5 fabulous poolside lunch spots in Marrakech

There’s nothing quite like relaxing over the serene view of a glittering turquoise pool, while you enjoy the bright sunshine, the stunning views of the Atlas mountains, and a cocktail or two! Whether you’re in search of a laidback place to enjoy a late weekend brunch, or want to spend a day pampering yourself beside the pool, Marrakech offers some stunning places to choose from. Read on to find out more about five of the best: Manzil La Tortue With a tranquil, luxuriant atmosphere that permeates the surroundings of this expansive verdant haven, Manzil La Tortue is the perfect place to escape the chaos of the city, and disappear into a lush, green paradise. Two hectares of greenery and stunning views of the Atlas Mountains provide a serene natural backdrop, while the magnificent outdoor pool provides a truly luxurious experience. Explore the secret garden filled with fruit trees laden with ripe, juicy offerings, or the fragrant herb garden that flavours the delicate meals that can be enjoyed on the terrace, where you can sample everything from fondues and griddles, as well as light salads and fresh vegetables. Les Jardins de la Koutoubia For an impromptu getaway while still being within easy each of the Medina, Les Jardins de la Koutoubia fits the bill perfectly. Located just a short distance from the main square, this luxurious five-star hotel is widely renowned, and not without good reason. Boasting delicious menus across its snack bars and restaurant that any discerning gourmand would find difficult to fault, beautiful architecture and relaxing poolside seating, the hotel captures the best of fine living in Marrakech. Be warned though – poolside seating is available by reservation only, and with tough competition for these prized locations all year round, it’s best to book well in advance to avoid disappointment! Oasiria For families visiting Marrakech, the city’s first water park is always a must-see on the itinerary. Oasiria boasts a fun, informal and family-oriented atmosphere, that is perfect for those travelling with younger children with lots of energy! A heated pool as well as numerous slides offer plenty of fun areas to splash around in, while the three restaurants across the park provide a choice of dining options, including salads, pizzas, burgers and more traditional Moroccan fare. Oasiria is not just for the kids either – with relaxing parks, gardens filled with vibrant flora and plenty of shady spots to unwind, it offers parents a welcome spot of recuperation from the hectic pace of the city. Kasbah Agafay Located a short drive away from the city centre, this luxurious hotel blends the best of contemporary style with traditional Moroccan touches, resulting in a truly unique environment. As part of its dedicated open air health spa, the Agafay holds a spacious heated pool, surrounded by seating areas and a terrace, from where you can sample tempting aperitifs, or even try your hand at cooking Moroccan-style cuisine in the outdoor kitchen classes – before settling down to enjoy a meal prepared by the pros, of course! Visitors can also take advantage of the special rates that include a tennis session along with pool access and lunch, letting you make the most of the hotel’s superlative health and fitness facilities. With a fantastically chilled-out ambience all through the afternoon and evening, the Agafay is a great pick for those looking for a restorative break. Hotel Murano With striking red tiled pools and bold Modernist architecture, the Murano offers a very different taste of Marrakech. Merging contemporary elegance with local traditions, the result is a calm, yet quirky environment that never fails to surprise guests at every turn. The crimson-hued pools are luxuriously large – never crowded and always providing a clean, comfortable swim, they provide a great way to cool down after the heat and frantic bustle of the main city. The hotel also offers an expansive menu, that includes fresh, local seafood, traditional Moroccan tagines and salads, and extremely decadent desserts. For day guests, the Murano is an ideal spot for Sunday brunch, with a great all-day menu, and less competition for seats around the pool. Stéphane Abtan is Director at Dar Ayniwen. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.