Described as being reminiscent of a “far away time and place”, entering the exclusive sanctuary of La Mamounia is like stepping into a luxurious setting of 1001 Arabian Nights. Having first opened its doors in 1922, La Mamounia is situated on the edge of Marrakech’s ancient city walls and was named for its oasis-like setting within 200-year-old gardens that were originally given to Prince Moulay Mamoun by his father as an 18th century as a wedding gift. Today the gardens span over 20 acres with a plethora of aromatic fruit trees, fragrant flowers and centuries-old olive trees. Having been described by Winston Churchill as, "the most lovely spot in the whole world", La Mamounia original 1920s Art Deco-meets-traditional Moroccan style has recently undergone a controversial facelift by legendary French designer, Jacques Garcia, and is now looking fresher and more opulent than ever. Garcia’s signature boudoir style blends artfully with La Mamounia’s traditional Arab-Andalucian craftsmanship of exquisite ceramic tile mosaics and intricately carved stone, marble and wood work. The hotel also offers a wealth of superb restaurants, chic bars, world-class spas and one of the most beautiful outdoor pools in the world, making this the favourite haunt of Morocco’s royal family and the visiting international jetset crowd. Such opulence comes with an equally indulgent price tag, but its worth it to experience a taste of luxury of this magnitude.
