Built with no expense spared at the behest of Morocco’s King Mohammed VI, Royal Mansour Marrakech presents a masterpiece of Moorish-Andalusian architecture in Marrakech. To highlight and with respect to the rich culture and beauty of his Kingdom, King Mohammed VI vision was to build a residence of hospitality that would offer travelers a one-of-a-kind experience. Capturing the soul, spirit and essence of Morocco, the luxury resort transports guests into a magical medina where they experience the refined grace of traditional and royal Moroccan hospitality.

Upon entry through its magnificent five-meter high doors made of chiseled bronze, cedarwood and intricately carved horseshoe arches, guests enter into a portal which can rival the grandest of the imperial cities. The sense of welcome emanates through its faithfulness to architectural tradition, and honoring of both heritage crafts and contemporary artistic talent as guests enter a tranquil respite. In the main lobby, the sense of awe is immediately felt due to the grandiose courtyard lobby with traditional Moroccan tiles, stunning floral displays and a beautiful water fountain with an atrium which allows guests to view the Moroccan sky. Lavish chandeliers hang from the ceiling and silk drapes harnessed by mother-of-pearl inlaid tiebacks, present a timeless, unforgettable and bespoke experience that will never be forgotten.

A dream-like landscape on Royal Mansour’s five-hectare estate is filled with 53 riads (a traditional Moroccan and Andalusi interior garden or courtyard) winding passageways, leafy courtyards and fragrant gardens, guests can find peace and pleasure amidst luxury and privacy. Wanting to create a sophisticated tribute to the art of living, Moroccan-style, landscape architect, Luis Vallejo, offers a beautiful variety of shrubs and flowers which border the alleyways, whilst gardens bloom in inner courtyards. From hundred-year-old olive-trees lining Rue Abou Abbas El Sebti to pomegranate trees in front of the hotel and restaurants at the reopened Bab el Makhzen, the beautiful setting has been entirely dedicated to pleasure while keeping with Marrakech as an agricultural community.

In one of the 53 private, rose-hued riads, guests are presented with utmost privacy in a residence spread over three floors. Upon arrival, your personal butler (each riad is assigned no less than 10 staff and there is a system of subterranean service tunnels which servers discretely shuffles back and forth) will direct you through the jade-green wooden door of your riad into a magical and luxurious world. Through the staffs’ dedicated attention and making sure that guests feel ‘at home’ as much as possible during their stay, taking care of even the most minute details, the service reaches a degree of refinement that goes above and beyond.

Inside, demonstrating the infinite variety of Moroccan decorative arts, every riad has its own selection of furniture and unique design elements such as wood paneling, zellige tiling and tadelakt, a traditional Moroccan wall surfacing technique. Along with staying true to its location and sense of history and tradition, incorporated in each riad is cutting-edge tech designed to ensure guests’ comfort. From the touchscreen-controlled retractable glass roof to the smart air-con system, guests will revel in the lush comfort surrounding them.

Across the hallway at the entrance, each riad has its own unique interior courtyard designed by Vallejo and off that, a sitting room, bar and a dining room. The first floor includes the bedrooms which were designed to emulate the royal rooms of bygone years with a dark and cozy vibe and bathrooms with luxury MarocMaroc toiletries. From suede and silk rugs and heavy taffeta drapes in the bedroom to etched shower screens, every corner of the riad is laden with treasures. Then there is the private roof terrace, with plunge pool, fireplace and a tented space for private hammam treatments.

Staying true to traditional Moroccan culture and the importance of the physical wellbeing, the Royal Mansour Marrakech Spa is a mecca of wellness. Measuring at over 2,500m2, the spa is entered via an impressive atrium of whitewashed wrought iron, which evokes a giant birdcage, with natural light pouring in from all angles. This striking yet calming design element offers a sanctuary completely devoted to your senses, offering an unparalleled signature well-being experience and an instant rush of relaxation.

