The secret luxuries of Marrakech
THE HOTEL THAT IS NOT OF THIS WORLD
In the Palmeraie , where the delirium of the city ends and the hypnotic desert landscape so typical but timeless of Marrakech begins, we find the Palais Namaskar, possibly the best hotel in africa.
Its philosophy is as simple as it is concise "to offer a unique and magical place to disconnect from the world". And nothing more true, because to cross the heavy doors of the entrance is to enter a different universe whose details may resemble many things but which in its entirety is radically different from everything you have seen before. Tour at night gardens with fountains punctuated by Moorish-style arches it is like stroll through the very Alhambra in Granada . Walking into his restaurant, like walking into an upgraded version of the Hotel Costes in Paris…unexpected, but at the same time perfectly in place.
The short history of this dream made hotel dates back to 2012 when the complex opened its doors as part of the Oatkar Collection as a "masterpiece", conceived following the principles of feng shui . Franco-Algerian designer Imaad Rahmouni , disciple Philippe Starks and the owner and creator P.Soulier are behind the exquisite architecture of the Palais Namaskar, a mix between the Eastern imaginary and contemporary elements.
But if everything that surrounds the Palais Namaskar is, to say the least, extraordinary, the dreamlike experiences it offers are no less so: Balloon rides over the hills Djebille you n romantic picnic in the garden or one candlelight dinner on the lake . A real luxury that starts at 600 euros per night for a "simple" room and can reach up to 3000 for some of the private villas.
Palais Namaskar, the best hotel in Africa
**GASTRONOMIC (AND STYLISH) PLEASURES**
The Moroccan classic : The Arab House
A narrow alley that seems to lead to nowhere, a door that opens and magic works..., we are in La Maison Arabe a Boutique hotel inaugurated in the 40's which has been defined by some as the “epitome of Moroccan art de vivre”. But today we have not come to stay here, but to cultivate our palate in its well-known restaurant.
La Maison Arabe is the perfect place to delve into the Moroccan culinary delights with style: a classic but balanced menu, an elegant setting with Moroccan touches but without being cloying and magical lighting thanks to the light projected by dozens of candles gracefully distributed here and there. A selection of moroccan salads , a tagine or even the traditional couscous Here they acquire the perfection of a gastronomic masterpiece. Safety pin.
A boutique hotel brimming with culinary delights
Colonial decline : Le Grand Cafe de la Poste
A 1925 building with dreamy decoration and colonial airs. Perfect for lunch or an aperitif before dinner on the terrace or upstairs in one of the leather armchairs and listening to the rattle of the piano. Le Grand Cafe de la Poste has that taste of history and elegance that make one feel wonderful despite the somewhat slow service and an overly predictable menu.
Breakfast or brunch at The Garden
A charming tree-lined courtyard located in a 17th century Riad , song of nightingales and a 60's decor with contemporary Moroccan touches make Le Jardin a perfect place for many things, but above all to treat yourself to Moroccan tea and traditional pancakes served with amlou (argan oil, honey and almond paste) . Nothing better to start the day in the Red City.
Marrakesh Brunch
THE BOUTIQUES WHERE YOU DO NOT HAGGLE
The idea of exploring other shopping of Marrakech arose when on one of my visits to the souk I met an American who, exhausted, declared herself unable to continue shopping: “At the end of a while it's all the same. I don't find anything unique and different. Besides, haggling exasperates me.” The truth is that I couldn't agree more with this statement and although I still think that traditional shopping in the souk has its charm, I also confess that once you've done it a couple of times it becomes tedious and repetitive. Since then I have tirelessly searched for unique addresses:
Kiss Boutique -Keep it secret
Behind the heavy turquoise door of a Riad we find the universe hippie chic of the brazilian stylist Adriana Bethencourt and his partner Caroline Constantius . Embroidered tunics, swimsuits and unique pieces. Special mention for the Nour jewelry in gold and precious stones Created by Adriana An address to keep it secret.
Organic products
Stephanie Jewels
Stephanie has lived in Marrakech for 7 years, where she went looking for inspiration. Since then she sells her creations from ethnic court just below the already iconic Spice Terrace at the Souk Chirifia.
Studio Lalla
In the neighborhood of Gueliz is the show room of the designer Laetitia Trouillet , a vast space of refined lines where you can find her collection of bags and jewelry as well as beautiful vintage leather goods.
Bab Agnaou Herbal Shop
It's not exactly fashion but I can't help but mention this little shop full of essences, Argan oil either plant-based cosmetic products . Delicious and impeccable service.
Moroccan relaxation
THE SECRETS OF THE HAMMAN
Regardless of social class or geographic region, every good Moroccan, especially women, practices the art of the hamman regularly. Purification, elimination of toxins , relaxation are the obvious benefits of an ancient ritual whose origin dates back to the Roman baths. But the hammam also has a markedly social role, the place where the friends tell each other confidences or they meet again after a week of work. In Marrakech they have been able to reinvent a popular tradition in a refined ritual of beauty and relaxation offering magnificent spaces to experience it. Among all of them, our favorites:
The Baths of Marrakesh
A beautiful Riad hidden in the middle of the Medina . Outside, the typical bustle of Marrakech, inside a almost ecclesiastical silence perfect for beginners in the art of the hamman: first a mint tea in a Moorish-inspired garden to start without delay a steam bath and an exfoliation made with the traditional black soap , a paste made with olive oil , olive pits and eucalyptus that is applied with the glove called Kessa, a traditional sponge with a grainy texture. We end with a argan oil massage , Moroccan liquid gold and we will never want to leave there again.
Beautiful Riad hidden in the middle of the Medina
Heritage Spa
It is another of our favourites. Coquettish, less sophisticated than "Les Bains de Marrakesch" but with a super personalized treatment.
*** You may also be interested in...**
- What should you not miss in Marrakech?
- Romantic getaway in Marrakech
- Guide to Marrakesh
- Marrakech, now and always
- All articles by Ana Díaz Cano
So yes: pleasure and luxury in Marrakech