Marrakech, has always been glamorous. But thanks to the liberal vision of its current monarch in the past decade, the city has been transformed from an exotic desert bolthole, into a luxury destination. The city has now more than twenty 5 star hotels, dozens of sumptuous riads, Palmeraie retreats with poolside lawns, and such a tantalizing shopping, that crates are often needed.
If you add to all above, cries from the minarets at sunset, fires that are lit, storytellers, snakecharmers, rugsellers, spice merchants, then you easily understand why Africa, Arabia, and Europe are meeting so harmoniously.
I will try to help those who are planning to travel to this marvelous city, giving the most of obvious or hidden secrets...
Starting with taking care of the most essential a traveler needs, accommodation, here is a list that may cover all demands:
DELUXE HOTELS
It would be unfair if I didn't start my list from mythical "LA MAMOUNIA".
The most renowned palace in Marrakech, is located in the heart of the Medina and unfolds majestically against the snowy summits of the High Atlas mountain.
Founded in the roaring 20s, the hotel has played host to VIPS, from Winston Churchill to Edith Piaf and Charles de Gaulle to Marlene Dietrich.
It was entirely refurbished in 2009 by Jacques Garcia, and affects a Hispano-Moorish style. In addition to its 209 rooms, including three marvelous riads, with Morrocan-style rooms, private pools and terraces, it also features a 2.500 sq.meters spa, a huge heated pool, two tennis courts with ball boys, a library, full with works on local heritage and culture, a 1.500 sq. meters vegetable garden, a hair salon and even a bowling pitch for lovers of petanque.
There are four restaurants. A French one (devised by 2 stars chef J.P.Vigato), an Italian menu created by Alfonso Iaccarino, and the knock out LE MAROCAIN.
Several bars are scattered throughout the hotel. And the most popular: The Churchill and its very British atmosphere.
An other masterpiece hotel is SELMAN MARRAKECH. A true Thousand and one nights palace, opened its doors in May 2012, designed by J.Garcia with its internals bringing in mind, the gardens of Hadrian's villa or the Alhambra. Excellent choice.
Fifteen minutes from the Medina, along the road to Fes, you meet LODGE K. A private heaven for private guests... An oasis surrounded from olive trees and smelling the aromas of the orange trees, with only four private suites, is definitely the place to be for those in the know in Marrakech.
Another "surprise" recent entry, is the DELANO MARRAKECH. ( Yes the second one ,after South Beach,Miami ). Its lobby is a colossal architectural masterpiece.
An emblematic 71 room boutique hotel, designed by celebrated architect J.Garcia. A real gem !
And then the more recent( February 2013), TAJ PALACE. A happy flirtation between Indian style and Morrocan references. A neo-Bollywood ambiance and art deco mixture dominates this superb palace, in the Marrakech Palmeraie.
Just five minutes from the center of Marrakech, is the location of the sole and unique Aman resorts in Africa. The AMANJENA. A hymn for each of our five senses.
An imposing fountain sets the scene, the flora gives off a wonderful odour and the grandeur of the location ,so relaxing. An immense space where suites with private pools , will lead alone to an unforgetable stay..
The lavish new all riads ROYAL MANSOUR, built by King Mohammed V1 with no expence spared, closes my short list of real luxury accommodation in Marrakech.
Of course you can add a FOUR SEASONS HOTEL, and PALAIS NAMASKAR to have a bigger picture, not forgetting PARK HYATT and ARMANI hotels due to appear shortly....
DINING
A vast selection from a huge list, includes following restaurants : DAR RHIZLANE (Morrocan gourmet cuisine), TERRACE DES EPICES (in the heart of the Medina,seves French- -Morrocan cuisine), LE GRAND CAFE DE LA POSTE (A legendary restaurant with cafe, brasserie and restaurant all rolled into one.), COMPTOIR DARNA ( Perfect fusion of east & west in an exotic atmosphere), I LIMONI (Italian in the Medina), JAD MAHAL (Live music), LE MAROCAIN ( Uber-glam, beside the gardens at LA MAMOUNIA ), DAR MOHA (Elegant 19th-century former home of Pierre Balmain,with tables in the walled garden).
Finally I saved on purpose my personal favourite: LE TOBSIL (Where the owner Christine Rio, supervises an excellent Morrocan cuisine in a cosy atmosphere, where if you are lucky, you can dine having next to you Richard Geere !).
RELAXATION
LE BLED, A small authentic guest house with an outdoor pool, where you simply lie back and relax.PATISSERIE DES PRINCES (One of the best), JARDIN MAJORELLE, one of the most
visited sites in Morroco, another world right in the middle of town.
DON'T LEAVE WITHOUT VISITING
KOUTOUBIA MOSQUE, MUSEE DE MARRAKECH, DAR SI SAID, BEN YOUSSEF MEDERSA, EL BADI PALACE.
FOR SHOPPING
argan oil for joint pain ), MINISTERO DEL GUSTO (Gallery home of a former Italian Vogue fashion editor).
A nice way to finish your day (recommended ) : KOSYBAR, in the Jewish mellah, and watch storks nesting on the Badi Palace to the sounds of Brazilian music..
LUXURY SHOPPING
CONCEPT STORE, AMETHYSTE BOUTIQUE (Authentic Morrocan 7 Berber jewellery).
OUTSTANDING HOTELS AND PALACES
PALAIS RHOUL & SPA, KSAR CHAR-BAGH, LES 5 DJELLABAS.
BEST RIADS FOR : contemporary drama : RIAD LOTUS PRIVELEGE. LUXURY : RIAD FARNATCHI.
FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT
Luxury camps in the Morrocan desert. One essential trip to make, is a visit to the Ourika Valley, 30 kms from Marrakech...In addition to the pretty Berber villages that dot the valley, there are many other tourist attractions in the area. ( www.camel-camp.com). Quartier Sidi Ghanem, located on the road to Safi, here you will discover professionals, artisans, inventors, artists, decorators, designers and wholesalers tempting you with a range of original creations, both modern and contemporary. ( www.sidighanem.net ).
To close my siteseeing of this marvelous city, and in order to satisfy the golf lovers, Marrakech by year 2015, will have 24 golf courses......
