Having spent a morning wandering around the maze of Marrakech, we eventually found the unassuming exterior of Maison MK and entered through a large wooden door into the calming reception area. Greeted by Emily, Maison MK’s British manager, who was equipped with the customary Moroccan mint tea, we were given an informative tour around the cosy six bed riad, restaurant and spa.
Owned by two British photographers, Maison MK opened in 2008 and has since built a reputation as one of Marrakech’s most coveted luxury boutique hotels. The decor is trendy yet fun, with an orange colour scheme providing the backdrop for unique photography and various quirks including rubber ducks in the swimming pool and a Papier-mâché camel head in the smoking room (think Camel cigarettes). Desperate to visit the riad and try the renowned cuisine, they kindly managed to squeeze us in last-minute for a thirty minute back massage and traditional English afternoon tea.
Our masseuse was a smiley young Moroccan woman who introduced herself warmly, although unfortunately her name now escapes me. She welcomed us to the spa through a striking glass door which featured Arabic calligraphy citing the names of each person who contributed towards the renovation of the riad. The treatment room was a peaceful haven lit by twinkling floor candles, scented with Maison MK’s signature orange flower and cinnamon fragrance, and decorated with dried rose petals. Using Morocco’s prized Argan oil, my back and shoulders were gently relieved of any tension which had been racked up from a morning spent wandering the chaotic souks, and gave me a chance to completely switch off and relax. Other treatments at the spa included a traditional Moroccan Hammam, a variety of massages, plus manicures and pedicures.
Post-massage, Milly and I spent time on the stylish roof terrace basking in the sunshine on comfy grey sun loungers, accompanied by relaxing music and some friendly local cats. Afternoon tea was served on an upper dining terrace and bar, with spectacular views of the city and the rolling Atlas Mountains. We were offered a choice of Forte teas – I opted for ginger and lemongrass, Milly had Earl Grey – before being presented with three tiers of cakes, pastries and sandwiches. The no-crust sandwiches featured fillings of cucumber, egg, beef, and a standout cream cheese and chive. Crunchy chocolate and orange macaroons and a superbly moist ginger cake filled the middle tier, whilst the best was left to last on the final tier; a delicious tarte au citron, featuring beautifully buttery pastry and a sweet lemony filling. The apple and cinnamon scones were a wonderful consistency, but the accompanying cream wasn’t quite up to our Cornish clotted standards, however, we imagined it’d be rather difficult to source it in Africa! A Moroccan twist on the traditional English fare was the addition of a super sweet honey covered almond pastry which set our teeth tingling, but I especially enjoyed.
Maison MK’s afternoon tea brings a little bit of London to Marrakech, whilst the spa offers the perfect opportunity to take a quiet moment away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Both offer an alternative (or addition) to staying at the riad and dining there in the evening, although we hope to visit again to indulge in anything else we might have missed out on!
Visit the Maison MK website here for more information.
Written by a Thoroughly Modern Miss, Holly Hunter.