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🇲🇦 Morocco · Destination Guide
Marrakesh
The Es Saadi resort is unlike anything in Europe. A James Bond casino, six restaurants, three outdoor pools, and a city outside the gates that pulses with energy 24 hours a day. Chris has been here multiple times. Here's everything you need to know.
♠
Chris's take
"Marrakesh is one of those places that hits you differently. The casino entrance — red carpet over water — is genuinely spectacular. Go once and you'll go back."
The Venue
Es Saadi Resort
Recommended
The resort has two hotels — The Hotel and The Palace. Both are top class but the Palace is newer with bigger rooms, modern en-suites and a more contemporary pool area. The spa and gym are in the Palace but available to all guests. The casino sits between the two hotels and is iconic — classic layout, all the usual games, and an entrance with a red carpet over water that's like something from a James Bond film.
The Poker
Cash games run upstairs — NLH and PLO5 in local currency, equivalent of €5/€5 up to €20/€20, one straddle. During bigger festivals, games up to €100/€100 PLO can run in a private room. Note: smoking is allowed in the casino and cash game area.
On-Site Facilities
Six restaurants, three outdoor pools, padel and tennis courts, a large gym, and a designated area for the French game Pétanque. You won't need to leave the resort if you don't want to.
♠ Chris's Tip
"The cash games get going after 10pm. Grab dinner at the resort first — you'll play better on a full stomach and the atmosphere picks up as the night goes on."
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Where to Stay
Es Saadi Resort
Chris's Pick
Staying on-site is the move. You're two minutes from the casino and the tables. Chris can arrange discounted room rates for players coming through his newsletter — sign up to get the deal.
Sofitel Marrakesh
Right next door to Es Saadi and equally top class. A great alternative if Es Saadi is full or you prefer a different property.
El Andalous & Kennedy
Both close to the resort and usually more budget-friendly. Good options if you want to keep accommodation costs down and spend more at the tables.
♠ Chris's Tip
"I always stay at Es Saadi. Being able to run back to the room on tournament breaks is worth it alone. Sign up to the newsletter for player discounts on rooms."
Places to Eat
L'Épicurien — Es Saadi
Chris's Pick
Much more than just dinner — it's a festive experience that brings Marrakesh's nights to life. Chris's personal favourite on the resort. Book in advance at weekends.
Jad Mahal
Five minutes walk from Es Saadi. Amazing food, incredible entertainment, and a club next door if that's your thing. Chris seldom visits Marrakesh without spending at least one night here. Book ahead — especially at weekends.
Restaurant Le 6
Short walk from Es Saadi. Shows Premier League and Champions League on big screens — and actually serves beer, which not everywhere does. A solid spot for lunch too.
♠ Chris's Tip
"Not all restaurants serve alcohol so check first. A lot of cafes look like pubs with live sport on big screens but they don't all serve beers. Le 6 is your safe bet."
Places to See
Majorelle Garden
Marrakesh is famous for both. The Atlas Mountains are a stunning backdrop from the city and well worth a day trip. Hot air balloon rides over the medina at sunrise are unforgettable.
Hot Air Balloon Rides & Atlas Mountains
Marrakesh is famous for both. The Atlas Mountains are a stunning backdrop from the city and well worth a day trip. Hot air balloon rides over the medina at sunrise are unforgettable.
Royal Golf Club
Chris's pick for golf in Marrakesh — he rates it as the best course in the city. Worth booking in advance during festival week.
♠ Chris's Tip
"I usually spend most of my time in the casino but there is a lot more to Marrakesh. Do the balloon ride on your first morning — you'll never forget it."
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Money In / Out
Currency
MAD
Moroccan Dirham
Rate (approx)
~10:1
100 MAD ≈ €10
Tournament Buy-in
Luxon
Accepted at cage
Cash Games
MAD
Local currency
Depositing to the Casino
Contact Chris directly for details on how to deposit to the casino cage. Tournaments can be entered using Luxon Pay.
♠ Chris's Tip
"100 MAD is €10 — safe enough rule of thumb. Message me for details on depositing directly to the cage. Luxon Pay works for tournament entries."
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How to Get There
From Ireland
Ryanair and Aer Lingus both fly direct to Marrakesh from Dublin. Easy Jet fly from Belfast. Flight time roughly 3.5 hours.
From the UK & France
Plenty of direct flights every day from all the major airports. Easy Jet, Ryanair and British Airways all operate routes.
Airport to Es Saadi
Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK) is about 15–20 minutes from Es Saadi. Agree the taxi fare before you get in — roughly 150–200 MAD (€15–20).
♠ Chris's Tip
"Book flights early — routes from Dublin fill up fast around festival dates. Ryanair direct from Dublin is hard to beat on price."
Planning a Trip?
Get Chris's Marrakesh Package
Discounted room rates at Es Saadi, tournament buy-in deals, and inside knowledge on the cash games. Sign up to the newsletter or contact Chris directly.
