Travel Daily UK: on location in Morocco
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Marrakech, the ‘Red City’ of Morocco, was established as a market town in the 11th century and has long been an alluring place to traders and travellers.
Under the North African sun, many knowing taste-makers have enjoyed this bohemian hideaway with its lively souks, wonderful food and famous hospitality. In recent years, the city has evolved into a cosmopolitan hot-spot for the global traveller and yet retains its traditional style of luxury. From the boutique riad hotels of the medina to the vast resorts just outside the city, Marrakech can accommodate the most discerning traveller.
Eden Andalou:
The Eden Andalou Aquapark & Spa faces the iconic Atlas Mountains, yet is within easy driving distance of the medina and the airport. This all-inclusive resort has something for everyone; make a splash at the aqua park, pamper yourself in the spa and enjoy local and international cuisines in the hotel’s many restaurants.
For adults, there is a wellness centre complete with Turkish baths, perfect for relaxation. For the kids, the large waterpark adjoining the hotel boasts five swimming pools, a lazy river, a beach and water slides.
The 249 suites are spread over six riads within the hotel’s beautiful gardens. After a day of relaxation and fun you can head to the jazz bar, which is a wonderful atmosphere to enjoy an evening in. When it comes to exploring the local area, the hotel has you covered as they provide free transportation to Djemma el Fena, the central square of Marrakesh.
Royal Palm Marrakech:
The Royal Palm, from Beachcomber Hotels, set in a beautiful olive plantation at the foot of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, offers a retreat from the bustle of the city. Just 20 minutes away from Marrakech, this luxury hotel is a quiet oasis, perfect for relaxation and sun-worship.
The natural splendour of the landscape is hard to beat but the subtle combination of simplicity and grandeur that can be found inside the hotel perfectly frames it. The architect, Jean-François Adam, teaming up with Royal Palm’s interior design team, has successfully met the challenge of offering stunning views of dramatic landscapes while preserving the centuries-old nature and culture.
There are 135 suites and villas in total, which come in all shapes and sizes so there is one to suit the needs of any guests, whether travelling as a family, couple or group. A unique and very successful feature of the hotel is that all the suites and villas open onto the golf course or gardens so it feels like a little village rather than an imposing hotel block.
Alongside all the usual modern amenities, such as air-conditioning and Wi-Fi access, many will be most excited to hear that there is a complimentary mini-bar. While all the rooms are exquisite, there is one that stands above the rest. The presidential suite boasts two en-suite king rooms on either side of an elegant sitting room, a central fireplace and a wonderful terrace that unfolds at the feet of the mountains.
If all that is not enough to convince you then maybe The Royal Palm’s endorsement from the renowned Leading Hotels of World will.
Mövenpick Hotel Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech:
The upscale Mövenpick Hotel Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech is situated in the prestigious Hivernage district in Marrakech’s city centre, close to historic landmarks and modern facilities. Despite its central location, the hotel has been designed to be a refuge from the buzzing, city life occurring just outside its walls. The design of the hotel is a contemporary take on traditional architecture and design; it is unique and elegant but also comfortable to the modern traveller.
You won’t believe you are just minutes away from the medina when you wake up to the view of the oasis gardens and pools. Every room has its own balcony from which visitors may enjoy the magnificent grounds, knowing they are a stone’s throw from the ancient treasures and monuments of the Red City.
The hotel boasts six restaurants and bars, which between them offer a huge array of international, Mediterranean and Moroccan food, to be enjoyed either in the lively interior or alfresco on an outdoor terrace.
La Mamounia:
La Mamounia is set in royal gardens within the 12th century ramparts surrounding the medina. Having opened as a hotel in 1923 it offers a subtle blend of Arabic-Andalusian architecture and art deco style. The hotel went through a three-year renovation which saw the property and its grounds returned to their former glory; the city’s finest craftsmen were called upon and, thanks to them, the palace is once again a vibrant celebration of Marrakech’s past, present and future.
La Mamounia takes the phrase ‘a room with a view’ very literally as visitors may book their rooms according to their preferred vista: the gardens, the Atlas Mountains or the Koutoubia Mosque. Deluxe rooms have a private terrace while the suites or the riad come with additional treats, such as fresh flowers, fruit, pastries, Moroccan wine and champagne. Anyone staying here will be in great company as the hotel has proudly hosted many famous figures from Winston Churchill to Paul McCartney.
