STAYCATION: LA MAMOUNIA, MARRAKECH
Set on a former royal estate dating from the 12th century, La Mamounia Marrakech elevates Moroccan style to radiant, royalty-worthy heights.
The lavish hotel is 14 minutes on foot from the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa market square. It's a 6-minute walk from the landmark Koutoubia Mosque and 6 km from Marrakech Menara Airport, making it a very convenient place to stay in.
Upon arrival we were greeted by a member of staff and offered a fresh almond rose drink with some moroccan dates as we waited to be checked in. The interior of the hotel was absolutely breathtaking and it also had a very pleasant aromatic smell that could make anyone feel very relaxed.
La Mamounia has a total of 209, including 71 suites and three standalone riads. We stayed in an executive suite which was approximately 667 to 829 ft sq. It featured
1 bedroom and 1 lounge, 2 adjoining balconies, 1 guest bathroom, 1 bathroom with bath and shower, complimentary toiletries and sweets, turn-down service, air-conditioning, a safe, free wi-Fi, televisions with international channels, and a spacious lounge with amazing views over the hotel's luxurious gardens, the majestic Atlas Mountains and the grand Koutoubia Mosque!
There are 4 restaurants of 4 different styles situated in the hotel: Le Français (french), Le Marocain (moroccan), L’Italien (italian), and the Pool Pavilion (international). A Blend of Flavours & the Moroccan Art of Hospitality.
The hotel also has a pool which is Sst amid the gardens and flanked by palm trees. The vast (650sq m) and glittering pool is decorated with fish-scale tiles. Breakfast is served here in the morning and by night, lanterns make it a lovely spot for clinking champagne flutes. Alternatively, guests can head to the photogenic indoor spa pool; gilded columns and grand ogee arches surround the elaborately tiled looker, and there's a swim-up day-bed for posing on.
The Spa at La Mamounia is also worth checking out. The Zellige-tiled, Majorelle blue-splashed and tadelakt spa is a cavernous space offering each and every treatment you could wish for. There are his and hers hammams, and a private one for couples to book exclusively, saunas, beauty salons, both a barbers and hairdressers… All of your primping, preening and pampering needs are met, and there's a petite spa within the spa (with its own hammam, treatment rooms and plunge pool) if you don't want any other guests cramping your style. If you want your massage alfresco, no problem, there are beds under open pavilions which can be curtained off for privacy. Marinade in moisturising rhassoul mud, be slathered in soothing argan oil or be scrubbed with sugar and seeds. To come and go as you please, acquire a day pass for MAD500.
This was one of the most luxurious hotels I have stayed in and a definite recommendation to anyone visiting Marrakech.