🇨🇾 North Cyprus · Destination Guide
Kyrenia, Cyprus
The Chamada Prestige is a brand new 5-star all-inclusive resort with everything you could want on a poker trip — massive casino, world-class facilities, and cash games running around the clock. No expense spared.
♠
Chris's take
"The Chamada is the full package. All inclusive means you never need to leave — and with the poker running 24 hours, most people don't. North Cyprus itself is stunning though, get out and explore."
The Venue
Chamada Prestige Hotel & Casino
Recommended
Brand new 5-star flagship of the Chamada Hotel group. All-inclusive so you never need to leave. On-site you have indoor and outdoor pools, a modern gym, padel courts, basketball, a six-a-side astro pitch, games room and kids playground.
The Casino & Poker
Massive casino leading to a large conference room for poker festivals. Cash games run in the conference during festivals and in the casino at other times. Games from $25/$25 up to $100/$200 PLO5, NLH from $5/$10. Played in USD.
Cage & Payments
The cage accepts USD and Euro cash. Luxon Pay accepted during festivals. USDT also accepted. Contact Chris for details on how to wire money or crypto to the cage.
♠ Chris's Tip
"There's a 24-hour buffet in the poker area. Useful when you're deep in a session and can't leave the table. The main restaurant for proper meals is exceptional."
Where to Stay
Chamada Prestige
Chris's Pick
Staying on-site is the only option worth considering. Chris can arrange rooms at heavily discounted rates — including complimentary rooms for some first-time players. Airport transfers can also be arranged through the casino for poker players.
Chamada Beach Club
A shuttle bus runs to the Chamada Beach Club all day — well worth a visit for lunch. Not included in the all-inclusive package but a great escape from the casino for an afternoon.
♠ Chris's Tip
"Sign up to my newsletter for discounts including free rooms. I can arrange deals that aren't available anywhere publicly — especially for first-time players at Chamada."
Places to Eat
Main Restaurant — Chamada
All Inclusive
As the resort is all-inclusive, Chris normally has all his meals here. The food is top class with a massive choice spread in the main restaurant. Huge variety, consistently excellent.
Two Speciality Restaurants — Chamada
Two additional restaurants on-site that are not included in the all-inclusive package. Both are amazing — worth treating yourself to at least one night at each.
24-Hour Poker Buffet ll Chamada Beach Club
Available in the poker area around the clock. Not exactly fine dining but essential when you're deep in a cash game and the kitchen is closed everywhere else.
♠ Chris's Tip
"Don't spend the whole trip in the casino — North Cyprus is beautiful and most players regret not seeing more of it. Book a day trip on your first day before the schedule takes over."
Places to See
Kyrenia & North Cyprus History
The old harbour is one of the most picturesque in the Mediterranean. Walk it in the evening, pick a restaurant on the water and watch the sun go down. Worth every minute away from the tables.
Kyrenia Harbour
The old harbour is one of the most picturesque in the Mediterranean. Walk it in the evening, pick a restaurant on the water and watch the sun go down. Worth every minute away from the tables.
Mystic Art Coffee & Bar
A favourite stop for Chris and the group when exploring Kyrenia — great coffee, incredible views, and the kind of place you end up staying longer than planned.
♠ Chris's Tip
"Don't spend the whole trip in the casino — North Cyprus is beautiful and most players regret not seeing more of it. Book a day trip on your first day before the schedule takes over."
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Money In / Out
Games Currency
USD
All tables in dollars
Cage Accepts
€ / $
Euro & USD cash
Digital Pay
Luxon
During festivals
Crypto
USDT
Accepted at cage
Depositing to the Casino
Contact Chris directly for details on how to deposit to the casino cage. Tournaments can be entered using Luxon Pay.
♠ Chris's Tip
"Message me for details on how to wire money or crypto to the cage. The casino will change Euro but having USD ready saves time. USDT is the smoothest option if you're comfortable with crypto."
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How to Get There
From Ireland — Via Paphos
Direct flights to Paphos from Ireland, then approximately 2.5 hours drive to Chamada. Ryanair operate this route regularly.
Via Larnaca (Indirect)
Indirect flights to Larnaca run more frequently and it's about 90 minutes from the resort. More flight options but longer journey overall.
Via Ercan — Closest Airport ll Airport Transfer
Ercan Airport is only 30 minutes from Chamada — the closest option. Only accessible through Turkey. Chris has flown this route several times with Turkish Airlines. Worth considering for the convenience. The casino can arrange transfers from the airport for poker players. Contact Chris to organise — it's seamless and takes the hassle out of arrival.
♠ Chris's Tip
"If you can route through Turkey and fly into Ercan, do it — 30 minutes to the resort versus 2.5 hours from Paphos is a no-brainer. Turkish Airlines are decent too."
Planning a Trip?
