A Relaxing Weekend In Marrakech With Jet2 – Holiday Review

“I so need a break and I would really love to go to Marrakech for a few days to relax”, I found myself telling a friend, on the phone, after a few exhausting weeks. For me, Morocco has always been the closest exotic escape to Europe. The weather is almost guaranteed to be great, the food is delicious, the hammams are affordable oases of relaxation, and people are always friendly and welcoming. I’ve always loved Marrakech for its organised chaos. It’s the city that offers me a little bit of everything, no matter if I’m in the mood for exploring, relaxation, or just shopping. “Maybe in January”, I told my friend, before finishing our phone call.

The following morning, as I sat down at my desk with a hot cup of coffee next to me, I found an email in my inbox. Jet2 is launching their brand new holidays to Marrakech and I’m invited on one of their first flights to experience their offerings. Think about the universe listening! I said yes and fast forward, to a very foggy October morning, I found myself at Stansted Airport, waiting to board the 7:35 am Jet2 flight to Marrakech. I chose to go to Marrakech with my friend Margherita, to have a relaxing girls’ weekend together.

This was my second Jet2 holiday, the first one being a fantastic weekend in Santorini, a couple of years ago. Read on to see what to expect from a city break to Marrakech with Jet2 Holidays, and see my recommendations for a relaxing weekend.

Flying With Jet2 From Stansted Airport to Marrakech

Jet2 operates flights from London Stansted Airport and more recently, started flying from Luton as well. We arrived at half past five in the morning and the airport was well awake, with thousands of people before and after security. At bag drop, however, there was nobody so we left our hold luggage and headed to security. Even if there were many people trying to push through the gates, it didn’t take long to go through security and soon enough we found ourselves in the duty-free area. A few glances here and there, and boarding time arrived. By the time we got the train and reached our gate, boarding started.

As the first flight of the day, the plane was already at the gate, so we departed on time. We took off through the thick fog, but soon enough, the sun and the blue sky made a glorious appearance. And I say glorious because until that moment, it’s been weeks since I’ve seen the sun in the English sky.

The flight landed early but it took a while to pass through passport control on the other side as it was hectic. It was so busy that when we finally managed to pass through, our flight was gone from the arrivals board and we didn’t know which belt our luggage would be on. We spotted three people wearing red Jet2 jackets, and by the time we reached them, we realized that they were there to look after our bags, which we were very grateful for.

Staying at Sofitel Marrakech Lounge & Spa

Because we planned a wellness weekend in Marrakech, we chose a hotel that would fit the theme: Sofitel Marrakech Lounge & Spa.

The moment we arrived, we were stunned by the entrance. It wasn’t just a hotel entrance door; it felt like stepping into a palace from 1001 nights. A water channel with a fountain in the middle led us to the entrance. Strikingly, there was a flame dancing in the middle of the water on top of the fountain – a piece of magic perhaps, setting the tone for the relaxing experience that was about to begin.  

The staff whisked our bags away almost instantly, and we were greeted with a steaming glass of Moroccan tea and vanilla macarons. While the receptionist processed our check-in, I couldn’t help but observe the space around me. Opulent chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, teal and green couches dotted around the space, and art, a lot of art.  

The Room

I loved the design of our room at the Sofitel Marrakech. Despite being part of a global chain, the space felt anything but generic. Every detail seemed carefully chosen to remind us, the guests, that we are in Morocco: carved wood ceiling elements, Arabic door frames, and a lot of vibrant colour accents that brought the space to life, making me feel like I’d stepped into a luxurious riad.

The beds had the most comfortable fluffy mattress topper that made me feel I was sleeping on clouds. My favourite spot in the room was the little relaxation corner. A typical Moroccan couch with green cushions sat next to a beautiful wooden Moroccan table. Every evening, fresh water bottles would appear on it – a small touch that made me feel genuinely cared for. On the desk, a decorative bowl caught my eye – it was so pretty and similar to the ones I’d seen in the medina.

Our small balcony was a bonus, offering a view of the street and the iconic Koutoubia.

The Bathroom

When I pulled open those double Arabic doors, I felt like royalty. “A bathroom fit for a queen,” I thought, and I wasn’t wrong. The shower and sink area opened directly from the bedroom, while the toilet had its own separate entrance around the corner. For two people sharing a room, this layout was absolutely perfect – no awkward waiting or interruptions.

Just like the bedroom, the bathroom continued the beautiful Moroccan design theme with the beautiful typical tiles decorating the walls around the shower, sink, and mirror. The Nuxe toiletries were a luxurious touch I particularly appreciated, especially that there was a hair conditioner included as well – a small detail that most hotels forget about.

Breakfast

Hotel breakfasts made me feel so spoiled in the morning. No rushing around the kitchen, no brewing my own coffee or putting together something edible before starting my day. The breakfast at Sofitel Marrakech wasn’t just a meal; it was a full-blown experience.

I’ve seen my share of hotel breakfasts, but this? This was something else entirely. The buffet was so extensive, it felt like an entire food festival taking place every morning. Chefs were everywhere, cooking made-to-order eggs, fluffy pancakes, and traditional Moroccan bread. Some were slicing fish, while others were building cheese boards.

The pastry section was mind-blowing – quite literally an entire wall dedicated to bread and French pastries. And the nut section? Just like a stall in the Medina. Can you imagine a whole wall of pastries? I’m talking about croissants so fancy they’d cost a small fortune in any upscale bakery.

