussef Idn Tashfin is a fantastic representation of the new Morocco. The fabled walled medina, a maze of narrow alleyways filled with spices and haggling carpet traders, is of stark contrast to the modern tree lined boulevards of the new city. The greatest attraction of Marrakesh is you can drink mint tea with the locals in a street side café or recline poolside in the renowned colonial style Hotel Mamounia, a favourite of Winston Churchill, shop for designer labels or step back centuries and lose yourself in the legendary souqs. The choice is yours.