Mandarin Oriental Marrakech

I have visited Marrakech a few times, but in the five years since my last trip, the transformation has been more significant than I could have imagined. New hotels are popping up every month and the design scene is thriving. The alluring character of this city is still very much there but it feels somehow more accessible as a traveller.

MO Marrakech

The Mandarin Oriental Marrakech opened a few months ago, it is slightly removed from the main medina in the centre of town – a more relaxed and remote location, which creates an instant sense of calm. With the Atlas mountains in the background, this luxurious hotel is set amongst 20 hectares of fragrant, landscaped gardens.

Like many of the group’s properties, MO Marrakech is monochrome in design, with a straight-forward elegant style. We were greeted on arrival with sparkling rose drinks and warm smiles from all the staff.

MO Marrakech

The hotel boasts private villas and spectacular suites, each with unparalleled facilities. It is difficult to pull yourself away, but when you do decide to explore the city your butler will arrange everything via a handy whatsapp service. This speedy system also ensures you have all the information you need at your fingertips – restaurant menus, spa availability etc.

MO Marrakech

After a short ride through the gardens (incredible that anything grows considering the sweltering summer heat) we were introduced to our heavenly villa. The Mandarin Pool Villas are a contemporary take on the traditional Moroccan riads. You enter through a walled courtyard, complete with your own pool, lounge area and outdoor kitchen.

MO MarrakechMO Marrakech

The indoor rooms are instantly calming (and cooling – thanks to superior air conditioning). Fresh fruits adorn the living room table and a giant TV provides entertainment, should you need it. Coffee and tea facilities and a minibar is all here for your needs.

The bedroom is simple and chic with a sumptuous giant bed and various buttons to control the high-tech blind and curtain functions. I was grateful for the room remaining dark even when the sun came up early outside!

MO Marrakech

The bathroom was a sight to behold, a giant circular bath, spacious double sinks and a shower that doubles up as a steam room. The amenities are by French perfumer Diptyque, one of my favourite brands.

MO Marrakech

When it was time to (begrudgingly) leave the villa, lazy mornings were spent overlooking the expansive tropical gardens and pools. Breakfast is chosen from a lengthy a la carte menu and an overflowing buffet of sweet treats. I particularly loved the morning entertainment, a musician played a charming traditional instrument as we sipped our coffee.

MO MarrakechMO Marrakech

The hotel has two main restaurants (both only open for dinner), Ling Ling by the Hakkasan group serves modern Cantonese food and Shirvan, by Michelin-starred Chef Akrame Benallal, for delicately spiced sharing plates. During the day guests can opt for an al fresco lunch in the pool garden or in villa dining.

We enjoyed local wine and flavoursome grilled meats at Shirvan on our final evening at the hotel. The staff were so attentive and ensured we had absolutely everything we needed.

MO Marrakech

The spa at MO Marrakech is already garnering quite the reputation due to its impressive size and variety of spa treatments. I visited for a restorative facial using the brand Biologique recherche. After a thorough cleanse and extractions my skin was pampered with the nourishing products and I left feeling incredibly relaxed.

Despite being a hotel primarily for adults, little guests are very much celebrated at the hotel and the staff genuinely seemed to adore my two little boys. The kids club and farm occupied and thrilled the boys and at meal times the kitchen made special dishes to satisfy their appetites.

Just three hours from London by plane, Marrakech really is a very appealing destination for sunshine and culture. With hotels like MO Marrakech making visitors feel so at home, I can see why people would return again and again to this city.

I was a guest of Mandarin Oriental Marrakech. More information and to book a stay here.

Art After Dark, 29/30th June 2023

Gallery-going is usually a pastime reserved for those who have the time midweek to enjoy carefree cultural activities. But Art After Dark gives you a special opportunity to visit some of central London’s best loved art institutions and independent galleries for two nights of late night free visual viewing.

Following the success of the inaugural event in March Art of London have arranged a summer edition of their wonderful Art After Dark event, taking place on the 29th and 30th June (until 9pm). Visitors will have evening access to the area’s art exhibits, many of which are offering great perks. Those passing through Piccadilly Circus will be treated to a picturesque night garden to celebrate return of Art After Dark.