Pools & Spa

The pools were undoubtedly one of the main criteria for me choosing Sofitel Marrakech for our girls’ trip to Morocco. I knew that we would spend a good part of the day just enjoying the sun and topping up our tans.

In fact, the first trip we made after we checked into our room was to the pool, until the sun set and the temperature dropped. There were plenty of sun loungers, even during peak times, and kind attendants to bring us towels. The water temperature was great, not too cold for the end of October.

The hotel also has a special lounge with an infinity pool, but you can only access it if you are a Sofitel member.

Location

Sofitel Marrakech Lounge & Spa is located just outside of the old walls of the city. I loved that Jemaa el-Fnaa square was just a 20-minute walk away – close enough to be convenient, but far enough to offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling medina. The walk is very nice, alongside the famous La Mamounia hotel, through a park with pretty fountains, and around the Koutoubia.

Relaxing Things To Do On A Jet2 Holiday to Marrakech

Hammam Mouassine

You can’t travel to Marrakech and skip a hammam experience. There are two types of hammams: public and private. The private ones are expensive, and they can be a hit-and-miss. The public hammam though was never a disappointment for me, and because I am always looking for a good experience, I keep returning to it. Each area in the Medina has its own hammam, some more tourist-friendly than others. Hammam Mouassine dates from the 16th century and takes reservations from tourists as well. Coming here is an experience, but I guarantee that after the treatment you will leave feeling light as a feather. I highly recommend booking the massage as well – they have hands of gold that take the back pain away so easily.

Coffee at Dar El Bacha

Having coffee at Dar El Bacha is one of the most elegant experiences in Marrakech. My advice is to get here early! They open at 10 and, even if we were in the queue by then, we still had to wait around 40 minutes for a free table.

The café at Dar El Bacha is inside the museum and, if you don’t want to visit, you must pay a walk-in fee of 10 dirhams. If you arrive after 10 you should see the museum as well, as the wait can be as long as two hours. Unfortunately, this place was spoiled by going viral on Instagram so now everyone comes here to take photos.

The coffee menu is extensive, with hundreds of different varieties from all over the world. I chose the Venetian coffee, which had a hint of hazelnut and chocolate, accompanied by a mango and passion fruit cake. I can never say no to cake.

Shopping in the Souks

I’ve dreamed of shopping in Marrakech for years, but my usual hand luggage-only travel style always held me back. This time was different. Thanks to Jet2’s generous checked bag allowance, I was finally ready to shop till I dropped.

The Medina is a shopper’s paradise, with souks dedicated to every imaginable craft. Pottery, leather, metal, fabrics, lights – you name it, there’s a souk for it. My mission was clear: find the perfect plates and bowls for my cooking project, plus a beautiful teapot which I wanted since my last trip to Marrakech. And olives, harissa, and preserved lemons? Non-negotiable. I already had a tagine from my previous trip in January – bringing it home had been quite the adventure back then.

Browsing the stalls was an art form in itself. I’d carefully examine each bowl, looking for the perfect design, the right colour, and the most intricate pattern. Then came the real fun: haggling. In Marrakech, there is no such thing as fixed prices. It’s all about your negotiation skills, which is why each purchase felt like a small victory.

Rooftop Drinks

Many of the restaurants and terraces in Marrakech, especially in the Medina, don’t serve alcohol.

We weren’t looking for a drinking spot, just a place for tea and a quick bite after two hours in the hammam. That’s when we discovered Bazaar Café, an amazing rooftop terrace, almost by accident.

The happy hour offer caught our eye immediately – it was like a little invitation we couldn’t resist. We each ordered a cocktail, and to our delightful surprise, they arrived accompanied by an impressive spread of Moroccan tapas. The selection was mouthwatering: Moroccan bread topped with zaalouk, baba ghanoush, and hummus, among other delicious bites.

Storytelling at Cafe Clock

When I’m in Marrakech I always make a habit of going once to Cafe Clock. Located in the Kasbah, a bit of a stroll from the Medina, they organise events almost every evening. If you’ve been to Marrakech before you have probably noticed the group of men gathered in Jemaa el-Fnaa square, watching an older person talk. This is a tradition that goes back hundreds of years when Marrakech used to be the meeting point between life and death. You see, the caravans coming from the south knew that from here on there’s mountains and water ahead, whilst the ones coming from the north knew that from here on there’s nothing but sand. They would meet in what is today Jemaa el-Fnaa square and share stories, music, and dances, before continuing their way across the mountains or the desert. This is how the tradition of Moroccan storytelling was born. But, if you don’t understand Arabic, you won’t be able to take part in this fascinating experience – unless you go to Café Clock on a Thursday when they organise a storytelling evening in English. Plus, they serve a now famous camel burger which is a must-try in Marrakech.

Conclusion

I enjoyed such a relaxing weekend in Marrakech, with great company, food, sights, and experiences. There are always deals on cheap holidays with Jet2 Holidays, so it’s always a good idea to check their website to find your perfect city break.

For more articles about Morocco, check out my recommendations below:

• Unique things to do in Marrakech
• What to eat in Morocco
• What to drink in Morocco

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Disclaimer: Some of the links on this website are “affiliate links.” This means that if you click on the link and do a purchase, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost for you. This helps me keep my website running and continue to share my travelling knowledge with you. I thank you for booking your flights or hotels using the links on my website. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.

Please note that I was invited on this holiday by Jet2, which covered the cost of the holiday. All other activities in Marrakech were paid by myself. This article is a result of my own opinions and experience in Morocco and hasn’t been influenced in any way by the invitation.