Discover these stylish stays in Marrakech, the Moroccan city that inspired Yves Saint Laurent
Full of lush courtyards, stunningly tiled pools, hammams and colourul, luxuriously appointed riyads, Marrakech is the perfect place to get lost in wonder. From five-star hotels and private villas, to boutique propeties that are reiminiscent of secret gardens, the Moroccan city has something for every holiday maker.
Stylish
La Mamounia
Close to Jemaa el-Fna and Koutoubia Mosque at the heart of the city, La Mamounia is swathed in Majorelle blue, green and orange zellige tiles, with arabesque sculptures, water features and an expansive garden with some 1,200 plant species. A favourite of the late Yves Saint Laurent, and modern-day celebs such as Gwyneth Paltrow and the Delevingne sisters, the property features 210 guest rooms, suites and riads in rich Moroccan style, with views of the city and the Atlas Mountains; suites include walk-in wardrobes and some boast direct access to the pool.
Seven restaurants and bars include Le Churchill bar, and modern Moroccan, French and Italian cuisine at a trio of aptly named restaurants, featuring fresh ingredients from the hotel’s vegetable garden. With a rich history that dates back nearly 100 years, this is not the place to be casual as an ‘elegant dress code’ is required in public spaces.
Price – Doubles from AED 1,750.
Contact – Avenue Bab Jdid; 00212-52-438 8600, mamounia.com
Regal
Royal Mansour
Located in the city centre and yet ensconced in a peaceful pocket of its own, the Royal Mansour is a short stroll from the old, walled Medina. Decked in Ornate North African and Moorish style from top to bottom, everything was handmade specifically for the hotel. The fairy-tale-like spa in white wrought iron and the monumental entry gate are scene-stealers. Clients include celebrities, politicians, royalty and those seeking privacy and the feel of a personal home. Discretion is key and staff keep to underground passageways.
The 53 riads are spacious, each with two floors and a rooftop terrace with a private pool, as well as a courtyard, fireplaces and an array of rich brocades, silks and mosaics. Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno is behind the three dining options; gastronomic restaurant La Grande Table Marocaine and its pigeon pastilla are highlights. The spa, with two hammams, is transporting.
Price – Riads from AED 4,315.
Contact – Rue Abou Abbas El Sebti; 00212-52-980 8080, royalmansour.com.
Contemporary
Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech
Nestled amid 20 hectares of gardens and olive trees, just beyond the city, the Moroccan outpost of the Mandarin Oriental is modern and minimal in style, with white and sand-toned décor. Mashrabiyas and lanterns evoke local touches.Thanks to the adjacent Royal Golf Marrakech and the on-site spa that spans 1,800sqm, clients include golf lovers and spa-goers.
54 contemporary villas and nine suites are elegantly done up with plush black-and-white Moroccan rugs, a private pool and al fresco dining spaces; the Penthouse and Infinity Pool Suites have their own hammams. Four dining options include Ling Ling – a Chinese restaurant from the Hakkasan group – with a party vibe, and the all-day Le Salon Berbère with local specialities such as msamen (a square pancake).
Price – Doubles from AED 3,650.
Contact – Route du Golf Royal; 00212-52-429 8888, mandarinoriental.com/marrakech.
Bohemian
El Fenn
At the edge of the labyrinthine Medina, a few minutes’ walk from Jemaa el-Fna square, this property echoes its past life as a private home, with artwork – including from British-Moroccan artist Hassan Hajjaj – a library, vintage photographs and lots of colourful, eclectic curiosities. Owned by Vanessa Branson (sister to Sir Richard), it’s not unusual to see her mingling with guests that include Alexa Chung and Giorgio Armani.
The rooms feature unique design choices, such as a hot-pink tadelakt plaster-walled bathroom in a Medium Room and an Extra Large Room with gold leafing; all rooms feature Egyptian-cotton linens and art from Vanessa’s private collection. Guests can order traditional Moroccan fare and seasonal European cuisine at the Roof Terrace or Cocktail Bar & Restaurant; a relaxed but hip atmosphere prevails. An oasis of tranquillity within the Medina, El Fenn is well located to many sights. Rooftop views of the city, Koutoubia Mosque and the mountains are striking.
Price – Doubles from AED 1,150.
Contact – Derb Moullay Abdullah Ben Hussain, Bab El Ksour, Medina; 00212-52-444 1210, el-fenn.com.
Boutique
Riad Jardin Secret
Located in the Medina’s Bab Doukkala neighbourhood, this nature haven is a 15-minute walk through the souks to Jemaa el-Fna sqaure. Think Sahara chic: with a mix of cacti, palm fronds and desert tones, two courtyards – one with fruit trees – lend the ‘secret garden’ its atmosphere. Guests include travellers looking for a local experience, who don’t mind a lack of swimming pool and hammam.
Six guest rooms and suites feature décor hand-picked by owners Cyrielle and Julien, sourced from Marrakech’s craftsmen and favourite flea markets; bathrooms include organic, locally made products from The Moroccans. Enjoy seasonal vegetarian fare at The Pink Rooftop, made-to-order by chef Mohamed for hotel guests only; at lunch, one table is open to be booked by a non-hotel guest. An ‘anti-modern’ philosophy means it’s short on the usual hotel amenities such as air conditioning and TVs.
Price – Doubles from AED 640.
Contact – 43-46 Arset Aouzal, Bab Doukkala; 00212-52-437 6606, riadjardinsecret.com.
Spa in the Kasbah
Slated to open this year, the Oberoi Marrakech sits 20 minutes from the city within 25 acres of orchards. Inspired by the country’s ancient palaces, guests will feel like royalty in accommodation primarily comprising suites and villas, each of which comes with a private pool. Vaunted as an “oasis within an oasis”, the spa is on an island on a lake amid the orchards and will include Moroccan- and Ayurvedic-inspired treatments as well as hammams. A kids’ club, 24-hour butler service and restaurants with Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine can also be expected. oberoihotels.com
