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In the world of high-end hotels, there are some that exceed the boundaries of refinement, redefining the term “luxury”. The Royal Mansour in Marrakech goes a step further – it redefines the word “hotel”.
An enclave of regal exclusivity in the heart of Marrakech, The Royal Mansour feels less like a hotel and more like a citadel – an enchanting, embracing sanctuary that showcases the very height of Moroccan design, style and tradition. Owned by the King of Morocco himself, HRH Mohammed VI, the hotel gives guests a window into another world – an opportunity to live like royalty.
The sense of being a “city within a city” (or, in Moroccan terms, a “medina with a medina”) starts from the moment of arrival, as guests are escorted through what appear to be ancient city walls. What lies within is truly awe-inspiring; a maze of terracotta riads (traditional Moroccan homes), passageways, fruit orchards and lush gardens, all designed with an incredible intricacy and attention to detail that exceeds the imagination.
Perhaps the most incredible aspect of the hotel is its modernity; The Royal Mansour only opened in 2010, following five years of development that harnessed the skills of designers, artists and master-craftsmen from all across Morocco. The result is truly spectacular. There are no rooms as such, only three-storey riads, each of which has a private entrance and is completely secluded from the outside world.
There are five different categories of riad, with a lead-in size of 140m². All are spread across three floors, linked by winding staircases and, in some cases, private elevators. The ground floors are for luxurious living, with a courtyard surrounded a living room, bar and in some cases an office and dining room.
Up a flight of marble stairs lie the bedrooms and bathrooms, and all riads are crowned by a private outdoor terrace area complete with a plunge pool, outdoor shower and fireplace for those chilly Moroccan winter evenings. Incredibly, the roofs of the riads also have retractable roofs with rain sensors.
Such state-of-the-art elements are part of the wonder of The Royal Mansour; so authentic is the architecture and design that it is often easy to forget that it is actually a modern, cutting-edge hotel.
So expansive and exclusive are the riads that it may be tempting for guests never to leave. But when they do venture out, guests can discover an array of facilities designed to indulge every desire. The spa, for example, takes guests on sensory journeys including a three-stage, temperature-graded hammam, and private treatment suites with their own plunge pool, hammam, terrace and a hair dressing area.
There are four restaurants, showcasing the finest French, Moroccan, Mediterranean and international cuisine, three refined bars and lounge, and even a library with a telescope, where on clear nights the roof retracts, allowing guests to gaze up at the stars.
As a palace is not simply a home and an artwork is not simply a picture, The Royal Mansour is not simply a hotel. It is an architectural masterpiece that encapsulates the beauty and tradition of Morocco; a showcase of the country’s art, design, culture and heritage.
For guests seeking the ultimate Moroccan experience, a luxurious break from reality or simply somewhere to unwind in seclusion and serenity, The Royal Mansour is truly a world apart.
BOOK THE ROYAL MANSOUR
