Le Palais Namaskar

Marrakech

Marrakech, an enchanting imperial cityat the summit of the snow capped Atlas Mountains, never leaves its visitors indifferent. Often called the “Pearl of the South”, the cityisconstantly changing and has successfully combined modern life with a respect for history. It’s very tempting to lose oneself in the colorful souks, strolling through the narrow, winding streets and passing stall after stall and at the same time taking in the exotic aromas of the quarter.

The Medina, Marrakech’s historic quarter, is surrounded by a thousand year old wall that visitors are welcome to climb. You cannot be in Marrakech without paying a visit to the imposing Jemaa el-Fna Plaza, with peddlers selling their wares, snake charmers and artists of all types creating an exciting and pleasant hyperactivity.

If however, you’re looking for a feeling of calm and fresh air, the Majorelle gardens or the Menara are veritable oases of peace and quiet. Marrakech, a veritable jewel surrounded by the High Atlas, is truly the “Pearl of North Africa.”

An Arab-Andalusian palace

Located on the summits of the Atlas and the hills of Marrakech, the Namaskar Palace is a veritable heaven on Earth, in the heart of a magnificent five hectares garden with waterfalls and Arab-Andalusian architecture. On the horizon, herds of sheep and camels add to the unreal atmosphere of the site. Selected essences, orange groves, bougainvilleas, bamboo, palms and centuries old olive trees are present to delight the eyes and the nose of visitors.

Situated between the white of the snow capped Atlas and this ocean of greenery, architect Imaad Rahmounia created a group of personalized villas in whitish beige, white and sepia colors. Three extraordinary palaces complete this idyllic setting. The key word representing what the creators of the project were seeking is “harmony”.

The architectural blend is daring with arabesques, huge linear fireplaces, Persian arches and Andalusian columns, as well as large stained glass designer bay windows. The volumes enable the light to enter everywhere. The bamboo in the courtyard adds an Asian touch to this enchanting space. Water is another important element, as it is in all Arab-Andalusian gardens. The rooms, suites, villas and palaces therefore are surrounded by swimming pools and enchanting basins. The furniture is contemporary with pure lines.

Overlooking the perfumed gardens, and the peaceful waters of the main swimming pool, chef Antoine Perray, a young disciple of Alain Ducasse, welcomes guests to the Namaskar, where he proposes a menu using seasonal products to create refined French and Moroccan inspired dishes. And for more intimacy, romantic candlelight dinners can be ordered on the banks of the lake or on the terrace of your private villa.

This chic and relaxed hotel also organizes garden parties on the weekends in the idyllic setting of the perfumed Namaskar Palace gardens, where smoked salmon, fresh oysters, prawns, Moroccan hors d’oeuvres and kebabs are served at poolside with its relaxing deck chairs and hammocks.

The hotel services have a green theme to them, a color reputed for its peaceful, refreshing and energizing virtues. These include floral decorations, “garden parties”, original menus and varied cocktails, open air video screenings, yoga classes in the garden and oil based spa treatments with verbena mint.