Poker can wait its turn. Between sessions, Marrakech is full of experiences to enjoy: the Resort itself, its lively nights, and the wide open spaces around it.

The Resort, a world of its own

There is no need to leave the Es Saadi to unwind after a long session. The Resort houses one of the largest spas in Marrakech: 3,000 m² built around a century old eucalyptus tree, with a 1,000 m² sun terrace. Hydrotherapy circuit, Oriental Thermal Baths, twelve treatment rooms, private Moroccan hammams, Vichy showers, VIP area and relaxation lounges: the signature treatments work on the body's tissue and energy, ideal for releasing the tension of a tight tournament.

The hammam comes in three rituals, Moroccan, Indian and Japanese, with brands such as La Sultane de Saba or Micheline Arcier. The Institut Dior rounds out the offering for a beauty break between two registrations.

On the sports side, two bright rooms await players who prefer to sweat away from the table: one for fitness and yoga pilates, the other for weight training and cardio, fitted out with Technogym, Power Plate and Kinesis equipment. It is open from 6am to 9pm for residents. Group classes (yoga, zumba, oriental dance) and private coaching complete the offering, useful when Day 2 and Day 3 of the main tournaments turn into a marathon.

Between tables, there are also the Resort's pools, set within an eight hectare park, with waterside dining and a dedicated bar.

Nightlife, from the casino until dawn

At the Es Saadi, the evening can start without even stepping outside the Resort gates. Right next to the casino, L'Épicurien offers a restaurant lounge experience: French Mediterranean cuisine, an intimate atmosphere and a live band that builds in energy as the evening goes on. The perfect address for a late dinner between two tables.

Once dinner is over, head to the Theatro: an institution of Moroccan nightlife since 2003, voted best club in Africa in 2023, with around thirty performers taking turns on stage each night.

To venture a little beyond the Resort, Marrakech has no shortage of addresses. Le Comptoir Darna, in Hivernage, has offered a dinner show combining oriental dance and a gnawa orchestra since 1999. In Guéliz, L'Entrepôt is a charming choice for a more intimate French dinner, Kechmara keeps the evening going until 2am with its rooftop jazz nights, and Le Grand Café de la Poste, set in the former 1920s post office, stays open until 1am for a late dinner.

And then there is Jemaa el-Fna, listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. As night falls, the terraces give way to dozens of open air food stalls, smoke from braziers, storytellers and gnawa musicians: the most authentic show in the city, just a few minutes' walk from the Resort.

Excursions, for a change of scenery

Between two days of tournament play, a few hours are enough to discover a completely different side of Morocco.

The Agafay desert, less than an hour's drive away, is the quickest getaway: camel, quad bike or buggy, and dinner under the stars at a luxury camp, with the Atlas mountains as a backdrop.

The Ourika Valley, just as close, offers a different setting: Berber villages built from rammed earth, waterfalls and hiking trails, with views of the Toubkal summit (4,167 m).

For a longer trip, Essaouira and its fortified medina facing the Atlantic are well worth the detour (around 2 hours 30 minutes by road): fishing port, ramparts and fresh fish.

The Ouzoud waterfalls, 150 km to the northeast, deserve a full day: a 110 metre waterfall amid olive trees, sometimes with a surprise visit from Barbary macaques.

Finally, for thrill seekers, a sunrise hot air balloon flight offers a breathtaking view over the palm grove and the ochre city waking up.