Tag Archives: La Mamounia

Best of Marrakech

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My recent trip to Morocco was an experience of polar opposites, dust and diamonds. I was visiting the choatic and leather stinking medina of Marrakech but staying in the most luxurious accommodation I have ever seen. Arriving early on Wednesday morning we had five full days to fit in an itinerary of activities, exploring and relaxation.

Best shopping: venture into the souks and head to the Bloom boutique for brightly coloured handcrafted gifts, clothes and souvenirs. We picked up some especially pretty postcards to send home.

Best cafe for lunch: Cafe des Epices is a favourite with foreigners. Try the simple lamb kefta wrap with salad and a fresh orange juice. If you decide to sit in the sun on the balcony Epices provide straw hats to cool you down and you can watch the souk sellers hustling with the crowds down below.

Best out-of-city adventure: Camel ride in the desert, at Kasbah Le Mirage Marrakech. After wrapping up in our dashing blue robes we mounted a herd of affectionate camels. I thought it would be a short token ten minute walk around, in fact we trekked through the scorching desert for nearly two hours. Not for the faint-hearted, but seriously good fun.
http://www.kasbahlemirage.com/en/excursions_loisirs.html

Best for history: Many historic tourist attractions are long and tiring to see in their entirety. The Saadian Tombs is a manageable and atmospheric site which were sealed up for centuries until their rediscovery in 1917. The tombs show intricate carving and beautiful tiling and blooming orange trees soak up the rays in the courtyard.

Best romantic retreat: La Sultana is a lovers’ lair. The poolside dinners are special and intimate, with a musician strumming in the arches and a menu of Moroccan delicacies to choose from. On a clear night you can see the stars from your seat.

Best authentic spa: Hammam de la Rose is a modest and charming spa in the centre of town. You must try the authentic Moroccan Hammam and massage for a revitalising cleanse and relaxing reboot.

Best magical Moroccan accommodation: La Mamounia has a long and legendary history with celebrity guests ranging from Winston Churchill to Elton John. If you are visiting Marrakech it is the place to stay. Beautiful five star luxury moments away from the medina with traditional decor and fantastic facilities.

Best hidden paradise: Royal Mansour is a palace where no luxury is overlooked. With a network of underground tunnels the personal butler service is amazing and no detail is forgotten. Expect the unbelievable and imagine the unimaginable, this hotel is one you will remember for the rest of your life.

Experience the subtle and the sublime in Marrakech. There aren’t many places four hours from home where you can experience rich heritage and history and indulge in such extravagance.

La Mamounia, Marrakech

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Everyone has heard of La Mamounia, its long established reputation impresses even the most jaded of journalists.

As the other Easyjet passengers lugged their bags up to passport control we were quietly ushered into a VIP waiting lounge whilst our landing cards and passports were checked for us. Instead of fighting in line, we sat in a blissfully air conditioned room cooling down with traditional Moroccan refreshments. La Mamounia ensures their guests feel well looked after from the moment you walk off the plane… and this preferential treatment was just the beginning.

A short pleasant taxi drive later and we were entering the crumbling walls of Marrakech old town and turning into a prestigious entrance. The first thing I noticed… everything inside the Mamounia territory appears brighter and more vibrant and special… you feel like you are entering a grand museum not a hotel. Men in elegant white outfits welcomed us into a lavish reception hall inundated with staff. They watch your every step as you walk up the central staircase… I felt bad I wasn’t someone more exciting to stare at… the list of celebrities that have graced this hotel with their presence is endless.

This year La Mamounia celebrates its 90 year anniversary and with the property’s recent full renovation, there has never been a better time to visit. Redesigned by the internationally acclaimed Jacques Garcia, this new improved palace has won too many awards to count. Garcia describes it as “reminiscent of a far away time and place, La Mamounia evokes a modern day fairytale.”

After admiring the beautiful grand hall we were taken up to our room by a friendly member of staff. He smiled as we excitedly examined every detail of our spectacular room. The rooms, though similar in style and mood, have their own character… the accommodation is split into four main categories: rooms, suites, signature suites and riads. We were staying in a lovely executive suite overlooking the perfect park of La Mamounia.

Our room was rich and decadent, dressed in fabulously heavy velvety materials with cream walls and deep red furniture. The light streamed in from the large balcony and gave the room a warm glow and yet the thick walls and precious materials are ideal for cooling it in the summer months. Fresh white roses added fragrance and life to the room and an array of wonderful Moroccan pastries and champagne provided the perfect afternoon treat. Traditional craftsmanship can be seen in every detail: the intricately carved plaster, the repetitively patterned tiles and highly decorative handmade metal tables. It is disconcerting when a hotel ignores its country’s heritage, it can disorientate me and waking up in the morning I can suddenly forget I’m even away from London… La Mamounia ensure this doesn’t happen with Moroccan culture and creativity visible in every aspect of the hotel.

Our bed and bathroom were made for relaxing… the very highest quality with every special touch you could desire. Each bathroom includes a stand alone bathtub, marble surfaces, a walk in rain shower, separate toilet and two sinks. It felt like a miniature spa, especially with the custom made Mamounia toiletries.

In the daytime there is plenty to entertain you in this haven. First you must explore the well kept, lush gardens, working up an appetite for the ice-cream and macaroon parlour. For those who crave sunshine, a stint by the Mamounia pool should tan you sufficiently, order a fresh pineapple juice from one of the attentive waiters to stay hydrated in the heat. The giant spa offers every imaginable treatment in a stunning setting, and for those in need, a hairdresser is also on site. The tennis courts are lovely if you can stand the soaring temperatures and professional coaches are on hand to give lessons.

When it is time to eat there are several options to choose from: for fine traditional Moroccan cuisine you must try Le Marocain – delicious pigeon pastillas, chicken with olives, preserved lemon tagine and succulent meat grill. I can also highly recommend the celebratory 90 year anniversary Icone red wine which enhances many of the menu choices. Those guests who are tired of tagine can choose to dine at the equally distinguished L’Italien or Le Francais showcasing the best of Italian and French cooking. After dinner pop into the Winston Churchill bar (as a homage to this famous regular visitor, the room was left in its original wacky style) for a cocktail and a touch of live jazz.

During the day more casual eateries provide lighter dishes and refreshing drinks, though after the buffet breakfast bonanza you shouldn’t need much more sustenance. Everything you could ever desire for your morning meal is here. I couldn’t resist the classic croissants and orange juice, though if I’d been more adventurous I definitely would have opted for a customised homemade omelette or an extravagant pile of waffles.

Those revisiting their favourite Moroccan hotel will never have expected such a spectacular reincarnation… those arriving for the first time will fall in love with the undeniable magic of the Mamounia masterpiece.

More information and book here.

www.mamounia.com/uk

Many thanks to Visit Morocco and Travellink Morocco.