Winamax SISMIX: a mini travel guide

With 29 poker tournaments over five days and 20 DJs rotating on the decks to keep you going from sunset to sunrise, you'll be sure to have plenty to do within the Es Saadi Gardens & Resort. But that doesn't mean that you should deny yourself the opportunity to explore Marrakech, a city that's fascinating on a number of fronts, a city that nourishes your soul... so here are a few tips to help you get your bearings in the famous 'Red City'...

Explore

 Jemaa el-Fna Square

A real must! A stay in Marrakech would not be complete without a (long) detour around the Jemaa el-Fna Square. This square is the beating heart of the city and is a hub of activity during both night and day, with its souk, its boutiques, stalls, street sellers, street artists, fire breathers, monkey handlers and snake charmers. The place is full of marvels. You can enjoy the local food and drink with beautiful music in the background, and there are plenty of souvenirs around for you to pick up too.

Koutoubia Mosque

Just a stone's throw away from the Jemaa el-Fna Square, it is visible from quite a distance with its 77 metre high minaret. Be warned though, non-Muslims will not be able to enter this stunning showcase of Moroccan architecture, the best known monument in Marrakech.

The Marrakech Museum, the Ben Youssef Medrassa and the Koubba Almoravide

With the three sites being so close to each other, this gives you the ideal opportunity to visit all three in one trip. The Marrakech Museum is a veritable palace that is well worth seeing, housing exhibitions and shows based around contemporary and classic Moroccan art. The Ben Youssef Medrassa is the oldest coranic school in the world, while the Koubba Almoravide has been standing since the 12th century, making it the oldest building in Marrakech, and an essential part of Muslim culture.

The Menara Gardens

This is the perfect place help you calm down after a bad beat! This magnificent garden lined with ancient olive trees is equally suitable for a romantic walk or a spot of personal meditation.

Majorelle Garden

Bought by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé in 1980, this botanic garden is also a museum for Berber culture. There could be nothing better that walking amongst the cacti, palms and banana trees to find your internal zen after someone managed to connect and beat your pocket rockets...

But there's more...

There's a whole string of other sites worth a visit too: the Bahia Palace, the El Badi Palace, the Bab Agnou Gate, the Saadien Tombs, and the list goes on...

Getting a bite to eat

The Es Saadi Gardens & Resort offers numerous catering options, and there's no chance you'll go hungry during the tournament. However, we also include a few recommendations if you opt to venture further afield...

Médina :

Right on Jemaa el-Fna Square, stand No.114, Chez M’Barek, is regularly recommended in tourist guides.

Café des épices :

This café is Ideal for a quick break during a walk through the souk. The sandwiches are very good and it is a great place to watch the world go by.

Foundounk :

Excellent traditional cooking right at the heart of the Medina, in a truly magical setting.

Dar Moha :

Excellent traditional cooking right at the heart of the Medina, in a truly magical setting.

Le Café Arabe :

The fine Mediterranean cooking on offer here makes this a popular spot in the Medina, worth a visit at any time of day, particularly if you fancy a pre-meal drink on the first-floor terrace.

Le Kosybar :

This well decorated fashionable spot offers high-quality Japanese cuisine, a cool atmosphere and a great cocktail menu.

Hivernage (close to Es Saadi)

Comptoir Darna :

This place is a must, and not just for the cooking: it's terrace offers spectacular views over the rest of the city, and you'll also be able to enjoy dance and music shows as you eat.

Queliz District

Al Fassia :

At this restaurant you can enjoy typical local dishes prepared and served only by women. The shoulder of lamb comes highly recommended.

Quench your thirst

Café Bousafsaf :

With the sublime Majorelle Gardens as a backdrop (mentioned previously), this is the ideal spot for a light snack or a calming tea in the afternoon.

Kosybar :

Already mentioned in the restaurant section, this is also a great spot to enjoy a refreshing drink.

Comptoir Darna :

Definitely don't miss out on this place! Almost all poker players visiting Marrakech are sure set foot inside this smooth blend of bar, restaurant & disco.

Get away from it all

The hammams are a local tradition, with numerous baths all around the town. Les Bains de Marrakech, is a centre with baths located close to Es Saadi, and it often features in tourist guides. Definitely one to try out! Another experience many tourists enjoy is a quad-bike trip in the Atlas Mountains. There are a number of companies offering trips for around €50 per half day, with negotiable group prices. Enquire with companies including Marrakech Quad Evasion, Accroc Quad Marrakech, Maroc Quad Passion or Maroc Loisirs.