Get Chris's Marrakesh Package
Discounted room rates at Es Saadi, tournament buy-in deals, and inside knowledge on the cash games. Sign up to the newsletter or contact Chris directly.
🇮🇪 Ireland · Destination Guide
Dublin & the Irish Open
The RDS is one of Dublin's most historic buildings, transformed every Easter into the world's greatest poker festival. Ten days of madness, thousands of players, and an atmosphere that simply cannot be replicated anywhere else on earth.
♠
Chris's take
"There is no event like the Irish Open. The craic is the best. Poker is a very big part of it but there are so many other things going on. It's the one tournament we'd all LOVE to win."
The Venue
The RDS, Dublin
Irish Open
One of the most historic buildings in Dublin, the RDS is transformed every Easter into a modern, world-class poker room for ten days of the Irish Open. When you see it empty you wouldn't believe what it becomes with thousands of players inside.
The Irish Open
One of the most historic buildings in Dublin, the RDS is transformed every Easter into a modern, world-class poker room for ten days of the Irish Open. When you see it empty you wouldn't believe what it becomes with thousands of players inside.
The Irish Open
Europe's most beloved poker festival. Chris has played every Main Event since 2009, cashed five times, and won multiple side events including the Big O Championship in 2025 and the Cuatro PLO High Roller in 2026. He's also the Irish Open Ambassador.
♠ Chris's Tip
"Even though I live in Kildare — 40 minutes away — I always book a hotel near the venue. You don't want to miss a second of the craic after hours. Stay close."
Where to Stay
Stay Near the RDS
Essential
The Ballsbridge area around the RDS has several good hotels within walking distance. The Herbert Park Hotel and Intercontinental Dublin are popular choices for Irish Open players. Book early — the festival fills up Dublin fast.
City Centre Options
If you want to be in the thick of Dublin nightlife, the city centre is a 15-minute taxi from the RDS. Plenty of options across every budget — from boutique hotels to well-known chains.
♠ Chris's Tip
"Book your hotel the moment you decide to come. The Irish Open takes over the city every Easter and good rooms near the RDS go fast. Don't leave it late."
Places to Eat
Ballsbridge & Baggot Street
The neighbourhood around the RDS is full of great restaurants and pubs. Plenty of options for every budget within walking distance of the venue — ideal for tournament breaks.
Temple Bar & City Centre
Dublin's famous Temple Bar area is a short taxi ride and worth a visit at least once during the festival week. Gets lively in the evenings — perfect after a deep run or a bad beat.
The Craic Den After Hours
The Irish Open has its own late-night social scene at the venue. Chris stays nearby specifically so he can enjoy the craic den after playing. It's as much a part of the festival as the poker.
♠ Chris's Tip
"Come for the full week if you can. The Irish Open has so many side events, you can play poker non-stop or mix it with the city. Either way, you won't regret it."
Places to See
Dublin City Centre
A rite of passage. The rooftop gravity bar with views across the city is worth the visit alone. Book online to skip the queues.
Guinness Storehouse
A rite of passage. The rooftop gravity bar with views across the city is worth the visit alone. Book online to skip the queues.
The Irish Open Itself
Honestly — the festival is the destination. Ten days of poker, side events, off-the-felt activities and the best atmosphere in European poker. Players from around the world come back year after year. There's a reason for that.
♠ Chris's Tip
"Come for the full week if you can. The Irish Open has so many side events, you can play poker non-stop or mix it with the city. Either way, you won't regret it."
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Money In / Out
Currency
EUR
Euro — Ireland
Buy-ins
Luxon
Accepted at cage
ATMs
Easy
Everywhere in Dublin
Cards
All
Widely accepted
Depositing to the Casino
Contact Chris directly for details on how to deposit to the casino cage. Tournaments can be entered using Luxon Pay.
♠ Chris's Tip
"Ireland is straightforward for money — Euro, cards everywhere, ATMs on every street. Luxon Pay works for tournament buy-ins. No complications."
✈️
How to Get There
By Air
Dublin Airport is one of the best-connected airports in Europe. Direct flights from the US, UK, mainland Europe and beyond. Ryanair, Aer Lingus, British Airways, American Airlines and many more operate routes.
Airport to City
The Airlink Express bus runs directly from the airport to the city centre and takes about 30–45 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis are also plentiful — agree a fixed price or use the meter.
Getting Around Dublin
Dublin is compact and walkable in the centre. Taxis and Uber are widely available. The Luas tram connects several parts of the city and is a cheap, reliable option.
♠ Chris's Tip
"The Airlink bus from the airport is cheap and reliable. If you're coming in with luggage and it's late at night, just grab a taxi — it's not expensive and saves the hassle."
Planning a Trip?
Get Chris's Marrakesh Package
Discounted room rates at Es Saadi, tournament buy-in deals, and inside knowledge on the cash games. Sign up to the newsletter or contact Chris directly.