POSTCARD FROM MARRAKESH - The All Court Tennis Club

Explore in this article…

WHERE TO PLAY TENNIS WHAT TO SEE SHOP EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY SLEEP

Marrakesh, one of the jewels of North Africa, has a lot going for it, including the tennis. It’s a vitamin D enriching trip (great for autumn, winter and spring breaks) that’s easily and quickly reached from Europe. Plenty of hotels and resorts allow you to practice your tennis or even golf swing in between ducking off to visit the desert for overnight stays in premium camps offering sunset quad-biking or camel rides. The city boasts some very cool restaurants and bolt-holes replete with local and international DJs. And of course, you need to engage in the eclectic shopping found in the souks of the Medina region of the city. Just be prepared to buy another suitcase while you’re there to carry it all home.

Want to enquire about a tennis trip through our concierge service?

WHERE TO PLAY TENNIS

We can only personally attest to a couple of places where we played, but there are plenty more to be had. We first tested the courts of the Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakesh, about a 20min drive from the city. They have four red-clay courts in excellent condition, and we had a great time with their portfolio of coaches (Medhi and Hamza were a delight). For Padel enthusiasts, and we know you’re all out there, there are two newly minted courts. During the mornings, you can throw your kids, if relevant, into the Padel and tennis combined programme (be sure to book this before you arrive) and either take your own lesson, hit the golf course at the adjoining golf club, or hang by the pool (the smaller one nearest the tennis courts is actually the cutest and quietest)!

For those wanting to be closer to the action, we can also personally recommend a stay at the Four Seasons. It has all the pampering and wellness you need after a hard day in the souks, but if you want to let off some steam outside the hammam, you can jump on the hotel’s red-clay tennis court or recently installed padel court. Again, the coaches on offer are excellent and a lot of fun.

In terms of private members clubs, the Royal Tennis Club of Marrakesh is the place to be seen. It frequently hosts major sporting and cultural events, offering 9 red-clay courts, a 3,000-seat central court, a clubhouse, a swimming pool, and an open-air restaurant with views over the El Harti gardens to the snow-capped mountains of Oukaimeden.

what to SEE

City

Marrakesh, often called the “Red City,” is a vibrant tapestry of culture, history, and architecture waiting to be explored. Begin your journey in the heart of the city at the iconic Jemaa el-Fnaa square. This UNESCO World Heritage site comes alive with street performers, snake charmers, and the tantalizing aromas of local cuisine. As dusk falls, the square transforms into a bustling food market, offering an array of Moroccan delights—try the harira soup and spicy tagines. Wandering through the narrow alleys of the medina, with its array of shops loosely arranged into leather goods, woodwork, clothing, footwear, household, lighting, etc., is an adventure (and day out) in itself. For other walkable treats, the stunning Bahia Palace, a showcase of traditional Moroccan architecture, features exquisite gardens and ornate tile work. Close by are the Saadian Tombs, offering a poignant glimpse into the city’s past. For a welcome leafy respite and a touch of tranquility, visit the Majorelle Garden, a botanical haven designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle and now owned by the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. Tickets to visit also grant access to the Musee Yves Saint Laurent Marrakesh, dedicated to the works of the legendary fashion designer.

Mountains and Valleys

Just a short drive away, the Atlas Mountains beckon adventure seekers. Head to the picturesque village of Imlil, where you can trek through breathtaking landscapes, visit traditional Berber villages, and even reach the base of Mount Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak. Another excellent day trip is the Ourika Valley, known for its lush greenery. The valley offers various hiking trails alongside the Ourika River. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Setti Fatma waterfalls; a refreshing dip in the cool waters is a delightful reward after a scenic hike.

Beaches
You can even fit in a beach trip while visiting Marrakesh. A day trip to the ancient city of Essaouira offers beautiful beaches, surf camps, a historic medina, and a vibrant arts scene. Stroll along the fortified ramparts, sample fresh seafood, and explore artisan workshops showcasing traditional crafts.

Desert

We took a worthwhile half-day trip to the rocky, arid expanse of the Agafay Desert, just an hour from Marrakesh. This semi-desert offers stunning landscapes and activities for adults and kids, such as quad-biking and camel rides. At sunset, it’s a calming experience. After sunset, we enjoyed a traditional Moroccan dinner at a desert camp, complete with local music and dancing under the stars. We visited Agafay Luxury Camp, where we relaxed by the pool before trekking and later gathered around the campfire, sipping cocktails before heading back to the city.

SHOP

Take ample cash, your best bartering poker face, and head to the Medina to get lost! The various souks intermeshed throughout the Medina are a treat, with mostly covered alleyways and a bustling atmosphere. Our picks for high-end local products are Ahram Cuir (leather clothing) and Boutique El Fenn (household goods).

Eat, drink and BE merry

We managed to try Les Jardins Du Lotus, a hidden gem in the Medina, and Nouba Restaurant Marrakesh, which offers vibrant entertainment and delicious food. Both are worth a visit!

SLEEP

We stayed at the Fairmont and Four Seasons. Both offer luxurious stays, lush gardens, and excellent wellness facilities. For boutique options, check Mr & Mrs Smith’s curated listings for Marrakesh.

Want to enquire about a tennis trip through our concierge service?