La Mamounia
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 and 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.
THE HOTEL 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. 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.
THE RESTAURANTS La Mamounia boasts four glamourous and beautifully designed dining spaces for you to choose from, each offering a different type of cuisine. Le Marocain restaurant is tucked away in a Riad in the heart of the hotel’s gardens and is set over three elegant floors, including a magnificent terrace on the ground floor, and a bar & tea room on the top floor. Chef Rachid Agouray has created a contemporary Moroccan menu. L’Italien restaurant by chef Don Alfonso offers contemporary Italian cuisine in a warm and romantic Baroque-inspired setting, drawing upon the fresh, seasonal ingredients which are grown in the hotel’s organic garden. Le Francais restaurant is a haven of sophictiation and elegance, with a contemporary French menu by chef Jean-Pierre Vigato with brasserie-style cuisine throughout the day and a more gourmet focused menu during the evenings. Keep in mind that the dress code is smart for all three restaurants. You can also enjoy a more casual meal by the hotel’s spectacularly beautiful outdoor pool.
THE NIGHTLIFE La Mamounia’s selection of bars offer a sultry, sophisticated and elegant ambience. Start the evening with a sunset cocktail at the dazzling poolside Le Bar Pavilion de la Piscine lounge, which was designed in tribute to the magnificent Menara basin (NB: closes at 7pm each night). Le Bar Churchill is a local institution named after its most famous guest, Winston Churchill, who was a seasoned regular here. With sumptuous leather seating and fine wood panelling, this 1930s inspired bar is the perfect place for a pre- or post dinner cocktail. Another option is Le Bar Italien which is the epitome of sultry sophistication with plush orange and saffron velvet chairs, a beautiful outdoor terrace and an accomplished international wine list. For some of the best rooftop views in Marrakech, don’t miss the romantic rooftop lounge of the Le Bar Marocain.
