Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech, opened earlier in October, is an elegant and contemporary resort set among 20 hectares of landscaped gardens filled with the scent of 100,000 roses, with the snow-capped Atlas Mountains providing a stunning backdrop. Located just 10 minutes’ drive from the heart of the city and the historic Medina, the hotel offers 54 private villas inspired by Berber and Moorish influences, all with secluded walled gardens, swimming pools and hot tubs, extensive areas for sunbathing and shaded alfresco dining (photo above). A further nine suites, seven with their own rooftop plunge pool, feature panoramic vistas of the gardens and the surrounding countryside.
Villa
The architect of the project is Pascal Desprez while the design of Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech, rustic yet sophisticated, was created by French architects, Patrick Gilles and Dorothée Boissier. With its Berber and Andalusian-Arabic influences, the resort provides relaxed and stylish luxury for the cosmopolitan traveller. Featuring natural, local materials, the interior and exterior spaces co-exist and benefit from the extraordinary light for which Marrakech is well known.
Guests at Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech will enjoy a variety of restaurants and bars featuring a diverse range of global cuisines. The Mes’Lalla restaurant serves a contemporary take on traditional Moroccan cuisine under the leadership of renowned Chef Meryem Cherkaoui. Le Salon Berbère offers an exceptional view over both the resort’s blue and green pools and the Atlas Mountains, serving traditional Moroccan as well as international breakfast, drinks and light bites throughout the day. Beside the main swimming pool, the Pool Garden offers a re-freshing outdoor environment to enjoy a variety of healthy dishes prepared with locally sourced produce.
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech is a unique environment featuring expansive spa suites with private terraces and gardens designed for outdoor treatments. The Spa also includes two luxurious hammams, an indoor heated pool, a fitness centre and a yoga studio, as well as hair and beauty salons.