I have written before about one of my previous visits, staying at the gorgeous Riad Meriem, however on this occasion I was lucky enough to stay at the pinnacle of Moroccan luxury, a place I have visited as a tourist and longed to stay since my very first trip, the legendary La Mamounia.
Winston Churchill called it ‘The loveliest place on earth’ and from the moment you are swept through the grand entrance and greeted by the elegantly gowned hosts you have little option but to agree.
After pulling up in the hotel’s sleek Jaguar and receiving the aforementioned welcome, we were treated to a glass of traditional almond milk with a hint of orange blossom and a selection of fresh dates as part of the relaxed check in.
Formalities over, we were given a personal tour of the hotel grounds and arrived at our room, where, as if by magic, our suitcases were ready and waiting.
The hotel’s original and elaborate detailing is perfectly showcased in the room, with the colourful tiling, carved wood panels and ornate plasterwork all helping to create a little Moroccan retreat filled with an abundance of luxuries.
In true Moroccan style, the interiors are dimly lit, however throw open the doors to the balcony, which overlook the lush gardens, and the rooms are flooded with beautiful sunlight. One of my favorite features was the walk in wardrobe, which proved very helpful with my tendency to over pack!
The bathroom was a cavern of white marble and featured a giant roll top bath, rainfall shower and a selection of gorgeous bespoke toiletries, which were more than welcome after a busy day exploring the bustling souks.
After a welcome glass of champagne in the last of the afternoon sun, it was time to get ready for dinner at L’Italien; one of three restaurants within the hotel.
L’Italien focuses on the cuisine of South Italy and utilises seasonal produce, much of which is grown on site. After making our way across the lantern lit patio to our table, we were quickly presented with a basket full of fresh Italian bread and olive oil.
Wanting to try something authentic, I opted for the Spaghetti Pomodoro which was perfectly cooked and extremely flavoursome.
As a naughty antidote to this, I followed it up with a rich chocolate fondant, complete with center of molten chocolate sauce that oozed out with the first spoonful – it was absolutely delicious!
A pot of fresh mint tea and homemade pastries enjoyed by candlelight later, and it was time to retire to my sumptuous haven for the night.
Sinking back into the vast pillow filled bed, I don’t think I had ever felt so relaxed (or comfortable), and my only worry was working out how to switch the lights off using the hi-tech console.
The blackout shutters and restful surroundings meant that my morning started a little later than planned, but my day was made when I realised that I hadn’t missed breakfast!
Breakfast is served buffet style under parasols at the picture perfect poolside pavilion. An abundance of fresh fruits, meats, cheeses and pastries are on offer, as well as dishes cooked to order by the resident chefs.
With steaming hot coffee served by panama clad waiters and an idyllic view of the pool lined with pristine white sunbeds, breakfast is nothing short of heavenly.
The entire hotel is spectacular, however pay a visit to the spa, and the surroundings become even more breath taking. The indoor pool in particular is a temple of crystal water and shimmering gold adornment, with a perfectly placed day bed marking the ideal spot for an afternoon snooze.
The medina is a short walk from the hotel gates, and a must visit on a trip to Marrakech; the atmosphere and sights and sounds you will experience are completely mesmerising and the shift in ambiance from day to evening is extraordinary.
Being greeted by name by the splendidly outfitted doormen was a welcome return to the palatial surroundings of La Mamounia and firmly signalled our step back into tranquillity; a total contrast to the scenes outside the gates.
A lunch of club sandwiches and freshly squeezed juice was enjoyed on the buzzing Italian terrace whilst soaking up the November sun.
In the name of walking off some of our lunch and exploring more of the regal grounds, we took a stroll through the beautiful citrus-scented gardens which seem almost endless.
The environment is completely serene, bar the calls to prayer, which become your means of telling the time when all sense of schedule escapes you, as is common here.
Turtles bask in the glorious warmth by the lily ponds and guests can be seen doing the same at one of the many secluded ‘lounges’ around the grounds.
A quaint ice-cream parlour & patisserie can be found at the center of the gardens where a selection of handmade desserts are served amongst the lemon trees; a great spot to escape to when a sugar hit is needed.
Like the medina, the atmosphere of the hotel completely transforms at dusk, when hundreds of lanterns are lit and the ambience becomes even more seductive.
With its sumptuous deep red interior and nightly live music, The Bar Italien was my favorite place to grab an early evening cocktail and watch a flurry of glamorously attired guests make their way to dinner.
Another trip highlight was dinner at the hotel’s Moroccan restaurant…….
Situated in a riad within the gardens, Le Marocain mixes traditional and modern Moroccan cuisine, and is the more relaxed of the restaurants at the hotel. Tables are set back in private alcoves and the restaurant itself is an opulent example of Moroccan interior decoration, with beautiful tiling floor to ceiling and ornate archways dividing diners.
We started with a selection of salads, which gave us a taste of a wide variety of authentic dishes, all spiced to perfection.
Opting to go vegetarian in Marrakech is a little bit limiting and so Vegetable Cous Cous became a daily menu staple on my trip. The Vegetable Cous Cous at La Mamounia was definitely one of the nicest during my visit, although not necessarily something to get hugely excited about, as is the nature of the dish.
Having ‘overdone’ it on the starter we both reluctantly decided to skip dessert and finish with some mint tea, knowing that there would be some kind of treat waiting for us in our room from turndown (the shortbread was amazing!)
As we made our way down the lantern lined pathways and through the cactus grove towards our beds, a quick glance up at the hotel lit up in all its glory, was all that was needed to remind you what a special place La Mamounia is.
Find out more about La Mamounia HERE >
Marrakech is one of my favorite places in the world; just a four hour flight from the UK and a complete departure from normality.
