Their exotic offerings all equally bewitching, it’s a slow process walking through the Jemaa el-Fna, which comes alive with mysterious delights as the sun goes down.

Keen to sample tasty Moroccan treats, we ponder over a mix of meats sizzling in argan oil, agree that buying the freshly squeezed orange juice would be a cop out, then boldly order a bowl of snail soup – a dish sold almost everywhere in the city.

It’s a flavoursome if rather chewy affair, with the added obstacle of shells.

We then move on to a snack of b’stilla, an indulgent pie made from layers of pastry stuffed with meat, almonds, eggs and fresh spices.

Crossing to the tangled alleyways of the souk, we discover an endless parade of bartering opportunities for jewelled sandals, leather handbags and carved trinkets.

After dodging donkey carts, teens on scooters and multiple offers to buy “genuine” designer goods at “best prices”, I emerge from the chaos, chuffed with a patterned scarf I haggled down to a fiver.

Next, we wander north to another of the city’s main tourist attractions – the 12th century Koutoubia mosque.

Built in traditional Almohad style, its 70-metre Moorish minaret topped with four copper globes is visible for miles around because law forbids any other buildings in the Medina to be higher than a palm tree.

Still an active place of worship, non-Muslims may not enter but you can get a good view of it by walking around the edges.

The Majorelle Botanical Garden is another colourful and peaceful attraction set within the madness of the dusty red sandstone city.

Bought by Yves Saint-Laurent and his business partner Pierre Bergé in 1980, it’s a green oasis full of streams and pools filled with water lilies, exotic plants and trees, all set against the backdrop of the striking electric-blue buildings and lemon-yellow paintwork.

After visiting the city in 1966, Marrakech became an inspiration to the fashion designer throughout his career and the brand new Musee Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech, dedicated to his life and work, is now open in the grounds of the gardens.

As the sun sets, we head for Nomad Restaurant, a former carpet shop in the heart of the old city.

On a lanternlit terrace overlooking a market square we savour chicken tagine flavoured with apricots, dates, lemon, ginger and saffron, served with a side of spiced, roasted fennel.

A peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city is the Iberostar Club Palmeraie Marrakech.

Set in 11 hectares of grounds in nearby La Palmeraie, this four-star all-inclusive hotel opened last April and has 100,000 palm trees, three pools and two restaurants.

There are 10 tennis courts, a gym, badminton courts, volleyball, basketball, a driving range and outdoor spinning classes.

Plus there is plenty to keep children occupied with kids’ clubs, an adventure play area, outdoor splash pool, theatre shows and Xboxes.

Its stand-out activity, however, has to be the trapeze, on which holidaymakers can practise acrobatic skills. Food is also a big attraction.

There’s a huge all-inclusive buffet restaurant with themed nights, an outdoor food truck for hot dogs, hamburgers, crepes and waffles, plus there’s the Jawhara Moroccan Restaurant serving authentic local food.

A popular excursion from the hotel is a trek across the Atlas Mountains, a 90-minute drive away.

On arrival we enjoy a refreshing mint tea on the rooftop of the Riad Jnane Imlil Guest House.

This sets us up for a six-hour trek, led by Atlas and Sahara Tours, across the scenic valleys and traditional berber villages all with views over to the breathtaking Toubkal mountain, one of the highest in the country.

After a long day sweating in the sun, I fancy freshening up Moroccan-style back at the Iberostar’s traditional hammam.

Starting with a relaxing bake in the steam room, a masseur gives me an all-over rub down and polish so thorough I come out positively glowing.

Getting there: Fly from Manchester and Gatwick with easyJet from £38 one-way. Book at easyjet.com

Where to stay: Double rooms at the Iberostar Club Palmeraie Marrakech cost from £87.41 per night. Book at iberostar.com/en

For information and to book Atlas and Sahara Tours visit atlasandsaharatours.com