Art After Dark

Last week I had a preview of this month’s Art After Dark offering. Here are some highlights I recommend checking out later this month –

Art After Dark

Head to the iconic National Gallery to see the first major UK exhibition exploring the life and legacy of Saint Francis of Assisi, one of history’s most revered figures. The new exhibition includes over 40 works of art from public and private collections from across the world. You can elevate your experience by reserving a table at the gallery’s landmark restaurant Ochre for dinner with a complimentary glass of champagne (by quoting ‘Art After Dark’.).

Following a three-year closure the National Portrait Gallery is finally open again. Photography enthusiasts will enjoy the latest exhibition, Yevonde: Life and Colour, and guest DJ Lady Kamikaze will be spinning vintage tracks from the 1930s – 1970s. The National Portrait Gallery is also hosting an in-conversation with the award-winning musician, Paul McCartney – live streamed from the Gallery – to discuss his major new exhibition, Paul McCartney Photographs 1963–64: Eyes of the Storm on the Thursday.

Summer Exhibition

As always the Royal Academy of Arts features some thought-provoking free displays, as well as the popular annual Summer Exhibition. Each year a different Royal Academician puts together the summer show (in recent years Yinka Shonibare RA and Grayson Perry RA have coordinated) and this year the show has been overseen by the British painter David Remfry RA. The exhibition showcases every art medium – from prints, paintings, film and photography to sculpture, architectural works and more – by a mix of leading artists and emerging talent. During Art After Dark The Royal Academy will be serving complimentary pintxos with every drink purchased at the Poster Bar and the newly installed Portico Terrace as well as delicious seasonal food and drinks at The Shenkman Bar, making it the ideal post-exhibition venue for refreshments. If you fancy something more substantial head to Spanish chef José Pizarro’s resident restaurant.

The exciting arts programme will also feature some of London’s most acclaimed independent galleries. I recommend popping into –

Art After Dark

Skarstedt Gallery for their striking Beyond Abstraction exhibition. Highlights include Steven Parrino’s startling red ‘Bent Painting’ Richard Prince’s witty ‘What’s His Face’ and Marco Pariani’s ‘Landscaper’s Birthday’ which was created just this year.

Art After Dark

Art gallery 3812 specialises in contemporary Chinese art and is always a calming space to spend time in. I loved their current exhibition ‘Blue and Black’ the first solo exhibition in London for Qian Wu. Wu studied painting in America, but is firmly grounded in the traditional Chinese brush painting, his works are a sensitive mix of the two cultural artistic styles.

Art After Dark

Stern Pissarro is a welcoming gallery which is perfect for those with all levels of art knowledge. It is the ideal venue for visitors wanting an overview introduction to the important Impressionist painter Camille Pisarro while also exhibiting engaging seasonal shows. They are currently showing ‘Art on Paper 1920-2020’.

Art After Dark

Whether you are after a pre-show tipple or an after-exhibition feast, the West End has a host of tasty options to satisfy your appetite. I checked out Leicester Square Kitchen, which is very centrally located (in the heart of Leicester Square) and serves vibrant Mexican sharing plates. We opted for ice-cold beer and sour grapefruit Paloma cocktails before a table full of delicious food. Highlights included the Wagyu beef sliders, spicy guacamole and charred sweetcorn. It was the perfect al fresco meal for a summer’s evening.

With the days at their longest and the sun finally out in London’s West End, there has never been a better time to spend an evening strolling round the capital’s finest galleries and enjoying food and drinks at the neighbouring restaurants.

Discover Art of London’s seasonal art and culture programme, Art After Dark, via artoflondon.co.uk/artafterdark

Offers available during Art After Dark

  • Aquavit London – Enjoy a free glass of fizz when you book dinner on 29th or 30th June between 5pm and 9pm
  • Franco’s – Receive a complimentary glass of champagne when you book dinner, quoting ‘Art After Dark’
  • EllaMia London – Tuck into a focaccia sandwich with an alcoholic beverage (excl. bottles and champagne) or soft drink for only £15, available to anyone attending Art After Dark
  • Leicester Square Kitchen – 25% off beverages for groups of 10 or more. Available on the restaurant’s A La Carte menu only
  • Ochre Restaurant (The National Gallery) – Receive a complimentary glass of champagne by quoting ‘Art After Dark’ when booking dinner
  • Poster Bar (Royal Academy of Arts) – Serving complimentary pintxos with every drink purchased at the Poster Bar
  • Whitcomb’s at the Londoner – 20% off food for groups, available for 4-8 guests when dining from the À La Carte menu

Easter Beauty Essentials

The changing seasons is always a time for me to shake up my beauty routine and refresh the products I use. Here are a few essentials that will nourish your skin, revitalise your tresses and leave you feeling (and smelling) lovely!

