HAMMAMHAMMAMOffline map Google map ( 0524 43 48 48; 62 Rue de la Liberté; 10am-8pm Mon-Sat)
Upscale treatments inside an art-deco villa, with hammam/ gommage treatments (Dh200) in a
sleek graphite- tadelakt hammam, argan-oil and Atlas cedar body wraps (Dh100) and rose-
petal massages (Dh500 for 45 minutes).
La Maison Arabe
Offline map Google map ( 0524 38 70 10; www.lamaisonarabe.com; 1 Derb Assehbe, BabDoukkala) Marinate in local herbs and minerals in this double hammam, followed by gommage
and masque of ghassoul (clay), crushed rose petals and spices – all for Dh300, plus optional
30-minute massage (Dh350). This is the place to try threading, traditional epilation done with
thread and fast hands (Dh100 to Dh150 per half-leg).
Medina Spa
Offline map Google map ( 0524 38 50 59; www.medina-spa-marrakech.com; 27 Derb Zaari; 9.30am-9pm) Steps from the dusty Djemaa, off Rue des Banques, enjoy a brisk scrubbing and
rejuvenating massage at the right price (30-minute hammam/ gommage Dh100, massage
Dh330 per hour). This is a busy riad-spa, so expect some noise, line-dry-damp (though clean)
robes, and waits for walk-ins.
MARRAKESH’S SECRET GETAWAY: OUIRGANE
Framed by High Atlas foothills and the Ouirgane reservoir, mellow Ouirgane is just 60km south of Marrakesh and accessible
by grand taxi (Dh30) from Bab er-Rob. In summer, trekkers storm Imlil and picnickers swamp Ourika, not realising that
mountain hikes and outdoor dining are available in Ouirgane without the crowds – and you can hit Ouirgane’s Thursday souq
before lunch.
Afternoon escapes
Enjoy lunch in an olive grove with a glass of wine by the pool at L’Oliveraie de Marigha ( 0661 31 04 82; www.oliveraie-de-
marigha.com; ) . Linger over espresso, admire High Atlas mountain views floating in the pool, and let them drive (transfers
to/from Marrakesh Dh200). It’s at 59km on the Route de Taroudannt, 100m right off the main road in Ouirgane town centre.
Romantic overnights
Country living comes with Marrakesh style and comfort at Chez Momo ( 0524 48 57 04; www.aubergemomo.com, in
French; d with half-board Dh680-890, ste Dh1110-1390; ) . The restaurant offers Berber couscous (Dh120 to Dh180)
and wi-fi, but the garden pool and organised nature walks make you forget Facebook. Garden bungalows have tadelakt baths,
pine-beam ceilings, kilim -upholstered armchairs, and panoramic patios; suites have fireplaces and extra beds for kids (Dh320
half-board). It’s at 61km on the Route de Taroudannt, 150m off main road in Ouirgane town centre.
Eco-safaris
Nature lovers flock like Barbary sheep to Dar Tassa ( 0524 48 43 12; www.dartassa.com; Douar Tassa, Ouirgane; d with
half-board Dh605, with private bathroom Dh775-990; ) , in the mountain hamlet of Tassa Ouirgane (1300m) at the edge
of the Takherkhort nature preserve. Follow a mountain road from Ouirgane to find tea in the library, cooking lessons in the
kitchen, and a hammam on the terrace. Ask about excursions to see Barbary sheep, Amaseen gazelles, and other
endangered species. Eco-travellers can rest easily knowing that a percentage of rates helps the High Atlas Foundation plant
trees.
Family outings
A former French Legionnaire’s retreat, Au Sanglier Qui Fume ( 0524 48 57 07; www.ausanglierquifume.com; d incl half-
board Dh605-700, ste Dh860; ) has 14 simple rooms and 10 suites surrounding a courtyard restaurant, bar, and pool.