BBC2 Amazing Hotels: everything you need to know about the Royal Mansour Marrakech

Ahead of tonight's episode, here's everything you need to know about this opulent Moroccan hotel
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Kate Lough19 April 2017

So far BBC2’s Amazing Hotels has taken its hosts Giles Coren and Monica Galetti from Singapore to Ecuador and Nairobi. Next up, the foodie duo will visit the Royal Mansour in Marrakech.

Opened in 2010, it was commissioned by King Mohammed VI and built to palatial proportions, redefining the meaning of opulence.

Where is it?

The Royal Mansour sits in almost four hectares of lush Moorish garden on the eastern edge of the Medina, between the historic middle and the new town (Ville Nouvelle). Marrakech Menare Airport is 15 minutes away by car, which is itself three and a half hour flight from London.

What’s the style?

This majestic hotel was conceived as a mini medina, made up of sumptuous riads dotted amongst expertly and extravagantly manicured gardens. The architecture makes the most of the local, meaning that most of the Royal Mansour is entirely handmade. The riads are connected by a labyrinthine series of underground tunnels, which only staff can access, to make sure guests’ whims are satisfied with the utmost discretion.

Each one is decorated in a unique style but can you expect opulence of every description, including the finest silks and suedes to velvet brocade and crystal chandeliers.

How many rooms are there?

There are no rooms or suites at the Royal Mansour, just 53 private residences. Each riad has a central courtyard surrounding a living room, a bar, a dining room, rooftop terraces and private pools – so you can eat, live, swim and sleep in complete privacy. The villas range from one to four bedrooms, with the larger ones coming with their own Bedouin tents, swimming pools, steam rooms and hammams. Mod cons aren’t neglected however, all riads have wifi and LCD televisions.

What about food & drink?

The hotel has four restaurants: Le Grande Table Marocaine, La Grande Table Francaise, La Table and the new alfresco offering, Le Jardin. All are under the supervision of three star Michelin Chef Yannick Alleno, which draw in a discerning crowd, not just guests. Le Jardin is set within 1.5 hectares of garden with a pool and day-cabins and is open to the public as well as guests.

There are also three bars, including a cigar bar. Le Piano Bar’s gold and black enamel walls are very Instagram-friendly, as are Le Bar’s pink gold plating on the ceiling.

Any other facilities?

As well as the beautiful gardens, there’s a large swimming pool and seven pavilions that can be rented by the day – if you get bored of your private riad.

There is a top notch spa, called ‘Le Spa’, of course, offering head to toe pampering including the hotel’s signature hammam treatments, a Watsu bath area and beauty and fitness studios. The 2500 sq.m spa also has its own indoor pool.

What is there to do?

If you do decide to leave the grandeur and seclusion of your private riad, the hotel can arrange some seriously unforgettable experiences for you. These include trips into the Atlas Mountains, Bedouin tented dinners under the stars, riding camels across the sand dunes, hot air balloon rides at sunrise and horse and carriage rides around the secret corners of the medina.

Details

Rooms from £900; royalmansour.com

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