In one of the private alcoves off the Spa atrium, each spa guest is presented with a private consultation to find the right tailor-made program adapted to their particular needs and fitness level. On the first floor, where 10 spa rooms and three private Spa Suites are located (which include private terraces overlooking the ramparts of Marrakech), guests can choose from a myriad of Massage, facial treatments, hydrotherapy and body wrap treatments. Also on the ground floor, are the two hammams (more about this bespoke experience below) as well as a Watsu pool, and La Table du Spa serving light, healthy dishes, herbal teas and fruit juices. There is also a hair salon, the Studio, a completely unique concept in Morocco with hand and foot treatments, manicures, pedicures and more, along with a fitness center which is nestled amongst the gardens. Last but certainly not least is the orange-orchard inspired swimming pool with glass covering which offers serenity and undeniable charm.

Presenting a bewitching sensory and immersive experience, and a sensual experience rooted in the Moroccan lifestyle, no trip to the spa is complete without spending time in the hammam. The journey inner harmony begins upon stepping on the hot pearly white marble tiles with flowing fountains and lush décor, setting the scene for pure relaxation. Based on the purification and beauty rituals of former times guests are invited into an almost nirvanic state through the expert hands of a hammam attendant. From the gommage body scrub to body cream and hair masque, the ceremony concludes in a quiet alcove, behind a moucharabieh wooden screen where you relax, take in the fragrances and enjoy every moment in the luxurious spa.

The Le Jardin at Royal Mansour Marrakech spreads over two-and-a-half hectares and includes a stunning pool, lush gardens, herb garden, an organic vegetable orchard and an artist’s residence. Blending harmoniously into the luxuriant garden, the 30-meter-long and 20-meterwide pool is a place to socialize, wind down and escape on a hot summer’s day. The luxury haven is set in the midst of an abundance of palm, olive and lemon trees and bougainvilleas, with seven private modernly designed pavilions with an air-conditioned lounge which opens onto the pool. The restaurants at Royal Mansour create the savor of the unexpected through Chefs Yannick Alléno’s, for La Grande Table Marocaine and Le Jardin, and Massimiliano Alajmo’s, for Sesamo, interpretations of Moroccan and Mediterranean dishes. Its fine dining restaurant La Grande Table Marocaine presents an exceptional sensory journey starting through its grand brass door. From Sh’hiwates, seafood pastillas, seven-vegetable couscous, Amlou ice cream and more, this is the pinnacle of Moroccan fine dining matched with its decadently royal setting. Sesamo offers all the flavors of Italy in a setting remnant of a refined Venetian palace. The newest restaurant at Royal Mansour is where Michelin-star chef Massimiliano Alajmo presents a unique Italian culinary experience. At the open-air Le Jardin bar restaurant, Alléno offers an Asian and Mediterranean-influenced cuisine featuring Tapas, ceviches, sushi, sashimi, tartares and grilled specialties.

Guests also have the opportunity to partake in two unique dining experiences at the hotel. First is to book one of their Private Table experiences to share with friends and family or a business gathering. Peak into kitchen Sesamo at La Table du Chef, sit amidst the lush vegetation at The Nest, enjoy an upscale picnic experience with La Table Champêtre or share precious moments together at La Table des Artistes for a colorful lunch. Second is Afternoon Tea, offered every day from 3:30pm to 6pm where it gives guests the opportunity to put everything on hold and enjoy sweet and savory snacks at La Table restaurant. Frozen delights, fruit delicacies, chocolate compositions, caramelized sensations and crisp-fondant mouthfuls are offered from the pastry team and paired with a selection of many teas from all around the world.

Then there are the Royal Mansour bars which present arraying atmospheres, at times peaceful, lounge-like, sparkling or festive. For an ode to Art Deco glamor, the Royal Mansour bar, in the central pavilion brings back the ‘Roaring Twenties’ in true style accompanied by musical tracks recorded by Beatrice Ardisson just for the palace. The Fireplace Lounge is just a few steps away from the Main Bar and is a British style lounge with charming woodwork, dimmed lights and fragrant leathers. Sit back at the Cigar Bar in a Dandy style sofa and choose from a collection of renowned branded cigars in a beautifully ornate wood cabinet. Those looking for a place to reflect or to enjoy a glass of their favorite wine or spirit can go to The Library on the other side of the patio adorned with arts and culture of Marrakesh and Morocco.