Photo Courtesy of Royal Mansour, Marrakech
Commissioned by his Highness King Mohammed VI, Royal Mansour is undoubtedly the most exotic and lavish hotel in Marrakech. With snow-capped Atlas mountains, medina and Koutoubia Mosque for company, the Royal Mansour – mirroring Moorish-Andalusian architecture – stands in magical company. The luxury hotel, part of The Leading Hotels of The World, is spread over five acres. The hotel is a short walk from the famed Jemaa-el-Fna square, and with 53 plush riads housing 78 bedrooms – 34 Superior and Premium Riads, 14 Privilege Riads, 4 Prestige Riads, 1 Grand Riad – you will be spoilt for choice!
Patio courtyards hemmed in by living rooms, stairways leading up to the charming bedrooms with tony interiors in exquisite fabrics, unique pieces of furniture, traditional zellige tiles all cast their spell on travellers. The riads, individually furnished by craftsmen from Marrakech, Essaouira, Fès and Meknès, with wood paneling, zellige tiling, tadlakt and plasterwork, celebrate the diversity in Moroccan decorative arts. The selection of furniture, the choice of fabrics and colors, and the lighting design imbues these riads with its own distinct style. These riads are private domains, which can be accessed from one of the medina’s many walkways. Larger riads have Bedouin tents and private hammams and 24-hour butler service; indeed comforting.
Treat yourself to body wraps and hydrotherapy at the hotel’s spa; a seriously cossetting space. A haven for relaxation? The Watsu pool and hammam. Add a massage session to your list and you are sorted. The kid’s club with children’s workshops and leisurely activities such as family picnics, carriage rides around the city ensure your kids won’t be bored while you are in Marrakech. Relax in beautifully landscaped Le Jardin. Olive trees, planted in a grid, are reminiscent of the Ménara and the Agdal with date palms rising above the ramparts amidst sun-dappled clearings. Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno does his magic in the kitchen to come up with gastronomic masterpieces.
Buzzing with the souk’s vibrancy, Jemaa el-Fna and the spice market, add to the charm of Marrakech. Head to the square and the maze of alleyways to soak up the spirit of Marrakech, but if you are not used to crowds and alleyways, you may find it all a bit overwhelming. While in Marrakech, visit the delightful Jardin Majorelle to discover why it inspired Yves Saint Laurent so deeply.
Getting there: The Marrakech Menara Airport is 5 kms away from the hotel and takes 15 minutes by car. The Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport is about 220 km away and takes 2 hours 30 minutes by car.
Book It: www.royalmansour.com
Smitha Sadanandan