Skincare &  Makeup

Typology Tonique Eclat and Lip Masque – I adore this set for an easy Spring skincare routine. The toner is concentrated in active ingredients vitamin C and lemon verbena water to illuminate the complexion and tone the skin. I found that it reduced pigmentation in my cheeks. When your lips are feeling weather worn and chapped put a little bit of the lip masque on to repair dry lips – ideal as a leave-on overnight treatment.

Skinceuticals Phyto Corrective Masque – This intense but versatile mask is intended to soothe sensitive skin. It can be used daily, and I found it added natural radiance to my complexion. Pair it with the Essence mist for the full effect.

Jones Road Bronzer – It’s finally time to wear bronzer again! Opt for the Jones Road powder bronzers, silky sheer powder that will add an immediate natural warmth to your skin tone.

Never Go Alone Renew Hand Cream – A hydrating, non-greasy hand cream reduces inflammation and dryness and strengthens the skin barrier to reverse signs of ageing and protect from environmental stress. I loved that this hand cream also really repaired my dry cuticles.

Officine Universelle Buly Face Cream – A multi-purpose face cream that is suitable for all skin types. I keep this cream in my handbag for an essential daily moisture boost. It is lovely and light and works well as an overnight cream too.

Cowshed Ultimate Sleep Set – Lovely as a gift to a friend (or yourself) this set has everything you need for a good night’s sleep whether you are at home or travelling – sensual candle, calming pillow mist and truly lovely bath salts. With essential oils, and ingredients like lavender and myrtle these products are sure to relax your mind and body when you most need some down time.

Haircare

R + Co Super Garden – A shampoo and conditioner set with gently cleanses, detangles + imparts moisture without disrupting the scalp’s natural balance. The Super Garden products include Hemp-Derived CBD which has regenerative benefits for your hair and scalp, and also contains coconut oil, a natural hair growth stimulant.

Philip Kingsley Hydration Edit – As the warmer weather slowly comes in I tend to colour (and lighten) my hair more… so I’m always in need of hydrating and nourishing products. This Philip Kingsley set is ideal for fine hair that has a tendency to get greasy at the roots – I found my hair felt stronger but the strands were less oily.

Perfume

Diptyque Papier – Part of the Woody family, L’Eau Papier celebrates the musk and texture of when ink meets paper. It had a comforting and gentle scent on my skin, I love it for Spring but can see myself wearing it all year.

Jo Loves White Rose and Lemon Leaves – A subtle and elegant scent that will give the skin a gentle warmth perfect for this time of the year. The Jo Loves scents tend to last really well on my skin, ensuring I smell delicious all day.

Ostens Impression Rose Oil Isparta – This floral, but genderless, scent combines jammy blackcurrant and Turkish rose. It’s a bold perfume that clevery redesigns the classic rose fragrance. I found it was particularly nice worn as an evening scent.

Roads Neon – A vivid unisex perfume which is intended as a fun and lively scent. The Roads scents represent their original explorations into world culture, people, landscape, and art. This neon edition has top notes of Bergamot and Peach and base notes of Patchouli and Vanilla.

Thameen Fanfare – Inspired by Covent Garden’s iconic Flower Market, Fanfare Cologne Elixir from Thameen embodies the beauty along with the vibrancy and character of the historic site. The fragrance has watery floral and citrus notes, blended over the rich and daring heart note of vermouth. I loved how this complex scent changed and evolved on my skin throughout the day. A very special perfume.

Acqua di Parma, Mirto di Panarea – This fragrance is inspired by Panarea, one of the smallest and oldest of the Aeolian Islands. The fragrance pays homage to the volcanic landscape and the spirit of the Mediterranean with a blend of citrus notes paired with myrtle and fresh juniper notes.

Paul Smith Sunseeker – As Spring unfolds fill your home with this bright and beautiful sunseeker scent from Paul Smith. The candle has notes of Italian bergamot, mandarin, and basil, a fruity and charming smell which you’ll never tire of.

Post includes some press samples.