About
20 minutes from the airport, this 6-star is an oasis of calm just outside the hustle and bustle of Marrakech. For a bit of winter sun – it was in the high 20s with no wind when we were there in mid-November – this is as good as it gets, and just over 3 hours direct from LDN on BA.
The Hotel
From the moment we were picked up at the airport, our bags were whisked away – along with our every care. Check-in happened in the room and although the hotel is obviously generously staffed, you never feel smothered. This is stealth service of the highest degree, with not a hint of stuffiness.
The Vibe
Part desert hideaway (palms, terracottas), part uber luxe private residence, this, as expected, is a very chic affair. Lighting was warm and low lit, materials were handpicked and plush, and the grounds were meticulous. Golf carts buzzed about and roses and olive trees swayed in the wind.
The Room
Every material whispers understated luxury here. The crispest sheets, heavy doors, washrooms with rain showers, standalone baths, double sinks, large dressing areas and toiletries with designer musk scents. Terraces have a table for dining and a daybed for relaxing, and there’s also the usual XXL control panel for lights, maid service and AC. Travelling with a family? Try the private villas.
The Restaurants and Bars
UJ loved Le Caravane. With breakfast tables on the terrace and semi-private rooms for groups and romantic duos for evening dining, the restaurant truly understands that people want privacy – but not to be completely alone. There was an additional Moroccan restaurant upstairs, a relaxed restaurant by the pool for a Sunday lunch (try the grilled lobster and prawns, and the Moroccan rosé is good, too) and a cosy bar – fireplaces, large sunken circular bar and baby grand piano with pianist – by the main lobby.
Other Things to Do
Golf, tennis, spa, swim, workout… you won’t be stuck for things to do here. The golf, at approximately £35, is more than reasonable, there’s a separate relaxed pool by the gym, and personal trainers available on request (boxing, pilates, yoga, cross training) – or try a treatment.
Highlights
Space. If there’s one thing that’s a sign of true luxury for us city dwellers it’s space, and here they have it in droves. Rooms the size of flats. Grounds that rolled on for days. A year-round heated pool that weaved under bridges and flowed over multiple levels. Breakfast, lunch or dinner – by the pool, at the bar – you’d never be short of a seat here. UJ loved the elegant soft lighting throughout and mixture of fabrics (the sultry red velvets and 70s palm tree wallpaper were our faves). The hotel’s driver made life hassle free too and there’s even a heli-pad, should you need to land your chopper.
Anything Else?
Want to have a night on the tiles? Pacha may be closed for a refurb, but the DJ at Le Comptoir is worth a visit. People say Jad Mahal is good, but its club Silver was empty when we were there, and the main restaurant had an ABBA cover band on… Also, a word of warning: everywhere seems to love fancy dressed performers on stilts. When in Rome?
