Insights

Marrakesh or Fes? Choosing the Right Moroccan City for Your Luxury Escape

10 min read
Published on April 18, 2025

Morocco’s two most iconic imperial cities, Marrakesh and Fes, both offer a dazzling mix of history, culture, and luxury—but they cater to different tastes and travel styles. Whether you crave the vibrant energy of a cosmopolitan hotspot or the deep, scholarly charm of a medieval labyrinth, deciding between them depends on what kind of experience you seek. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you choose the perfect Moroccan city for your next luxury getaway.

Marrakesh: The Glamorous Red City

Why Choose Marrakesh?

Marrakesh is Morocco’s most famous destination, a place where old-world mystique meets modern luxury. Known as the “Red City” for its terracotta walls, it’s a magnet for jet-setters, designers, and celebrities seeking a mix of exotic adventure and high-end indulgence.

Highlights for Luxury Travelers:

✔ World-Class Resorts & Riads – From the legendary La Mamounia to the ultra-exclusive Royal Mansour, Marrakesh has some of the most opulent hotels in the world. Private riads with plunge pools and rooftop terraces offer intimate escapes within the medina.
✔ Gourmet Dining & Nightlife – Michelin-starred restaurants like Al Fassia and chic rooftop lounges (such as El Fenn’s) make Marrakesh a foodie paradise. The city also has a vibrant nightlife scene, with glamorous bars and private clubs.
✔ Shopping & Design – The Yves Saint Laurent MuseumMajorelle Garden, and high-end boutiques in the Gueliz district cater to luxury shoppers. The souks are perfect for bespoke carpets, ceramics, and leather goods.
✔ Desert & Mountain Excursions – Easy access to the Agafay Desert (for luxury glamping) and the Atlas Mountains (for private villas and trekking) makes Marrakesh ideal for combining city and nature.

Best For:

  • First-time visitors to Morocco
  • Luxury shoppers and design lovers
  • Those who want a mix of culture, nightlife, and high-end resorts
  • Travelers who enjoy a lively, photogenic atmosphere

Fes: The Timeless Intellectual Capital

Why Choose Fes?

Fes is Morocco’s spiritual and intellectual heart, home to the world’s oldest university and a medina so untouched by time that it feels like stepping into the Middle Ages. If Marrakesh is the glamorous star, Fes is the wise, enigmatic scholar—offering a deeper, more contemplative luxury experience.

Highlights for Luxury Travelers:

✔ Authentic, Crowd-Free Medina – Unlike Marrakesh, Fes’s medina remains largely undiscovered by mass tourism, making it ideal for travelers who want an immersive, unhurried cultural experience.
✔ Luxury Riads with History – Stay in palatial riads like Riad Fes or La Maison Bleue, where centuries-old architecture meets modern elegance. Many feature private libraries, courtyards, and rooftop views over the ancient city.
✔ Artisan Workshops & Exclusive Crafts – Fes is the handicraft capital of Morocco, where you can arrange private tours of tanneries, silk weavers, and calligraphy masters—perfect for commissioning one-of-a-kind pieces.
✔ Gourmet Dining with a Scholarly Twist – Restaurants like Dar Roumana and L’Amandier offer refined Moroccan cuisine in intimate settings. Private Fassi feasts in historic mansions are a highlight.
✔ Proximity to Meknes & Volubilis – Easy day trips to Roman ruins and Morocco’s other imperial cities add historical depth to your trip.

Best For:

  • Cultural purists and history lovers
  • Travelers seeking a quieter, more authentic medina experience
  • Those who appreciate craftsmanship and slow travel
  • Visitors who want to explore Morocco’s intellectual and spiritual heritage

The Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

Pick Marrakesh If You…

  • Want glamour, nightlife, and world-famous luxury hotels
  • Love designer shopping, fine dining, and a vibrant atmosphere
  • Prefer a mix of city exploration and nearby desert/mountain escapes
  • Are a first-time visitor looking for the “classic” Moroccan experience

Pick Fes If You…

  • Crave deep cultural immersion in a less touristy medina
  • Appreciate history, traditional crafts, and scholarly heritage
  • Prefer serene luxury riads over large resorts
  • Want a more off-the-beaten-path feel while still indulging in high-end comforts

Or Why Not Both?

If time allows, the best solution is to split your stay—fly into Marrakesh for excitement and luxury, then take a private transfer (or a short flight) to Fes for a more reflective, historical finale. Many luxury tour operators curate seamless itineraries combining both cities for the ultimate Moroccan experience.

Whichever you choose, both Marrakesh and Fes promise a journey steeped in beauty, tradition, and unforgettable luxury. The question isn’t just where to go—it’s how deeply you want to fall in love with Morocco.

Your Journey Is Just One Click Away

Why wait to turn your dream into a destination? The magic of Morocco is ready to welcome you — from golden dunes to timeless medinas. Let us craft an experience that’s entirely yours. Wherever your heart is calling, we’ll take you there in style. Book now, and let the adventure begin.

