Located in the vibrant heart of Marrakech, adjacent to the old city walls and five minutes walking distance from the famous Koutoubia Mosque and snake charmers of Jemaa El Fnaa square, it’s hard to believe that such a peaceful and private sanctuary could exist amidst such chaos.

But that’s what the Royal Mansour is actually, the result of pure inspiration- a dream made real, a beautiful, luxurious way of life right in the centre of all the action. Walking down its winding passageways, wandering among leafy courtyards, and lingering in the gardens, the very soul of Morocco is reflected in this unique hotel owned by the king himself- King Mohammed VI of Morocco.

The Managing Director of the hotel, Mr. Jean Claude Messant, explains how the five-hectare estate was brought to life by around 1,300 artisans over a period of three years who were involved in every inch of its breath-taking development. “In the Royal Mansour Marrakech there are no rooms, but rather 53 three-floor Riads, individually furnished by craftsmen from across the country who have incorporated traditional interiors and cutting-edge tech designed to ensure guests’ comfort- such as a touchscreen-controlled retractable glass roof poised to cover the courtyard terrace at the sixth drop of rain, or the smart air-con system, its workings are invisible to the eye.”

The five-hectare estate was brought to life by around 1,300 artisans over a period of three years who were involved in every inch of its breath-taking development.

Each of the magnificent 53 Riads has been individually furnished with wood panelling, zellige tiling, tadlakt, and plasterwork demonstrating the infinite variety of Moroccan decorative arts. You literally feel as though you are walking on art, as you venture past its grand entrance, which stays true to the style and symmetry of classical Moorish architecture. The hotel has also garnered a reputation as a patron of traditional Moroccan arts and crafts which is a vital aspect of its unique status among luxury hotels; with its 550-strong collection of paintings, the hotel also champions contemporary Moroccan artists.

Guests’ Riads remain their own private domain, each accessed directly from one of the medina’s many walkways. On arrival, guests are accompanied from door to door by a personal butler. From an interior courtyard to luxurious sitting rooms, the bedrooms and bathrooms open onto a gallery looking down into the courtyard. And then there’s your private roof terrace, with plunge pool, fireplace, and a tented space for individual hammam treatments- It’s easy to see why it’s a celebrity favourite.

Hospitality is indeed taken to another level here via a unique system of underground tunnels which are used by the staff to access all areas of the property unnoticed. From traditional touches of Arabian hospitality to housekeeping- their meticulous levels of excellence are evident at every turn despite most of them ever being seen.

The hotel has also garnered a reputation as a patron of traditional Moroccan arts and crafts which is a vital aspect of its unique status among luxury hotels; with its 550-strong collection of paintings, the hotel also champions contemporary Moroccan artists.

If you do decide not to venture out for a camel ride or a hot air balloon over the magnificent Sahara, the property also features a 2,500sq/m space spa spread out on three levels which are entered through a light-filled atrium of whitewashed wrought iron, with natural light pouring in from all angles.

The Tailor-made hammam lies at the heart of the Spa Royal Mansour- It is the inspiration behind the Spa’s philosophy of harmonizing the senses. Staying true to the countries bathing culture, the two hammams and relaxation area of the spa offer Tailor Made programs and treatments, adapted to your particular needs and fitness level.

“We use selective brands to respond to each individual’s skin needs: marocMaroc body care line which is made in France using traditional Moroccan ingredients; for facial treatments, Dr. Hauschka or Sisley products; Léonor Greyl for hair treatments and Révérence de Bastien for Mani-Pedi treatments,” adds Massant.

You literally feel as though you are walking on art, as you venture past its grand entrance, which stays true to the style and symmetry of classical Moorish architecture.

A place of immense beauty and mystery, the Royal Mansour, is the ideal sanctuary for bespoke travellers looking to lose themselves in Morocco’s great literature, decorative arts or undiscovered secrets all while staying in the heart of the city.

 

Hermoine Macura-Noble is first Australian English speaking News Anchor in the Middle East and one of the area’s most recognized faces. She is also the Author of Faces of the Middle East  and Founder of US based 501c3 charity- The House of Rest which helps to ease the suffering of victims of war. For more from our Contributing Editor, you can follow her on Instagram, here.