Marrakech

The red city

In the heart of Morocco, Marrakech, « the pearl of the north » nestled in a natural setting formed by the Atlantic coast, the Atlas Mountains and the Western Sahara, is an enchanting and sensual city. Its medina, the nerve center and historical area of the city, surrounded by original ramparts, require a visit of at least a few days to immerse oneself in the culture of the local inhabitants, to explore its streets, to taste its gastronomic specialties and to learn how to bargain in the numerous souks. The sumptuous riads, just a few steps from the legendary Place Jemaa-El-Fna and the city’s most important monuments, offer accommodations in an authentic and luxurious décor, with a welcome worthy of Morocco’s reputation for hospitality.

Beyond the ramparts, the modern quarters of Guéliz and Hivernage also possess numerous luxury palace hotels. After admiring the beauty and the dynamism of this city with, it seems, an abundance of cats, it’s absolutely necessary to relax in one of the upscale complexes of the Palmeraie, an oasis of peace with a superb view of the Atlas.

The effervescence of an authentic medina

The Place Jemaa-El-Fna in the heart of the medina is a conglomeration of all the curiosities, charm and especially the atmosphere for which people come to Marrakech. These include snake charmers, henna tattoo artists, dancers, story tellers, marabouts and fire eaters. Just a few steps away, on one of the medina’s oldest streets, there’s a secret site: the Riad Lotus Ambre. This original riad with its refined décor, guarantees visitors of a warm and intimate atmosphere with its four rooms and one suite in the heart of the animated souks. On the way to another haven of peace with refreshing and refined patios, the Villa des Orangers, don’t forget to visit the Koutoubia mosque. Adjacent to the Royal Palace of Marrakech and the ramparts of the medina, the Mamounia, another legendary palace, destined for mere mortals like us, offers a vacation worthy of a king. Equally regal is the Royal Mansour, renowned for its oriental elegance and refinement, which employs all the talents of craftsmen practicing ancestral techniques throughout Morocco.

Beyond the walls

Le Guéliz, or the new city, beyond the ramparts of the medina, is the business district and the neighborhood for western style shopping. Daily life here is less traditional than it is inside the walls. It’s nevertheless very pleasant to stroll along the streets at night, and ultra design hotels like the Renaissance Marrakech or the BAB Hotel Marrakech flourish here in the effervescence of this dynamic and contemporary part of the city. Not far from there, the Majorelle garden with its vivid colors and exotic vegetation is ideal for a romantic stroll. The chic and residential Hivernage quarter is a haven of greenery and a good compromise for visitors who want something between the frenetic ambiance of the medina and the tranquillity of the Palmeraie. Between the Oliveraie and gardens of the Menara, palace hotels like the Es Saadi Gardens & Resorts, the Hotel Dar Rhizlane and the Four Seasons Hotel Marrakech rival each other in luxury and splendor in order to welcome visitors in search of exoticism and the relaxing benefits of oriental spas.

An ode to life in the heart of the desert

The Palmeraie of Marrakech, created in the 12th century by the Almoravides Berbere dynasty, stretches over fifteen thousand hectares, just a few kilometers from the city. By establishing the Palmeraie and letting it flourish through the ages, the Moroccan population celebrates fertility and life, in addition to controlling the surrounding desert environment. This oasis of shade and serenity possesses a number of enchanting palace hotels worthy of a thousand and one nights. The pure and luxurious harims of the Ksar Char-Bagh offer guests the traditional setting of a Moorish palace, where lovers of cigars can delight in the boutique hotel’s well stocked cellar. For a blend of the authentic and the contemporary, try the Murano Hotels & Resorts. Greatly inspired by oriental architecture and feng shui concepts, the Palais Namaskar offers its guests private gardens and swimming pools designed to provide a total intimacy in a dream like setting.  Luxury hotels like the Jnane Tamsna propose a variety of sports activities including tennis, golf, bicycling and riding on the back of a camel, not to mention wellness activities like yoga, reflexology and spa treatments. A few steps away from the traditional Moroccan palaces, the Dar Sabra imposes its original Mexican inspired architecture. The hotel exhibits a number of art works in a thoroughly modern setting.