The Luxury Travel Magazine
The Luxury Travel Magazine
‘A drum that beats an African identity into the complex soul of Morocco’ – Marrakesh
Delighting all who bears witness to her undisputed beauty, the daughter of the desert is home to many special treasures. Rosy-peach walls decorate the Medina of Morocco, where snake charmers’ charm, and colourful markets thrive. Long regarded as the city of luxury, it is hardly surprising that La Mamounia lives here. A hotel emulating opulence from every possible angle, guests travel from far and wide to indulge in her offerings. If La Mamounia were a food, she would be the caviar in your appetizer, the white truffle in your pasta, and the saffron in your rice.
Found in the heart of Marrakesh, opposite the Kutubiyya mosque, La Mamounia is renowned for its rich cultural heritage. In 2018 Condé Naste named the hotel as the best in the Middle East and Africa, and for five consecutive years Spa Finder titled it with the ‘Best Spa’. The hotel offers 135 deluxe rooms, 71 suites, and three Riads. Featuring eight hectares of legendary gardens, they are the diamond to Mamounia’s ring. Olive trees, cacti, delphiniums, and palm trees are complimented with rose bushes, lemon trees, jacarandas and more.
Guests can explore endless trails of nature, dine at one of the four luxury restaurants, enjoy cocktails to music in numerous bars, and indulge in an array of treatments at the award-winning Spa. The art of Moroccan living is mastered in all its glory, where opulence meets comfort and modern style meets tradition.
Steeped in history, La Mamounia’s story began in the 18th century, when the Moroccan King Mohammad Ben Abdallah gifted his son with an expansive orchard. Prince Mamoun embraced the land famously with regular garden soirees, but it wasn’t until 1922 that the erection of the hotel began. Designed by French architects Antoine Marchisio and Henri Prost, the concept of La Mamounia saw the marriage of both western and Eastern elements. Having undergone extensive renovations, the hotel was redesigned entirely to accommodate its modern climate. Today though, it maintains its authentic Moroccan character and welcomes guests in warmly.
You know you’re in a place of excellence when the least extravagant rooms feature stunning views and exclusive outdoor space – not to mention the interior, which seemingly strikes the perfect balance of glamour and conviviality. From deluxe rooms to a variation of spectacular Suites, to the upmost impressive Riads, La Mamounia offers only the best. With a design inspired by the cultural and artistic aspects of its environment, the hotel has curated an ambience of enriching luxury.
For those in pursuit of the most extravagant accommodation, the Riads offer decadent bliss. Rooted in Moroccan culture, they encapsulate the essence of the country’s heritage. In line with their name, the Riads showcase a scenic inner courtyard surrounded by classic communal areas and breathtakingly beautiful bedrooms. Grand steps descend into a heated private pool, which takes centre stage of the courtyard. The patio terrace is formed from zellige tiles and marble textures, with rustic red walls. Each of the Riads feature a spectacular dining room, an outdoor lounge, four bathrooms, and three bedrooms. With 24-hour butler service, Wi-Fi, flatscreen TVs, and complimentary toiletries, guests are met with a true VIP experience.
The six signature suites are each named after their compelling and individual niche. For example, the Koutoubia Suite boasts striking views of the Koutoubia Mosque, whereas the Baldaquin Suite was titled in reference to its superior bed. The Churchil Suite is characterised by none other than Winston Churchill himself, who stayed in the third floor Suite whenever he visited La Mamounia. His presence manifests itself through a portrait, a statue, and a name engraving over the bed.
‘This is a fantastic place, one of the best hotels ever.’ In the 1950s, Mr Churchill expressed his love for La Mamounia in these simple yet rapturous words. Not only did his loyalty result in the eponym of his Suite, the hotel has also erected a bar in his name. Le Churchill expels British refinement with precision and warmth. Dark browns blend with low lighting to ensure a cosy and classically British environment. Guest can be found retreating here for delicacies such as champagne and caviar – just as Mr Churchill would have himself.
As with everything, Le Mamounia maintains superior standards when it comes to culinary options. Offering four exclusive restaurants, guests are awarded the privilege of choice. From Italian, to Asian, to western, to, of course, traditional Moroccan cuisine.
Tables set with fine China under dim lighting showcase an array of succulent starters. Benches of velvet support elegant guests as they tuck into traditional tastes of Morocco. An inviting atmosphere is enhanced through soft candles and dark wood, but the real beauty of this restaurant lies in its homage to Moroccan hospitality. Welcoming guests as if they are friends, the character of Le Marocain is second to none. Not only is the food a journey of excellent authenticity, but the experience of the night delivers a taste of real Moroccan culture.
Chef Rachid Agouray encapsulates the colourful flavours of the region in dishes infused with garden gown ingredients. Whether it be marinated monkfish tagine, lamb shoulder confit, or the Mamounia mixed grill, restaurant goers savour every single second of their expertly crafted meal. On the top floor of the restaurant guests will find Le Lounge Marocain, a lavish bar providing the ideal spot for a pre or post dinner drink. Views of the gardens accompanied by oriental music enhance an already idyllic evening.
For a quick trip to Italy, guests can choose to dine at L’Italien Par Jean-Georges restaurant. Green plants accessorise a stylish space incorporated with numerous food preparation spots. Pizzas can be seen and smelt as they bake in the wood fired oven centre piece, and an assortment of dishes are displayed for the taking at the antipasti bar. Furnished with Italian leather and marble accents, the restaurant opens out to luscious gardens through beautiful terrace doors. What it lacks in Italian vineyards, it more than makes up for in wines. A lengthy selection of the best wines from Italy, sourced from only the most acclaimed vineyards, perfectly compliment the magnificent meals.
For an evening in Asia, L’Asiatique Par Jean Georges restaurant encompasses flavours starting from Japan, journeying all the way to South-East Asia. Guests are served ‘Comforting curries, finely sliced crunchy vegetables, and first-class sushi’. Seductive interior with warm lighting further adds to the experience of dinner, as guests are seen indulging in elegance at this beautifully adorned restaurant.
A tribute to the Menara Pavilion in Marrakesh, this restaurant is as spectacular as its context suggests. Wearing opulence to perfection, Le Pavillon de la Piscine invites guests in for both breakfast and lunch. Featuring high ceilings, rose gold walls, and white marble floors, it boasts royalty worthy décor and extends outside to the stunning swimming pool. The restaurant also offers multiple interactive workshops, where the legendary chefs assist guests in developing dishes.
Another spot by the pool can be found in Le Bar de la Piscine, an al fresco spot characterised by its floral canopy and healthy nectars. Utilising ingredients sourced directly from Le Mamounia’s gardens, the delicate bar overlooks the famous pool and reflects its natural surroundings.
Le Mamounia has been home to an endless list of significant figures, including Roosevelt, Mandela, Charley Chaplain,and the rolling stones. With a reputation that proceeds itself, it is impossible to comprehend the true wonder of this hotel without direct firsthand experience. And even then, we doubt you’ll believe it.
