Everyone knows what the weather can be like in the UK, let alone in the build up to the winter months. Now that we are full-on in Autumn, I really wanted to take a short break, catch some rays and get any sort of winter sun that I could. My aim for my holiday was just to take a week, or so, and relax. What better way to relax than to head to Morocco – a popular choice to get some Winter Sun. Morocco is somewhere I’ve always wanted to visit, but it was a country that I had reserved for the Winter, and for a mini week break. It’s a country full of culture and history, as well as hitting an average of 37 degrees in Winter months, it’s also a fantastic destination to simply lounge out on a sun-bed near the pool (whilst sipping on a pina-colada of course). So here it is, my Medina Gardens review, a hotel guaranteed to make you feel as though you don’t want to leave.
On my travels to Morocco I decided to opt for Marrakech as my place to visit; known simply as the “Red City“, due to the rose coloured buildings that surround it. The main tourist point of Marrakech being none other than the market place in Jemaa el-Fna square where you can haggle away with market traders to get gifts and souvenirs at a deep discount.
Medina Gardens is a perfect all-inclusive, or half board, hotel in a location that is second to none. A short 5 minute walk from the centre of Marrakech and the Medina, it is in the heart of the City. Only a short stroll away from the market stalls and food stalls, it’s no wonder Medina Gardens is a popular tourist hotel.
The hotel itself is a Thomson exclusive hotel, preciously reserved for couples only – meaning if you are looking for a relaxing holiday, which is adults only, this would be perfect for you. You can expect nothing less than a child-free environment, with intimate restaurants, side by side massages and king sized beds.
Staff within Medina Gardens spoke many languages, so there was no risk of there being a language barrier at all. They were attentive and dedicated to ensuring every need was catered to, with the guests relation manager living by the motto “you are on holiday, we are here to cater to you“. Each time we passed a member of staff at Medina Gardens they ensured my fiancé and I were tended to and worry free. It was lovely to be acknowledged and remembered by each member of staff whilst there.
With a range of cocktail making glasses, spa and traditional hammam area, onsite entertainer and entertainment we didn’t want to leave the hotel. Medina Gardens has two large pools, one quite pool if you want a break from the music and entertainment and a main pool near the bar and restaurant where the pool games take place.
Living up to it’s name completely, Medina Gardens is surrounded by centuries-old gardens, bustled with green bushes and fragrant apple, lemon and lime trees. Baby tortoises and it’s parents roam the gardens, and it’s recommended to bring out some lettuce to them for their daily feed. The obligatory stray cats roam around the hotel, however, it seems as though the cats within Medina Gardens are well looked after and residents within the hotel.
The food in Medina Gardens, however, is what you would expect from an all inclusive hotel. It can be hit and miss; however, if you keep your taste buds open to the culture in the food, you’re sure to find a few dishes to suit you. Each night there is a theme night, with the waiters and waitresses dressing accordingly to each theme. Themes can array from French night, Mediterranean, Far East and also the Chef Special. Drinks on the other hand are made perfectly, with bottled beer being supplied, house wine and also the usual cocktails, my favourite however, was the mint Moroccan tea, which was made to perfection by staff.
Room decorations and roses on the bed are not just reserved for the first night you stay at the hotel, each day a new array of flowers and towel designs are made up on your bed to demonstrate the care and time room service have taken on each room. With a modernised bathroom, mini bar, fruit basket on arrival and a king sized bed it’s hard to fault the comfort of each room. Medina Gardens also offers an upgraded room with a hot tub, which is perfect for the evenings where you want to enjoy the night time entertainment from the comfort of your own room. Evenings in Morocco are warm, and not muggy, so it’s perfect weather to un-wind in a hot tub.
For those of you, that are like me, and look to not feel so guilty by indulging in the all-inclusive menu, Medina Gardens has a fully equipped gym in the center of the gardens itself. Although, secluded within the gardens, it’s a perfect backdrop to go for a morning run or weights session. Equipped with a treadmill, bike, cross trainer and full sets of weights it’s a great way to burn off those extra calories and not feel so guilty – which is somewhere I ended up each afternoon. Even though we were in blistering hot weather, the gym itself was kept cool, and was a comfortable area to work out in.
If you’re looking for a relaxing time with some Winter Sun, Marrakech is now the go to place. I came back feeling like a weight had been lifted, and would thoroughly recommend Medina Gardens to stay at. You can book your holiday with Thomson HERE.
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