The Savoy:
The Savoy is a luxurious addition to the chic Hivernage district of the city. The hotel is ideally located for exploring the Medina and doing some sightseeing around the old city. Guests can then return to this quiet and bourgeois area with broad, tree-lined avenues, which comes alive at night. The hotel was built on a grand scale yet adheres to the intricate patterns and colourful design that Morocco has become so famous for.
The Savoy’s 223 rooms have been tailored to guarantee the comfort of guests, as they have been fitted with all the best quality materials. There are two very impressive outdoor pools, three signature restaurants offering international, Italian or Moroccan cuisine, and five bars where visitors can relax over a refreshing cocktail in the sun or enjoy a nightcap after a day of culture and comfort.
Riad Kniza:
Steeped in history, this charming, luxury hotel dates from the 18th century. Located in the heart of the old medina it was completely restored using traditional materials and craftsmen to create an authentic Moroccan experience. Guests could be in no better location for delving into the wonders of Marrakech.
The Riad is only a few minutes’ walk from the famous Jema l’Fna square, the dynamic souks, the ancient monuments and cultural treasures of the city. This elegant Moorish property has eleven rooms and suites and the wonderfully intimate feel of the hotel’s size is emphasised by attentive yet discreet staff who ensure the high quality experience of a stay here. The authentic nature of the hotel can also found in its restaurant, which boasts some of the best examples of Moroccan cuisine in the city.
SO Night Lounge:
With so much to offer tourists by day, it should come as no surprise that Marrakech is also hot-spot for nightlife. Located in the Sofitel’s gardens is So Night Lounge, which is made up of four different zones so there really is something for everyone. SO Zen is perfect for a quiet drink, SO Good offers delicious and innovative Franco-Moroccan cuisine as well as daily, live entertainment, SO Nice is a designated alcohol-free area and SO Fun is the place to be to enjoy live music and DJs with a cocktail in hand.
Video Testimonials, click on the links to watch them in full:
- Richard: ‘Where else can you go where you can experience the city, the desert, the mountains and the coast all within about a two hour drive…My eyes have been opened to the broad market that it would appeal to; families on a budget to couples that want to spoil themselves. Some of the luxury properties we’ve seen here and the spa facilities and the fine dining options really surprised me.’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Q6pGaQC7w8
- Louise: ‘I’ve had a fantastic time! What a wonderful destination, three hours from home you can get on a flight and be here with such a varied experience…Whatever you’re looking for Marrakesh has got it.’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PG4AbV5zcFI
- Kaled: ‘Three days is not nearly enough…The people here are so friendly and if I had to say what my favourite experience was I would have to say it was the trip to the mountains, when we did the bridging and zip-lining and they gave us a really lovely meal…I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in Marrakesh, I recommend it to everyone.’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F29hV_8YvI4
- June: ‘I cannot believe how much we have crammed in to three days, it feels like we’ve been her a week…The Moroccan people are lovely, very hospitable, really friendly, and I definitely will be back.’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Y8v_if4bFY
- Samir: ‘This trip has been absolutely fantastic. The trip has been invaluable for me, it wasn’t really somewhere that was kind of my list that I really pushed but it has really changed my mind and opened my eyes to what Marrakesh has to offer; from the hustle and bustle of the souks to luxury hotels and really trendy bars and nightclubs, which was a real surprise to me… It really is a city that has everything. I would probably say the highlight of my trip was last night when we went to a really cool, trendy club with live music; absolutely amazing.’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nHPATi4bNc
- Simone Howell, Deburn Travel: ‘I’ve been in travel about 24 years and what an experience! It’s been amazing. I’ve never been to Morocco before but I am certainly going to return… The souks were an experience and very busy but everyone was so friendly and we felt so safe… Come to Marrakesh!’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04jRziI83Z8
- Savannah, Thomson: ‘Marrakesh is really different. It’s definitely something I can recommend to my customers now…It’s a city for everyone.’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TOR79YxJ4c
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