Morocco: a gateway between Europe and Africa.
And one of the most inspiring countries in the world: from lunching with locals in Moulay Idriss to trekking through the High Atlas Mountains, there are so many ways you can discover this country in the most authentic way. Today, modern Morocco is a vibrant fusion of incredible landscapes, spiritual hubs and cosmopolitan cities.
On the northern coast, the country’s northernmost city of Tangier is a place steeped in history. Known as ‘The Door of Africa,’ this port town has changed hands dozens of times, and at one point even became an international hub of espionage. Nowadays, the eclectic city is a medley of Muslim, Christian and Jewish cultures. A favoured haunt for creatives, Tangier of the past attracted painters such as Delacroix and Matisse, as well as Beat writers Jack Kerouac, William S. Burroughs and Allen Ginsberg. Today, creativity lives on in the old Kasbah, through bustling marketplaces and informal dining spots.
A mixture of sensuous luxury and aesthetic simplicity, the historic Moroccan city of Marrakech attracts a fashionable crowd of winter sun seekers. The dusky, pink-walled Medina, the 'old city', boasts a greater density of chic boutique lodgings than possibly anywhere else in the world and the multitude of emporia will keep shopaholics busy for days. Even non-shoppers will be amazed by the colour, diversity and vibrancy surrounding the souks. In short, fabulous nightclubs, new-wave riads and radical new Moroccan food make this the coolest place to be.
Traditional and grand Moroccan houses set around courtyards, these riads have now taken on a new life as charming hotels and peaceful havens. The Gueliz part of the city houses the lavish El Badia, Bahia and Royal Palaces, which are each wonderful examples of Berber design and craft. Wandering your way through Marrakech’s winding alleyways with a private Jacada guide is an incredible way to explore hidden boutiques and art galleries just like the locals do.
Tranquil cosmopolitan escape.
Just minutes from the city center, Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech is situated on 49 acres of gardens and olive groves. With 65 heated pools and 500-year-old trees, the hotel offers a tranquil escape from the excitement of this Moroccan city: located just 10 minutes’ drive from the heart of the city and the historic Medina, the hotel offers 54 private villas inspired by Berber and Moorish influences, all with secluded walled gardens, swimming pools and hot tubs, extensive areas for sunbathing and shaded alfresco dining.
A further nine spectacular suites, seven with their own rooftop plunge pool, feature panoramic vistas of the gardens and the surrounding countryside. The architect of the project is Pascal Desprez while the design of Mandarin Oriental, Marra- kech, rustic yet sophisticated, was created by renowned French architects, Patrick Gilles and Dorothée Boissier. With its Berber and Andalusian-Arabic influences, the resort provides relaxed and stylish luxury for the cosmopolitan traveller. Featuring natural, local materials, the interior and exterior spaces co-exist and benefit from the extraordinary light for which Marrakech is well known.
Mandarin Pool Villa.
Offering a contemporary take on a traditional riad, villas are entered via a walled courtyard with pool. A sumptuous master bedroom with a living area and bathroom with round bath and shower. Each villa enjoys décor influenced by both Berber and Arab-Andalucian elements. The courtyard features a stunning central pool, sitting and eating areas, a curtained alcove festooned with cushions, a fireplace, and a kitchen for butlers to prepare food. Interiors enjoy authentic Moroccan touches such as tadelakt plastered walls etched with Berber motifs, hand-woven rugs from Rabat and delicate lattice work.
Discover the tastes of the Silk Road here.
Shirvan restaurant is located within the Mandarin Oriental, where chef Akrame has taken his inspiration from the Silk Road for his dishes.
Spread out across more than 19,000 square feet, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech is a source of solitude with a sense of place. Though you’re surrounded by red-bricked columns, high-arched ceilings and a spectacular ornamental pool, when your Thai massage or acupuncture treatment are available. The spa menu takes on Thai, Chinese and Berber influences so that you can draw on the best wellness practices from each culture in a luxurious garden-filled setting.
Where Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech
Phone +212 5 24 29 88 94
Contact momrk-spa@mohg.com
Pricing £££
With a design inspired by the historic cathedrals and mosques of Andalusia, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech is a temple of wellbeing dedicated to health, holistic healing and rejuvenation. High arched ceilings, long corridors built from red brick and a stunning sun-drenched ornamental pool leading off reception, the spa’s design is one of the most beautiful in Marrakech, providing the perfect backdrop to the long list of treatments and therapies.
Where Route du Golf Royal,, 40 000 Marrakech, Morocco
Phone +212 5 24 29 88 88
Pricing ££££