Stories Worth Traveling For

Plan With Confidence

Booking & Customization

We believe your journey should reflect your interests, pace, and personality — not a one-size-fits-all itinerary. All of our tours are private and tailor-made, meaning we’ll design the route, experiences, and accommodations around you.

Whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon, planning a spiritual retreat, or traveling as a family, our team will shape your itinerary with intention and care.
We recommend reserving your trip at least 1–3 months in advance, especially during spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), which are peak travel seasons in Morocco.

Want to adjust your itinerary mid-journey? We’re flexible — just let your travel coordinator know.

What to pack

Morocco’s landscapes are diverse — you might be in the High Atlas Mountains one day and the Sahara Desert the next. Here’s what we recommend:

  • Comfortable walking shoes (for exploring medinas, kasbahs, and uneven terrain)

  • Layered clothing: temperatures can vary widely between day and night

  • A light scarf or shawl for sun, wind, or modest dress at religious sites

  • Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat — Morocco is sunny year-round

  • A small overnight bag for your desert camp (you can leave your luggage with the driver)

  • Power adapter (Morocco uses Type C and E plugs, 220V)

We’ll send you a personalized packing list once your booking is confirmed.

Travel documents

To enter Morocco, most travelers only need a valid passport. However, keep the following in mind:

  • Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.

  • No visa is required for stays up to 90 days for most nationalities (including the US, EU, UK, Canada, and Australia).

  • Always carry a photocopy of your passport when out and about, especially when visiting smaller towns or rural areas.

If you need assistance with entry requirements, our team is happy to help.

Desert Experience Tips

An overnight stay in the Sahara Desert is a highlight of nearly every Moroccan itinerary — but it’s unlike anything you’ve done before. Here’s how to make the most of it:

  • You’ll ride camels to your luxury desert camp (about 45–60 minutes).

  • Your main luggage stays with the driver; bring a small overnight bag.

  • Desert temperatures can drop significantly after sunset — bring warm layers.

  • Expect Berber drum music, bonfires, and stargazing under a vast sky.

  • All camps we use are private, en-suite, and high-comfort — this is not roughing it.

Let us know in advance if you prefer a 4×4 transfer to the camp instead of camel trekking.

Meals & Dietary Needs

Moroccan cuisine is deeply flavorful, locally sourced, and easy to adapt. Here’s what to expect:

  • Breakfast is included at all accommodations

  • Dinners are included in remote areas (like the Sahara, Dades Valley, or rural riads)

  • Lunches are at your own leisure and often taken on the road at scenic or local stops

We can accommodate a wide range of dietary preferences and restrictions with prior notice, including:

  • Vegetarian & Vegan

  • Halal & Kosher

  • Gluten-free or allergy-conscious diets

We’ll make sure your meals are not only safe, but delicious.

Accommodations

We handpick every property for its charm, authenticity, comfort, and service. Your stays may include:

  • Traditional riads in the medinas of Fes or Marrakesh

  • Luxury desert camps with en-suite bathrooms and premium bedding

  • Boutique hotels with panoramic views, gardens, or historical architecture

All accommodations are locally owned or heritage-driven, and reflect the soul of Moroccan hospitality. Your itinerary can include upgrades to premium or 5-star properties upon request.

Transportation

You’ll travel in style and comfort with:

  • A private, air-conditioned vehicle (4×4, minivan, or executive car, depending on group size)

  • An English- or Spanish-speaking driver-guide experienced in long-distance travel

  • Door-to-door service including airport transfers

  • All fuel, road tolls, and parking included

Need an extra stop, a scenic detour, or a bit more time at a location? Just ask your driver.

Local Guides

To enrich your experience, we include expert-guided walking tours in culturally rich cities like Fes, Marrakesh, and occasionally Chefchaouen or Rabat. These guides are:

  • Licensed professionals with deep knowledge of local history, culture, and architecture

  • Passionate storytellers who help you interpret Morocco beyond the surface

  • Fluent in English, French, Spanish, and sometimes other languages

If you’d like private guides in additional locations or for specific themes (photography, art, religion), we can arrange that.

Connectivity & SIM Cards

While many travelers enjoy unplugging, we understand staying connected matters:

  • Most accommodations offer complimentary Wi-Fi

  • If you need internet on the go, we can help you purchase a local SIM card with data upon arrival

  • eSIMs for Morocco are also available via apps like Airalo

Your driver can also assist in finding mobile stores if needed.

24/7 On-the-Ground Support

From the moment you land to the day you depart, we’re by your side — literally and virtually.

  • You’ll have a dedicated travel concierge reachable via WhatsApp or phone throughout your journey

  • Whether you need dinner reservations, assistance with your accommodation, or an impromptu itinerary change — we’re one message away

  • In the rare case of an emergency or flight change, our local team is responsive and resourceful

This isn’t just customer service. It’s hospitality without limits.

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