I don’t normally visit the same place twice. But Marrakesh is a rare exception for various reasons.
It’s ideal for some early sunshine and warmth. It’s a great base for day trips further afield. And I found an irresistible deal for myself and my travel buddy with British Airways Holidays.
Riad Altair
Riad Altair could well be another reason for revisiting Marrakesh in the future! It’s an amazing oasis of peace and quiet in the medina, a skip and a hop from the mayhem of Jemaa El Fna Square.
The place was sympathetically adapted for modern comfort while retaining its character.
the court yard 
The courtyard 
view from the terrace
My favourite was the top terrace. It’s a haven to enjoy the warm sun under shelter, with the drapes swaying in the gentle breeze
top roof terrace 
top roof terrace 
top roof terrace
However the most memorable thing about Riad Altair is the hospitality we enjoyed. From the moment we were met at the airport by the prebook taxi we felt like special house guests at an elegant Riad.
We were met on arrival by the delightful manager Naoual who made us feel at home straight away. And we were served with biscuits and mint tea from a teapot with a cute handle cover!
Mint tea and homemade biscuits – note the cute teapot handle cover 
Naoual the manager
We had a comfortable room. It was great to enjoy lovely home-made Moroccan dinners every night in the comfort of the courtyard , all at a very reasonable price. What a memorable stay!!
Jemaa El Fna Square
Despite having been to Jemaa El Fna square many times on my previous visit, the sounds and sights were still irresistible!
The perfect place to appreciate the square was from the roof terrace of one of many cafés around the square. We paid 200 dirhams (€2) each for a soft drink at Grand Balcon Cafe Glacier to enjoy a grandstand view of the square
Le Jardin Secret (Secret Garden)
What a gem the Secret Garden is and right in the heart of the Medina too!! It’s beautiful in its simplicity, dominated by The New Pavilion in the centre
It was not open when I visited Marrakech in 2013. According to the guide this Riad fell into disrepair until 2008 when restoration work started. It was only opened to the public in 2016
We got there about an hour after it opened at 9.30. It was relatively quiet to enjoy some peace and tranquility in the garden and a visit the watchtower
The watchtower boast a pair of exquisite doors at the entrance. Koutoubia Mosque and Ben Youssef Mosque could be seen from the top of the tower
Koutoubia Mosque was as majestic as ever!
Finally, here is the fridge magnet (bought in 2013) and me in my usual pose
