Where do you take your family for the big annual holiday? It’s not the worst problem to have, of course, but there are so many different factors at play that need to be considered for every family member. This person might be interested in doing a deep dive into local culture. Another person might be more interested in spa and wellness. Still another person might want all the perks of a fun all-inclusive, while someone else might be ready to shop til they drop. Because I’m a kind and thoughtful mom, I went ahead and checked out a resort that ticks literally every single one of these boxes. Plus several more. Now that Club Med Marrakech Palmeraie has opened up a new family retreat in the middle of their iconic resort, it really is the perfect destination. Especially if you, like me, have long dreamed of spending time in Morocco but thought it might be too intimidating.
All-inclusive ease with real local flare
La Palmeraie first opened its doors back in 1963, when Club Med was in the early days of introducing the all-inclusive concept to the world. You can really feel the sense of permanence of this resort the moment you pass through its ochre clay gates. The main resort wraps itself around a grand pool bordered by lush gardens and olive trees. The smell of orange blossom hits you as you step through the grand entrance hall. All of the usual comforts of a high end all-inclusive resort are found at Club Med Marrakech; the tennis courts, the spa where you can book massage treatments and facials, outdoor yoga classes on the grounds.
But it’s the special touches of the resort that give it a specific Moroccan flair. Dining al fresco under trees dripping with twinkle lights at The Palmeraie, where belly dancers and acrobats entertained diners throughout the evening. Local and international fare is on offer at this buffet, and I cannot recommend the Moroccan tajines enough. Tapas and afternoon cocktails at Le Riad, the Club Med Exclusive Collection Space featuring its own pool and luxurious suites. And of course, my favorite. A breakfast of traditional Moroccan pastries and mint tea delivered to your own patio. The fry bread and local honey is especially delicious.
A space the whole family can enjoy
Club Med Marrakech was renovated in 2022, but the real piece de resistance for families was the 2024 opening of its new Family Oasis section, Le Ksar. Modeled after fortified villages called Ksars, this new extension features 66 rooms designed specifically for families, especially those with young children. All of the suites revolve around a central area complete with splash pad, water park, and a pool for adults and children. There’s even a small cafe on site serving snacks and drinks in the shade when kids and parents need a break.
Even here, the Moroccan design esthetic is alive and well. All of the rooms feature traditional Moroccan tile, bright colors like Majorelle blue (an intense shade of deep blue made famous by the Majorelle Garden in Marrakech), and bright green to evoke the gardens of La Palmeraie. These are two bedroom, two bathroom suites with communal living spaces and outdoor areas, and Club Med has even thought of providing parents with baby welcome kits like a little bathtub and bottle warmers.
A short shuttle ride to shop at the Medina
When I tell you that Club Med Marrakech is a stone’s throw away from the Medina, which is actually a UNESCO World Heritage site, I mean it. A 15 minute taxi or shuttle (which is provided by the resort) has you standing right outside the Medina, where you can really experience the colors and smells of Marrakech. Here you can buy all manner of gorgeous things like poufs (which fold up into nothing in your luggage, trust me I bought three), Berber rugs, exotic spices, or beautiful linens. You will see snake charmers and dancers and all sorts of entertainers in the Medina, but be aware that it costs money to take a photo if you are interested. Shopping not your thing?
I recommend finding a rooftop restaurant to watch the sun set over the city. Eat a tangia, a lamb dish slow-cooked in an earthenware pot that is specific to Marrakech. Try a glass of excellent mint tea or even a glass of Moroccan vin gris (grey wine), which is a bit like a rose but somehow also different.
Don’t feel like visiting the Medina? Take advantage of the on-site childcare facilities at Club Med Marrakech and go on one of the many excursions on offer. Whether you want to have lunch in a Berber village as I did, sitting cross-legged on brightly colored cushions and eating crispy bread dipped in fresh olive oil, take a camel ride through the nearby Atlas mountains, or even enjoy a cooking class at the property, the possibilities are endless.
And at the end of the day, as the sun goes down, you will hear the Adhan ring out over the whole city. This is the Islamic call to prayer, and it’s incredibly moving to just stand in your room and let it wash over you. Like nothing else.
Club Med Marrakech La Palmeraie really is the perfect marriage between all-inclusive comfort and local immersion, with a dash of design flare and amazing food added into the mix. Prices for a family of four for a one-week stay start at $900 USD per night, and Marrakech Menara Airport offers multiple flights to major cities across the country.
Editor’s note: This trip was hosted by Club Med but all opinions belong to the writer.
