Built with no expense spared at the behest of Morocco’s King Mohammed VI, Royal Mansour Marrakech presents a masterpiece of Moorish-Andalusian architecture in Marrakech. To highlight and honour the rich culture and beauty of his Kingdom, King Mohammed VI’s vision was to build a residence of hospitality that would offer travellers a one-of-a-kind experience. Capturing the soul, spirit and essence of Morocco, the luxury resort transports guests into a magical medina where they experience the refined grace of traditional and royal Moroccan hospitality.

Upon entry through its magnificent five-metre-high doors made of chiselled bronze, cedarwood and intricately carved horseshoe arches, guests enter a portal which rivals the grandest of the imperial cities. The sense of welcome emanates through its faithfulness to architectural tradition and its honouring of both heritage crafts and contemporary artistic talent. In the main lobby, awe is immediately felt in the grandiose courtyard with traditional Moroccan tiles, stunning floral displays and a beautiful water fountain beneath an atrium that allows guests to view the Moroccan sky. Lavish chandeliers hang from the ceiling and silk drapes harnessed by mother-of-pearl inlaid tiebacks complete an unforgettable, bespoke experience.

A dream-like landscape on Royal Mansour’s five-hectare estate is filled with 53 riads (a traditional Moroccan and Andalusi interior garden or courtyard), winding passageways, leafy courtyards and fragrant gardens. Guests can find peace and pleasure amidst luxury and privacy.

Wanting to create a sophisticated tribute to the art of living, Moroccan-style, landscape architect Luis Vallejo offers a beautiful variety of shrubs and flowers which border the alleyways, whilst gardens bloom in inner courtyards. From hundred-year-old olive trees lining Rue Abou Abbas El Sebti to pomegranate trees in front of the hotel and restaurants at the reopened Bab el Makhzen, the beautiful setting has been entirely dedicated to pleasure while keeping with Marrakech’s identity as an agricultural community.

In one of the 53 private, rose-hued riads, guests are presented with utmost privacy in a residence spread over three floors. Upon arrival, your personal butler (each riad is assigned no fewer than 10 staff, supported by a system of subterranean service tunnels) will direct you through the jade-green wooden door of your riad into a magical and luxurious world. Through dedicated attention to even the most minute details, the service reaches a degree of refinement that goes well above and beyond.

Inside, demonstrating the infinite variety of Moroccan decorative arts, every riad has its own selection of furniture and unique design elements such as wood panelling, zellige tiling and tadelakt, a traditional Moroccan wall surfacing technique. Alongside staying true to its location and sense of history and tradition, each riad incorporates cutting-edge technology designed to ensure guests’ comfort — from the touchscreen-controlled retractable glass roof to the smart air-conditioning system.

Across the hallway at the entrance, each riad has its own unique interior courtyard designed by Vallejo, and off that, a sitting room, bar and a dining room. The first floor includes the bedrooms, designed to emulate the royal rooms of bygone years with a dark and cosy vibe and bathrooms stocked with luxury MarocMaroc toiletries. From suede and silk rugs and heavy taffeta drapes in the bedroom to etched shower screens, every corner of the riad is laden with treasures. Then there is the private roof terrace, complete with plunge pool, fireplace and a tented space for private hammam treatments.

Staying true to traditional Moroccan culture and the importance of physical wellbeing, the Royal Mansour Marrakech Spa is a mecca of wellness. Measuring over 2,500m², the spa is entered via an impressive atrium of whitewashed wrought iron that evokes a giant birdcage, with natural light pouring in from all angles. This striking yet calming design element offers a sanctuary completely devoted to the senses, delivering an unparalleled signature well-being experience and an instant rush of relaxation.

In one of the private alcoves off the Spa atrium, each spa guest is presented with a private consultation to find the right tailor-made programme adapted to their particular needs and fitness level. On the first floor, where 10 spa rooms and three private Spa Suites are located (each with private terraces overlooking the ramparts of Marrakech), guests can choose from a myriad of massage, facial, hydrotherapy and body wrap treatments. On the ground floor are the two hammams, as well as a Watsu pool, and La Table du Spa serving light, healthy dishes, herbal teas and fruit juices.

There is also a hair salon, the Studio — a unique concept in Morocco — with hand and foot treatments, manicures, pedicures and more, along with a fitness centre nestled amongst the gardens. Last but certainly not least is the orange orchard-inspired swimming pool with glass covering, which offers serenity and undeniable charm.

Presenting a bewitching sensory and immersive experience rooted in the Moroccan lifestyle, no trip to the spa is complete without time in the hammam. The journey to inner harmony begins upon stepping onto the hot, pearly white marble tiles, with flowing fountains and lush décor setting the scene for pure relaxation. Based on the purification and beauty rituals of former times, guests are invited into an almost nirvanic state through the expert hands of a hammam attendant. From the gommage body scrub to body cream and hair masque, the ceremony concludes in a quiet alcove, behind a moucharabieh wooden screen, where you relax, take in the fragrances and savour every moment.

Le Jardin at Royal Mansour Marrakech spreads over two-and-a-half hectares and includes a stunning pool, lush gardens, an herb garden, an organic vegetable orchard and an artist’s residence. Blending harmoniously into the luxuriant garden, the 30-metre-long and 20-metre-wide pool is a place to socialise, wind down and escape on a hot summer’s day. The luxury haven is set amidst an abundance of palm, olive and lemon trees and bougainvilleas, with seven private, modernly designed pavilions with air-conditioned lounges opening onto the pool.

At La Grande Table Marocaine — one of the signature Moroccan restaurants in Marrakech — guests are presented with an exceptional sensory journey beginning through its grand brass door. From Sh’hiwates, seafood pastillas, seven-vegetable couscous, Amlou ice cream and more, this is the pinnacle of Moroccan fine dining matched with a decadently royal setting. Sesamo offers all the flavours of Italy in a setting reminiscent of a refined Venetian palace, where Michelin-star chef Massimiliano Alajmo presents a unique Italian culinary experience. At the open-air Le Jardin bar restaurant, Alléno offers an Asian and Mediterranean-influenced cuisine featuring tapas, ceviches, sushi, sashimi, tartares and grilled specialities.

The Royal Mansour Marrakech’s French table reinvents itself continually to surprise guests with unique culinary experiences. Under the aegis of multi-starred chef Hélène Darroze, La Grande Brasserie sparkles with passion and artistry, drawing residents and visitors alike to this vibrant space where the love of taste and sharing becomes a genuine art de vivre.

Guests also have the opportunity to partake in two unique dining experiences. The first is to book a Private Table experience — whether for friends and family or a business gathering — with settings including La Table du Chef inside the Sesamo kitchen, The Nest amidst lush vegetation, the upscale picnic experience of La Table Champêtre, and La Table des Artistes for a colourful lunch. The second is Afternoon Tea, offered every day from 3:30 pm to 6 pm, pairing sweet and savoury snacks with a curated selection of teas from around the world.

The Royal Mansour’s bars offer a range of atmospheres — by turns peaceful, lounge-like, sparkling or festive. For an ode to Art Deco glamour, the central Main Bar brings back the Roaring Twenties in true style, accompanied by musical tracks recorded by Beatrice Ardisson exclusively for the palace. The Fireplace Lounge, just steps away, is a British-style retreat with charming woodwork, dimmed lights and fragrant leathers. The Cigar Bar invites guests to settle into a Dandy-style sofa and choose from a collection of renowned branded cigars. And for quiet reflection over a glass of wine or spirits, The Library on the other side of the patio is adorned with the arts and culture of Marrakesh and Morocco.

Written by Jarone Ashkenazi for Luxuria Lifestyle International

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