Travel feature: A taste of magical Morocco…
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Strolling down the narrow cobbled streets of the Old Medina it doesn’t take you long to work out that Marrakech is full of surprises, virtually around every corner. But probably the biggest of all lies outside the historic walls of the ancient city with the growth of golf well to the fore.
Within a 30mins drive of the city you’ll find six venues but in a couple of years that number could well be doubled with several other courses, including one created by Colin Montgomerie and European Golf Design, in the pipeline.
A golfing visit to Marrakech is a unique, unforgettable experience. To be honest, when you get back home to blighty and normality, the off-course activities will be recalled as vividly, if not more so, than the golf itself.
The Red City (because it’s so bright) is like stepping back in time with donkeys widely used to transport all kinds of goods to the souks and bazaars where you can haggle for all kinds of goodies to your heart’s content. It’s all part of local life and folklore and a good tip for a good deal is to halve the initial asking price.
But be prepared to be pestered. Big-time.
Stall holders can spot Brits a mile off and endeavour to lure them in with Del Boy’s endearing “Lovely Jubbly” catchphrase while an apparent lack of interest is answered in two words. No, not those but…’Just Browsing.’
As you’d expect from a major city, all kinds of accommodation is available and we opted for Riad (meaning old house) Cinnamon, striking traditional accommodation down one of hundreds of narrow alleys at the heart of the old town. From the outside, you won’t be impressed but step inside and you’ll scarcely believe your eyes.
As for the golf on offer, variety is the spice of Marrakesh’s golfing life. Both Palmeraie and Amelkis are 27-hole resorts with the main layouts designed by Robert Trent Jones and Cabell Robinson respectively. The 22-years-old Palmeraie is the pick of the pair and we can certainly recommend playing the new nine which has bags of potential.
The Kyle Phillips-designed Al Maaden opened in 2009 and is a welcome if somewhat quirky addition with several holes, including the thrilling finale, featuring nerve-jangling shots over square-shaped reservoirs. You can unwind in style too in the swishest of clubhouses.
We also loved the tight, densely tree-lined 90-years-old Royal Marrakech which down the historic years has entertained Winston Churchill, David Lloyd George and Dwight Eisenhower and features a par-3 known as Brigitte Bardot – two big mounds guard the entrance to the green.
Jack Nicklaus’s Samanah with its bunker sand imported from France is set to prove a big hit as is nearby Assoufid which isn’t officially scheduled to open until October. TG had a sneak preview and were blown away by Neil Cameron’s undulating desert-style track which should really help put Morocco firmly on the golfing map even if the 900dirham (£80) green fee will comfortably be the area’s most expensive.
In summary, Morocco and Marrakech in particular is brimming with charm and character and generally-speaking friendly, welcoming folk.
It’s somewhere new and fresh (in golfing terms anyway) and unique. Only time will tell whether it will become as big a hit as as Turkey but the early signs are promising…
Try it for yourself…
*5 nights B&B (2 sharing a twin room) in 5* Riad Cinnamon, Marrakech, 3 rounds of golf – Amelkis, Palmeraie, Al Maaden,
return airport and golf course transfers.
Price – £479 per person.
Booking Link – http://www.golf-escapes.com/book/?offer=1&package=2917
Valid – 01 September 2012 – 31 May 2013.
*5 Nights’ all-inclusive 2( sharing a twin room) at
4* Riu Tikida Garden, Marrakech, 3 rounds of golf – Amelkis, Palmeraie, Al Maaden,return airport and golf course transfers.
Price – £455 per person.
Booking Link – http://www.golf-escapes.com/book/?offer=1&package=2918
Valid – 13 February – 29 March 2013.
*7 Nights B&B (2 sharing a twin room) in 5* Palmeraie Golf Palace, Marrakech, 2 free dinners and 5 rounds of golf – 3 x Palmeraie, Al Maaden, Amelkis, return airport and golf course transfers.
Price – £815.00 per person.
Booking Link – http://www.golf-escapes.com/book/?offer=1&package=1341
Valid – 14 September – 31 October 2012.
*For more info call Golf Escapes on 01342 811777, www.golf-escapes.com
