This is not only the classy, elegant choice in Marrakech but also on of the most exclusive hideaways in the world.

How can I imagine the setting?
There are 20 hectares of divine gardens. They have more than 100,000 roses and also orange trees, almond trees and many fragrant plants. Some of olive trees are up to 500 years old. And there is a vegetable garden that supplies the kitchens of the hotel with for example 90 varieties of tomato – black, red, green, yellow, blue and even bi- or tri-colour tomatoes, known to be very rich in antioxidants. The gardens are surrounded by a walkway that allows guests to stroll around, you can also make a jogging round or a bicycle tour. But watch out, a group of free running chicken is also out and about.

Where is the resort located?
„Location, location“ is the mantra of the real estate experts. And this location seems ideal. Just 10 minutes away from the trendy clubs and restaurants of Marrakech, it is much more quiet and peaceful here than in the hotels in the middle of the town, but you are in the same time a lot closer to all the action than some of the other luxury resorts.

What are the rooms like?
There are no rooms – literally. The entry-level category is the suite and above comes the villa.

Okay, how is the suite?
The seven suites on top of the main building are between 135 and 210 m²! They are not as private as the villas but have huge terraces with heated plunge pools and exceptional views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains.

But the ultimate hideaway is the villa, right?
The have 54 private villas nestled in the gardens (we lived in number 37). Even the „small“ version has 280 m² of indoor and outdoor living spaces. Built in the Moroccan style around a private pool in a lush garden with stonewalls they offer total privacy. With huge pool, hot tub, outdoor shower, kitchen, fireplace, big sunbeds, dining table and couches the outdoor area is like a huge, elegant living room under the sky. But also indoor you have plenty of space: The bathroom alone is bigger than most of the complete hotel room you have been. With a huge bathtub, a steam room and a leather-covered lounger it feels like a private spa (and consequently you can have all spa treatments also in your villa).

Beside this hideaways there are also trendy places in the resort…
Two restaurants that are favourites of the fashionable, elegant crowd. The Pool Garden is one of the most elegant places for lunch in Marrakech and Ling Ling, the trendy sister of Hakkasan, is very popular among the high society of Marrakech. Third restaurant is the Mes’Lalla where we had outstandingly good traditional Moroccan cuisine.

How is the service?
Most of the time the service was very attentive and sometimes very personal, they know you by name at the second day. Especially at all the restaurants – from breakfast and dinner at Mes’Lalla to pool garden and Ling Ling – the people are exceptional friendly and professional.

Who is going?
An illustrious, wealthy and often European crowd. A lot of couples and, as always in Marrakech, connoisseurs and golfers.

Is it also good for kids?
We stayed at early November and there was not one kid in the hotel. But they told us there are younger guests in other periods. You won’t see them often because there is a kid’s club at the heart of the resort’s farm where activities as farm cooking classes with the chef, playing with animals or gardening are offered.

The verdict?
First this is THE classy, elegant hotel choice in Marrakech – ideal location, impressive setting, sensational living experience, cool mix of guests, trendy restaurants. But above that its private villas are also one of the most exclusive hotel hideaways in the world. The ultimate oasis.

Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech
Route du Golf Royal, 40 000 Marrakech, Morocco
+212 5 24 29 88 88
www.mandarinoriental.com/marrakech

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