Marrakech blossoms in spring. Jasmine floats through the warm air, souks hum with color and commotion, and the days feel long enough to stretch out forever. Station yourself at the Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech, and you’ve got the perfect mix: elevated luxury, a rich cultural playground, and—of course—world-class tennis just steps away.
Whether you’re eyeing the city during Africa’s only ATP 250 tournament, or simply want to match clay courts with cocktails and the occasional hammam, this is your guide to doing three days in Marrakech the right way.
Day 1: Arrival, Argan Oil, and Al Aïn
Your spring escape begins just 20 minutes after touchdown. Pull through the gates of the Fairmont Royal Palm and you’ll feel it instantly—the quiet grandeur, the careful design, the palms casting long shadows across terracotta tiles. You’re not just checking in. You’re checking out of whatever pace you came from.
Rooms here are equal parts earthy and elegant. Floor-to-ceiling windows pull the Atlas Mountains into your living space, and wide terraces give you front-row seats to nature’s drama. Sink into the plush bed, flip through the room service menu, and take a moment to absorb it all.
Afternoon hours here are for wandering the property. You might stop at the boutique for handmade caftans or Moroccan ceramics or sneak off for a low-stakes rally on the clay. The hotel grounds themselves are sprawling and full of detail. They are designed to be explored, not just seen.
Dinner is a no-brainer: Al Aïn , the Fairmont’s Moroccan restaurant, perched over the pool and golf course. Sit outdoors under the last light of day, where service is crisp but never stiff. Start with the Zaalouk (eggplant laced with garlic and warming spices) then move onto grilled halloumi with pine nuts and the house hummus. Don’t skip anything that includes argan oil, Morocco’s golden culinary signature.
As evening settles, the energy shifts. Drums begin. Debouka music echoes. Soon, the entire restaurant—waiters, manager, and guests—is clapping along. It’s rhythmic, communal, and completely unexpected. One of those rare vacation moments that lodges in your memory, not your camera roll.
By dessert, you’re indoors beneath carved ceilings and golden lighting, still buzzing from the beat but winding down into something quieter. Don’t be surprised if someone at your table quietly suggests coming back tomorrow.
Day 2: Clay Courts, Cold Cocktails, and the Coolest Umpire in Tennis
Wake up with the sun painting gold over the mountain ridges. Head to Le Caravane for breakfast, where the buffet isn’t just a buffet. it’s a morning ritual. Fresh fruit, local honey, mint tea, flaky pastries, perfectly poached eggs, chia pudding, and fluffy pancakes. You’ll linger longer than planned.
Then it’s time to get moving. The hotel’s red clay courts are tucked away in a quiet pocket of the property and practically made for golden-hour groundstrokes. Schedule a one-on-one session with a Lux Tennis coach; these sessions are high-quality without being high-pressure. You’ll hit forehands in the sun, maybe fix that serve, and work up just enough of a sweat to make the spa feel deserved.
After tennis, you’ve got options. The Fairmont Spa is world-class, and you should absolutely book a traditional Moroccan hammam. If you’ve never experienced one, trust us—it’s the reset you’ve been craving. For something lighter, a swim beneath palm trees and a mint tea in the shade does the trick.
If you’ve timed your visit around the tournament, head to the Grand Prix Hassan II in the afternoon. The venue—the Royal Tennis Club de Marrakech —is intimate, welcoming, and just a short ride from the hotel. It’s the only ATP Tour event in Africa, and the experience is refreshingly fan-friendly. You’re close to the action. You can wander courts. You can catch warm-ups. And if you’re lucky, you’ll spot Mohamed Lahyani, the most famous umpire on tour—recognizable by his voice, his flair, and his ability to turn a call into a performance.
Don’t worry if the top seeds aren’t around. The vibe here isn’t about celebrity, it’s about access. Watching an ATP event in this setting feels like a well-kept secret you’re happy to share.
Return to the Fairmont before dinner and slide into Le Bar for an aperitif. The terrace is low-lit and lovely, the kind of place where conversations stretch. Order the signature cocktail or a glass of Moroccan Syrah. The main pool glows in the background, and live music drifts by without stealing the spotlight. You’ll feel like the best version of yourself—unbothered, curious, completely at ease.
Day 3: Markets, Medinas, and Mint Tea
Start your final morning of three days in Marrakech slow. Maybe a light breakfast, maybe a stroll around the olive grove. Today’s about immersion. Arrange a private guide through the hotel and head straight to the Medina, where you’ll find the souks—Marrakech’s buzzing, colorful heart.
Here, bargaining is part theater and part tradition. You’ll see dyed leathers, handwoven baskets, brass lanterns, and saffron that costs more than gold. It’s alive, it’s overwhelming, and it’s unforgettable.
Lunch? Nomad is the choice. It’s modern, breezy, and perched above the medina chaos. The menu reads like a love letter to Moroccan flavors—spiced cauliflower, preserved lemon chicken, fresh fig salad. Order a few plates. Order another pot of tea. Look out over the rooftops and realize: this is your moment.
Spend your afternoon absorbing beauty. Choose the Jardin Majorelle —electric blue walls, vivid green cacti, lily-filled pools. Or visit Bahia Palace , where symmetry, tilework, and silence come together like a daydream.
Back at the Fairmont, regroup at Legends Bar—a quiet, jewel-toned space perfect for a wind-down drink or something stronger. Chat about what you saw. Scroll through photos. Decide which souk purchase was your best (and worst) decision.
Your final dinner is at Bô Zin , a Marrakech institution that mixes mood, music, and food with effortless style. Think: tempura, grilled lamb, punchy cocktails. It’s not trying too hard. It’s just that good.
If Your Trip Aligns with the Tournament
Timing your spring escape to overlap with the Grand Prix Hassan II? Smart move. Here’s how to make the most of it:
Tickets: Easy to score online or at the entrance. Snag them early if you want a front-row seat to the action.
Vibe Check: Think less grand slam chaos, more neighborhood tennis club with international flair. It’s relaxed, friendly, and refreshingly low-key.
Insider Access: Get there early to catch warm-ups—players are loose, chatty, and often practicing just meters away.
Star Spotting: Watch for Mohamed Lahyani, the iconic umpire with serious stage presence. Even a line call feels like theater when he’s in the chair.
Marrakech in Spring: A Tennis-Lover’s Tradition in the Making
There’s something about Marrakech this time of year. The sun’s a little warmer, the colors a little bolder, the energy just right. And when you’re sipping mint tea after a tennis lesson or watching palm trees flicker outside your room at the Fairmont Royal Palm, you realize—this trip isn’t just a getaway. It’s a rhythm. A ritual.
You don’t have to plan every detail. Just come back for another three days in Marrakech next spring. Maybe you’ll chase your backhand again on clay. Maybe you’ll catch a rising star courtside. Maybe you’ll just lounge, wander, and let the city pull you in all over again.
Whatever version of the trip you choose—trust us—it’ll be worth repeating.
