A top view of La Mamounia s pool and gardens A MOROCCAN PARADISE

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2 A top view of La Mamounia s pool and gardens A MOROCCAN PARADISE La Mamounia hotel is truly a masterpiece of hospitality and indulgence, and a majestic tribute to the beauty of nature and the timelessness of Moroccan opulence FEATURE: SAMI JITAN AND MANAL SABA. PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF LA MAMOUNIA HOTEL. A thousand years ago, a Moroccan king presented his son a gift on his wedding day: the palace and gardens known as La Mamounia. During the last century, the property was redesigned into an extraordinary hotel, keeping its original name, architecture and romantic grandeur while updating guest rooms and spas with modern amenities. La Mamounia comprises 135 rooms, 71 suites and three riads, all surrounded by abundant greenery. The prince who once lived in La Mamounia was said to frequently throw extravagant garden parties called nzaha an entertainment tradition that lives on in La Mamounia s 17-acre garden today. Staying true to its royal heritage, the hotel boasts a 2,500 square metre spa, its luxurious Turkish baths offering a range of cleansing oils, rosescented soaps and revitalising treatments. In the 11th century, the city of Marrakesh was founded as the imperial city of the Almoravid dynasty. From this location, the Maghreb quickly emerged as the new centre for Islamic art and architecture. As a result, present day North Africa and Andalusia are filled with astounding feats of Islamic design, in the form of 102

3 escapes The multi-colour glass doors pay homage to the hotel s illustrious movie era art deco designs cater to the discerning tastes of guests who want to enjoy the best of culture and luxury La Mamounia s seemless blend of European and Moroccan designs 103

4 The grand entrance of the hotel features marble columns covered in Islamic mosaic patterns extravagant mosques and palaces. Among Marrakech s distinguished visitors was Winston Churchill, who once wrote to Franklin D. Roosevelt about the Ochre City: It is the most lovely spot in the whole world. The city is the eternal location of classic French and American films, most notably Alfred Hitchcock s The Man who Knew too Much. La Mamounia hotel is still a popular hotspot in Marrakesh today, frequented by famous musicians and actors from around the world. Each one of La Mamounia s rooms offers a stunning view and refined hospitality. Guests can select from classic, superior and deluxe rooms, as well as a myriad of superb suites each one featuring eclectic Moroccan décor and an original painting in the bedroom. The Churchill Suite, one of six signature suites on offer at La Mamounia, overlooks the magnificent gardens through a window that Winston Churchill once used to sit beside and paint. Guests also have the option of booking a fabulous riad, a villa with three bedrooms boasting a Moroccan-style salon, private swimming pool and terraces. Stunning Islamic architecture extenuates the hotel s beauty. The main entrance and lobby feature carved marble columns, adorned in ceramic mosaic patterns. Inside each room, iconic Damascene tables and lavish baroque designs cater to the discerning tastes of guests who want to enjoy the best of culture and luxury. Rooms offer a choice between vaulted oriental and occidental ceilings to complement arched doorways. Bathrooms in each suite are fitted with marble from floor to ceiling. Undoubtedly, the most spectacular feature of the hotel are the idyllic views of the gardens from each and The lobby keeps a cosmopolitian aire for travelers coming from around the world 104

5 escapes La Mamounia s spa is world renowned for its creature comforts and superlative cleansing techniques the spa is equipped with a diverse set of high-end brands, such as Shiseido, marocmaroc, and La Ric 105

6 escapes The Riads give stunning views of the gardens Each room offers the perfect combination of elegance and comfort 106

7 The indoor courtyard is reminiscent of the old days of Marrakech The walkway to the spa is a masterpiece of Islamic art and design every room. For a serene experience, guests can peruse the grounds and enjoy the parks in the front and rear of the property. The hotel s 1500 square metre vegetable garden at the rear features numerous species of vegetables and plants. The park also features free-growing palms, trimmed hedges, and sweet smelling flowers. Le Pavillon de la Piscine, the hotel s exclusive café bistro, serves authentic Moroccan cuisine for dinner, combining lifestyle and gastronomy. At the Le Marocain restaurant, guests can get a taste of Morocco s tradition and modernity while sitting on the hotel s back patio. The unique and delicious baklava at La Marocain is a dessert to remember. The room service menu offers intimate dining on a private balcony overlooking the spectacular gardens. Italian and French dishes can be ordered at L Italien, courtesy of chef Don Alfonso, and Le Francais, courtesy of chef Jean-Pierre Vigato. La Mamounia s spa offers a range of signature cleansing products such as Ghassoul, black soap, orange flower water, rose water, and argan oil. The spa is equipped with a diverse set of high-end brands, such as Shiseido, marocmaroc and La Ric. These treatment products are available to guests to purchase from. Guests can also take a dip in the indoor swimming pool treated with ozone, after working out at the fitness studio. The hotel s Turkish baths include steam therapy, while La Mamounia s manicure and pedicure cabins and hair salon are available any time between 9AM and 1AM. After a long journey, La Mamounia s guests can enjoy the VIP lounge at the Menera airport, available to its customers upon arrival and departure. This is just the final touch to the unmatched hospitality that the hotel offers. Along with its exquisite spas and gardens, the hotel s relaxation room allow visitors the chance to reflect on their holiday to the fullest. The library is filled with books about Marrakech and Morocco, so that guests can educate themselves on the long legacy of beauty in the Maghreb. But the glory of La Mamounia spreads even beyond the walls of the hotel, its magnificence reaching the hearts of each visitor, beckoning him or her to return. 107

8 La Mamounia is an achievement of Eastern hospitality

9 The outdoor pool area lets you take in the warm Moroccan sun For a serene experience, guests can peruse the grounds and enjoy the parks in the front and rear of the property The indoor pool is treated with ozone, perfect for taking a dip after a workout at the fitness room 109