We clearly are in a Morocco frame of mind – because why shouldn’t we be? There are officially direct flights from Newark to Marrakech, so the city is undoubtedly going to have its moment. They’re ready for it, though: luxury is a baseline expectation in this locale. These are the top places to stay at your next favorite weekend destination.
Hotel: Royal Mansour Marrakech
Royal Mansour Marrakech puts other luxury hotels to shame. It makes sense, when the King of Morocco owns the property. The hotel is decked out in every luxurious cloth, tile, and furnishing imaginable. Maximalism isn’t for everyone, but Royal Mansour is the definition of detail-oriented, and will impress even your most modest friend.
The palace is next door to the Jemaa el-Fnaa square, and is known as “a Medina within a Medina.” With 12+ acres of land, secret doors, and alleyways of its own, you will never be bored here. There are 53 riads, all designed uniquely with one to four bedrooms, and perks like private pools, your own garden and bar, and a butler. There are four restaurants providing Italian, Moroccan, Asian, and French cuisines, and the spa is an architectural wonder of its own; step into the atrium, and you’ll understand.
Hotel: Amanjena
Further away from the city center, you’ll find Amanjena, aka the king’s hangout. The property draws inspiration from the Red City of Marrakech’s storied past. The surrounding gardens create a serenity you can only find when you leave the city center. Think olive groves, fountains, gazebos, and private pools with the Atlas mountains as your view. Amanjena focuses its design on structure more than textiles, with dramatically high archways, pillars, and furniture carvings. They also offer dining nooks throughout the property, whether you choose to have a Berber dinner in an Amanjena tent (after you’ve traveled by camel) or plan a picnic in the olive groves. On a side note, this is a tennis hotspot with skilled LUX coaches, a personal program, and a Petanque Court to satisfy your competitive side.
Hotel: La Mamounia
There’s no doubt that La Mamounia is beautiful, and while this is true for all of its amenities, the grounds are the reason to go. The century-old La Mamounia has had time to perfect the craft of hospitality, and with it, comes the luxury of choice. There are multiple options for every category of your stay. You can choose from a room, suite, or riad. Dissect that further, and choose which type you’d prefer. Some living areas have terraces, some have rooftops, and others have swimming pools. All spaces have a rustic elegance. But you’re here for the grounds, remember? The 19+ acres of land that make up La Mamounia is the inheritance of an 18th-century Moroccan prince. Now, the land is overflowing with olive trees, palms, cacti, the perfume of the many fruit trees and flowers, and a vegetable garden; in other words, paradise. Speaking of abundance, you can choose from five restaurants and four bars, so come hungry — you’ll walk it off during your garden strolls anyway.
Hotel: Mandarin Oriental Marrakech
Not that it’s a competition, but the number of acres is only increasing as we move down the list, and Mandarin Oriental Marrakech has 49. It’s also ten minutes from the Medina, which places you in the center, with just enough separation to find your respite. The hotel offers suites, villas, and an eight-bedroom penthouse. You can have a private hammam, garden, and large pool deck based on your accommodation. Mandarin Oriental is your contemporary choice of the lot. You know they are knowledgeable of what’s fresh and relevant with a Michelin-starred Chef Akrame Benallal in the Shivran restaurant’s kitchen, and the award for World’s Best Resort Spa 2024 by the World Spa Awards.
Hotel: Four Seasons Resort Marrakech
Four Seasons Resort Marrakech is a safe bet if you’re looking for something familiar and it’s your first time in Morocco. The resort is centrally located, and the boutique-y vibe is still there without breaking the bank. Rooms and suites, while fairly similar, offer different views, depending on whether you prefer to overlook the mountains, pool, or garden. Your morning coffee will match the view, getting your energy flowing and your feet out the door. The Zest Rooftop bar also offers panoramic views of the city, while the Inara Lounge has signature cocktails to get you into the Moroccan spirit. You’ve earned your way to a peaceful stage in life, so our only question is — will you have the Saffron Martini or Medina Love?
Hotel: Selman Marrakech
Who says you can only have one dream? Sure, it may take extra effort to actualize them all, but it’s not impossible. Enter Selman. Abdeslam Bennani Smires took the best of both worlds: a promise to his grandfather to found a palace on their home turf, and his love for Arabian horses— together, they emerged as Selman. The hotel creates a unique experience, where you can watch the purebred horses gallop on the estate from your terrace, participate in a ride, and meet them at the stables. You also have a selection of rooms, Junior Suites, and Private Villas. While the rooms and suites focus on jewel tones, the Villa mimics yesteryear’s elaborate fabrics and drapery. The drapes might embody the old, but the Chenot Spa promotes anti-aging — so you’ll look younger than ever.
Hotel: Maison Brummell Majorelle
Austrian hotelier Christian Schallert is the mastermind behind Brummell Majorelle. He turned this home into a design lover’s paradise, with the help of New Zealand architect Bergendy Cooke, and Moroccan architect Amine Abouraoui. The location is an instant check off your list, across from Rue Yves Saint Laurent, with direct views of the Majorelle Gardens. But the intimacy of the space and stylistic choices are its ‘wow’ factor. The Chimney Room has a fireplace and modular sofas. A hammam, steam bath, and plunge pool are also open to guests within the home. Features like Egon Eierman chairs, and Ingo Maurer’s paper lamp will have you geeking out over the details.
FAQs
Q: Is Maison Brummell Majorelle a family spot?
A: No, the hotel is adult-only.
Q: Is the Zest Rooftop Bar at Four Seasons Resort Marrakech currently open?
A: No, the bar is temporarily closed until April 2025.
Q: Can I use the pool at Mandarin Oriental Marrakech if I am not an overnight guest?
A: With the Pool Garden Day Pass, you can have a three-course Mediterranean meal at the Pool Garden and use the main pool for the whole day.
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