Another year, another holiday. This time we booked fairly last minute (only a few weeks before) through Voyage Privé. I had never heard of them, however they offer luxury breaks at a discounted rate, so it was worth a try! We booked with ease and were sent the holiday documents through. Although slightly disjointed compared to the likes of TUI or Thomas Cook, we had no real dramas! Having never been to Africa, where better to try than the gem of the desert, Marrakech.
Manchester Airport
My first time flying from Manchester was certainly an experience! We arrived in plenty of time, having booked our parking at Peter Ashley Car Parks. Next door to the car park is a Premier Inn and Beefeater, where we popped in for a drink. The Premier Inn is ideally located if a night stop before flying is needed!
Our first time using Peter Ashley and the whole drop off experience was fantastic. Within 15 minutes of pulling into the car park, we were walking into the terminal. To top it off, all the staff along the way were very helpful and swift.
At the airport, we made our way to security and queued for the longest I have experienced at any airport! Due to a myriad of reasons, a lot of people’s luggage needed further screening and we were no exception! The reason? My partner’s handbag was laid down over my iPad. This added 35 minutes onto our wait, but we still had time for a bite to eat! Or so we thought.
After having just got to Giraffe and placing our drink order, an alarm went off ordering the immediate evacuation on the area we were in. We were escorted down the fire escape and mustered near the aircraft apron while fire crews assessed the situation. To this day, I still don’t know what the situation was, but we were eventually let back in. Back in the food hall and the restaurants were closed for a period, we had ran out of time for food and headed to our gate. A great start to the holiday, but we were on our way!
Checking In
On leaving the airport we were greeted by a Voyage Privé banner and reps for the company. We weren’t expecting reps, and they were very helpful getting us on our transfer. As we boarded the 8 seater Mercedes with 2 other couples, all heading to the same hotel. We made small talk for 30 minutes before arriving at the Ona Marrakech Ryads and Spa.
As we pulled up through the security checkpoint (ominous) and to the entrance, we knew we were in Morocco. The style of the buildings is what you expect and the entrance hall is beautifully designed. They kept the restaurant open a little longer and advised us to get some food, as there was no room service offered. We got a plate, our all inclusive wristbands and headed to our room.
The Room
More of a suite, in my opinion, the room was much better than I expected! Although slightly run down in parts, there was ample space for the two of us, our luggage and even room for a bit of yoga!
The room was designed with authentic archways between the rooms, and a small balcony area from the bedroom. A well sized double bed, sofa, desk area and large bathroom completed the package.
We had a bottle of water on the table ready for us, as tap water is inadvisable to drink! There was also a fridge, where the leftover wine from our flight went straight to.
The cleaners were really friendly and provided fresh bedding and towels daily. Although pool towels need to be hired from reception, it was hot enough to just dry off in the sun!
Ona Facilities
The hotel complex itself had a full host of entertainment, bars, restaurants and health facilities to keep you busy on an all-inclusive stay. However, some of the eating options incurred an extra surcharge, which is quite annoying when you’re ‘all-inclusive’.
Nonetheless, the standard restaurant Medina offers a great range of buffet food. Breakfast and dinner are particularly good! Wine if offered at dinner too, as are soft drinks and bottles of water.
There is also a gym and wellness centre if you want to really unwind. Prices for treatments are in each room and include anything from waxing to facials. The gym is relatively well equipped and is enough to keep you ticking over while away.
The complex has sort of a double pool, with plenty of sun beds around. Even with the early rising sun bed reservers, there was still space late morning! A pool bar serves an average selection of drinks and the snack bar provides food while the restaurant has finished breakfast. Some food and premium drinks (whatever a premium drink is) are an extra charge though. Again, frustrating.
Evening Fun
As far as entertainment goes, this is where the complex stands out for me. By the pool each day they play music (between certain times) and run games such as water polo.
One afternoon by the pool we were even treated to a cookery class, where we were taught how to make a chicken and lemon tajine. It tasted spectacular and I even got a chef’s hat to bring home!
In the evenings, on the terrace, their team put on some form of performance. Whether it be a singer or dance group, it is a great setting to sit out in the warm evening and have a few drinks.
The nights are usually themed, with us experiencing an Ivory Coast African performance, around the world dance act and Moroccan extravaganza. And it was an extravaganza. It was our final night and a cultural performance to round off our trip. There were camels, snake charmers, acrobats and belly dancers, as well as several bands and guards on horses. Something for everyone and the terrace was packed!
Marrakech
Although this was an all-inclusive trip and we were very much up for just relaxing, we decided that we had to head into the city at some point! We got a free shuttle from our hotel in the morning which dropped us right into the centre of Marrakech.
Unfortunately, however, due to my partner’s injured knee, we couldn’t walk far. As much as I wanted to see the souks in the Medina and experience the confrontational hustle of the markets, we had to be sensible. We only walked about 15 minutes from the shuttle and found a small marketplace. It resembled a mall, of sorts, and was a beautiful setting to spend an hour.
We walked around the stalls, which were small shops in little buildings. Many items for sale were being crafted in front of our eyes! Everything from leather bags to silver jewellery, the craftsmanship on display was fantastic. Also, unlike expected in the souks, there was no confrontation and everyone was very friendly. We purchased a couple of bottles of pop for 20 MAD (less than £2) which proves how good value the city is. In London, a Sprite and Coke would probably cost £1.50 each at least!
Passing through the shops, my partner wanted a keepsake from Morocco. Naturally, she was drawn towards the jewellery displays; anything shiny and she was there like a crow! Nestled in the corner was a little shop called Bijouterie Arabe. It was similar to the other shiny shops, however as we entered, it smelt amazing. That may seem a silly thing to say, but it really did smell good.
A Ring to Suit
We spent quite a while in here, looking through the displays and the gentleman who worked there spoke fantastic English. We complimented him on the scent, and it turned out that he had studied perfumes for 10 years (if that’s even a thing) and made his own. He plucked a couple of bottles out from beneath the counter and they smelled immense. So good that I bought one for myself for 50 MAD. Less than a fiver for a unique smelling homemade aftershave – I certainly wasn’t complaining!
My partner tried on a few pieces of jewellery before being drawn to a particular ring. It was hallmarked sterling silver and had a large pearl as the centrepiece. Not one for usually choosing large rings, she tried it on and fell in love with it. In the workshop within the shop, they altered the size and polished it up so it was beautifully shiny. It cost us all of 360 MAD (around £33) which was absolutely great value for money, and a beautiful keepsake from our trip.
We left the store and continued around the other shops, before heading back to the shuttle. Although not much of Marrakech was actually explored, it was lovely to head out and experience a snippet of the culture. Horse drawn carriages, busy traffic, street sellers and lovely little market shops. An insight into Marrakech!
Coming Home
Before we knew it, we were packing up our luggage and preparing to head back. Although only 5 full days in Marrakech, we certainly felt rested and cultured from our experience. I was able to dust off my very limited French vocabulary as we spoke to the locals and we ate a massive range of food. From local delicacies to some home comforts, we tried them all!
Morocco is a lovely place to visit and although not the safest in parts, with a suitable tour guide or some muscle in your group, you can get by just fine! Just try to avoid looking too much like a tourist when out and about and you can fully immerse yourself in this North African gem.