When building Royal Mansour Marrakech, The Owner wanted it to emulate the radiant Moroccan lifestyle and be a testimony to Moroccan architecture and craftsmanship. This is evident throughout the property. His wish was to offer guests unparalleled experiences of wonder and emotion, leaving an indelible imprint in their memories.
A genuine Moroccan Design
The meticulous design authentically replicates the classic forms of the traditional medina, with buildings, squares and gardens interspersed with intricate winding paths covering 3.5 hectares, completely surrounded by its own 5-metre wall, one side being the existing ancient city wall.
The grand entrance gate mirrors all the renowned gates to Morocco’s imperial cities and is a just illustration of the skill of the local artisans and the materials and techniques used, such as traditional cedar wood, Cisele metal and sculptured plasterwork. As with the famous Bab Fes Khemis in the city, Royal Mansour’s great gate evokes a promise of happiness, fortune and prosperity.
Upon entering the great gate guests will discover the enchanting courtyard – an oasis of peace and calm. Vividly coloured and sweet scented flora and a multitude of trees and plants are laid out in geometric designs around a beautiful fountain in the centre. The perfect symmetry is reminiscent of the gardens of the Alhambra Palace in Granada and provides guests with an exquisite retreat where they can read quietly or simply lose themselves in the wonder of the environment.
Two stunning restaurants and the magnificent main reception building with its fabulous lobby, bar, lounges and library entice guests forward. Modelled on the traditional Moorish architecture of North Africa, Spain and Portugal, layouts are symmetrical and classical in form. Interiors feature a breath-taking combination of local craftsmanship: shiny smooth ‘tadelakt’ lime plaster, ‘zellige’ ornamental ceramic tile-work, geometrically carved woods and moulded plasterwork.
Guests are escorted through the main reception to Royal Mansour’s inner medina; an area of exclusivity and privacy inaccessible to non residents. Precious and mysterious, it is revealed only to its privileged guests who are guided through the labyrinthine marble paved paths and courtyards, surrounded by olive groves and age- old palms to their own private accommodation in the form of a traditional riad.
The Riads
There are 53 individually designed riads, each over three floors and comprising one to four bedrooms. The rooms are arranged around a central open-air courtyard with all ground floors featuring a living room, bar, lobby and an outdoor patio. The larger riads also have galleries and dining rooms. The exquisitely proportioned riads feature private roof terraces with plunge pools, open fires and some have private hammams and Bedouin tented areas.
Each riad is distinctive in character and individually decorated with intricate hand-crafted techniques and finished with the finest fabrics, antiques and custom-made furniture of the highest specification. An exciting fusion of tradition and modernity, the riads are complete with state of the art technology, including roofs with sensors to automatically close at a drop of rain. Touch panel control through the rooms further enhances the guest experience of the utmost comfort and convenience.
The Spa
The Royal Mansour Spa is a true paradise which promises to stimulate the senses, encourage relaxation and offer a unique spa experience. On arrival guests will begin their spiritual spa journey, leaving behind the bustle of the city and any daily worries as they enter into a world of tranquillity and peace. Heat gives way to a comfortable coolness within this vast area, the purity of white punctuated by the colourful flora and the serenity interrupted only by the tuneful bird song.
At the heart of the building is an impressive white wrought iron atrium, evoking an elaborate birds’ cage. It is in the cool alcoves of this magnificent structure where spa guests receive their initial consultation with one of the spa experts. This enables The Royal Mansour Spa to create a personalised programme designed to meet the guests’ individual needs and to help achieve their health goals.
The spa is based on traditional Moroccan rituals with the hammams being the pièces de resistances, but also offers the latest in contemporary spa technology and treatments. The spa uses leading beauty brands ‘Maroc Maroc’, ‘Dr Hauschka’ and ‘Sisley’ for facials and body treatments with ‘Chanel’ facials and make up also available. ‘Leonor Greyl’ products are used in the hairdressing salon.
Spanning three floors, the first floor, flooded with natural light is where massages, facials, water and enveloping treatments are administered. For additional privacy, there are spa suites where private treatments and exercise take place. The ground floor features two Hammams, a hairdressing salon with its private manicure and pedicure suites, Watsu bath area, ‘Art of Living’ working, boutique shop and relaxation area.
Le salon de thé provides a haven where guests can savour a quiet moment to read and enjoy the selection of healthy dishes, herbal teas and fruit juices. An impressive indoor swimming pool in its own orangery-style glazed pavilion completes the ground floor, whilst the lower floor is an area dedicated to an impressive range of state-of-the-art fitness equipment.
The Restaurants & Bars
The cuisine of Marrakech is one of the most diverse in the world. In keeping with the exemplary standards throughout Royal Mansour, a tantalising array of restaurants and bars is on offer. Under the supervision of Yannick Alléno, the famous Michelin three-star Parisian chef, there are two gastronomic restaurants: La Grande Table Marocaine offering the very best traditional Moroccan cuisine with an innovative contemporary twist; and La Grande Table Francaise, showcasing the finest in French gourmet cuisine. The lobby area houses La Table, a beautiful loggia and al fresco restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, and a number of private dining room and lounge options. Guests may also dine in the privacy of their riads, either in the cool interior or on the roof terrace.
An impressive selection of uniquely decorated and atmospheric bars and lounges cater to all tastes and occasions. Le salon de thé, located within the Spa is open throughout the day offering a healthy and tranquil light meal or drink. Within the lobby building itself you have the choice of: Le Bar, a stunning pink gold leaf adorned cocktail bar and lounge; Le Piano Bar, a sleek sophisticated lounge offering relaxed live piano music, overlooking the Andalusian gardens; and Le Bar a Cigaré, offering an extensive selection of vintage spirits and famous cigars and the perfect relaxation lounge.
The Royal Mansour Marrakech is a true paradise which promises to stimulate the senses and offer unparalleled experiences of wonder and emotion, leaving an indelible imprint in their memories.
By Kristina Mitrovic
More info & Online booking
By Kristina Mitrovic
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