Head out to explore the historic district of the city, the Medina. A guided tour on foot or bike is a great introduction to the hustle and bustle or you can simply wander through the streets and alleys, going with the flow of everyday Moroccan life. Keen shoppers head straight to the souq where you'll be in seventh heaven as you haggle with street vendors over all manner of things - rugs, shoes, leather bags, teapots, spices and much, much more. It's a city that demands you just dive in and embrace your surroundings.
As dusk approaches, head down to the Djemaa El-Fna, which comes to life in the evening. Locals and tourists alike are entertained by acrobats, musicians and storytellers. Get in amongst the thick of it and walk around or watch in awe from the numerous café balconies dotted around. Food stalls pop up all over the place selling weird and wonderful delicacies - for all you adventurous foodies the spleen kebabs and goat heads come highly recommended (not by myself, might I add).
9am: Gastronomic globetrotters step this way because we're off to a cookery class! I'm a firm believer that the way to the heart of a country is through its collective stomach; you can learn as much about the culture, history and tradition of a place from its food as you can at any museum. Not only that, but mastering a couple of signature local dishes (maybe not the spleen kebabs, though) and adding them to your dinner party repertoire will only serve to make you look terribly cultured and well travelled to your friends. Bonus. There are numerous great cookery classes to do in Marrakech and it's a great way to spend a morning.
2pm: No trip to Marrakech would be complete without having a traditional Moroccan hammam where any and all stresses will melt away and you'll leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Time to soak up some afternoon sun and enjoy spectacular views of the Atlas Mountains from the rooftop of your Riad, before grabbing an evening flight home.
Be sure to take a day trip out to the Atlas Mountains where you can go trekking, horse riding, dune bugging and biking.
Spend an afternoon exploring the Jardin Majorelle - an oasis of exotic plant life, shady walkways and burbling streams and pools.
There are some fabulous riads and hotels in and around Marrakech to cater to various requirements. For an authentic Moroccan experience, Riad Kniza is a charming, family owned and run boutique riad which produces some truly spectacular food. Vanessa (sister of Richard) Branson's El Fenn is a funky and stylish riad located just minutes from the Djemaa El-Fna. It's home to a particularly fabulous rooftop bar and restaurant, complete with rooftop pool - very rare in Marrakech. If you want something along more classical luxury hotel lines, Villa des Orangers is the place for you. A Relais & Chateaux property, it's all calm luxury and chic interiors.