Stunning interiors, superb chef cuisine and unmissable of’fez’ – following recent announcements to lift the Moroccan travel ban, it’s time to book your flights and make a beeline for these beautiful properties
1 Kasbah Tamadot, High Atlas Mountains
Kasbah Tamadot – Sir Richard Branson’s luxurious Moroccan retreat in the beautiful High Atlas Mountains – is welcoming back guests with open arms and an enticing offer – guests who book a three-night stay between February and end of May 2022 can enjoy an extra night for free, with 20% off all food and beverage alongside.
Placing Morocco firmly back on the map as a must-visit destination for 2022, Kasbah Tamadot offers the perfect location for ultimate relaxation and cultural awakening, with the bonus of being named as the Best Resort Hotel in North Africa and the Middle East four times.
Located in Asni, the stunning and secluded hotel is just a 45-minute drive south of Marrakech Airport and has 28 rooms and suites in total, each boasting its own unique style and featuring artifacts from around the world.
Accessed through the hotel’s herb and vegetable garden, the luxurious Berber tented suites are perfect for those looking for authenticity with a little more privacy, offering stunning views of the Atlas Mountains, king-size beds, large soaking tubs with mountain views and private terraces for outdoor dining.
Relax by visiting the spa for traditional Hammam treatments or unwind in horizontal fashion by the hotel’s infinity pool, set against a beautiful mountain backdrop – there’s also tennis, cookery lessons and private dining under the stars to choose from. Not forgetting teamaking with Mohammed, the hotel’s personal teamaker who can teach guests how to make authentic Moroccan mint tea.
Start the adventure
Wallet: Rates to stay at Kasbah Tamadot start from MAD 6,000 per room per night, based on two adults sharing a double room, including breakfast. An all-inclusive option is also available. The entire property can be hired exclusively for private use and in these instances, rates are all inclusive.
How: For more info on current offers at Kasbah Tamadot visit virginlimitededition.com. For bookings, please call 0800 716 919 or + 44 (0) 208 600 0430. Alternatively email enquiries@virginlimitededition.com
2 El Fenn, Marrakech
Grab your most Instagrammable outfit and book that long-awaited foray to exotic Marrakech. Ideal for something chic, stay at boutique El Fenn, one of the Red City’s coolest hotels which underwent an extensive expansion project last year.
With its trademark blend of cool and a distinct feeling of home-away-from-home, El Fenn offers the perfect base from which to explore the city’s sights or to hide away, relaxing in the bounteous cosy nooks and enjoying its exceptional hospitality. What’s more, February is a great time to visit with highs of 20ºC by day – perfect for stocking up on Vitamin D and treats from the souks – with an extra special deal on until the end of February to enjoy alongside*.
A hidden gem, set in the heart of Marrakech’s medina, El Fenn boasts photogenic vistas of colonnaded balconies with billowing drapes, sun-dappled courtyards, lantern-lit trails and a family of friendly tortoises, as well as a labyrinth of stunning suites in a striking colour palette, one of the hotel’s defining features. No filter required when it comes to this snap-able stay.
Explore multiple facilities in the 12 connecting traditional courtyard houses, with an array of inviting pools, a stylish boutique, an indulgent spa with hammam, two bars and a restaurant.
The real jewel however, is El Fenn’s vast roof terrace. An oasis tucked away from the outside bustle, with its panoramic views of the Marrakech cityscape and the Atlas Mountains beyond, you’ll find it hard to tear yourself away from the delicious cocktails and multiple sunbathing opportunities.
Start the adventure
Wallet: A double room at El Fenn, including breakfast and afternoon tea, starts from €385 per night.
How: Find out more and make a booking via el-fenn.com or phone 00212 524 44 1210.
*Or opt for a 2-night package with savings of up to 20% – price from €660 (or €330pp based on 2 sharing) including 2 nights’ B&B accommodation, welcome drinks, afternoon tea, an El Fenn Signature lunch for 2, a 40-minute massage or Hammam for 2, and airport transfers. Valid for bookings from 7-28 Feb 2022.
Images credited to El Fenn: Cecile Perrinet and Mitchell van Voorbergen
3 Le Farnatchi, Marrakech
Comprising ten beautifully designed suites set across six merchant houses, Le Farnatchi is a haven of calm found just moments from the buzz of the medina. A glittering emerald courtyard pool welcomes guests upon arrival, in addition to a rooftop dining area and gardens with views overlooking the city and Atlas Mountains.
Ideal for foodies, park up for platefuls at restaurant Le Trou Au Mur, located directly opposite the hotel. Translating as ‘Hole In The Wall,’ the restaurant (which acts as both an extension of Le Farnatchi and a dining destination in itself) focuses on the authentic, proudly serving dishes rarely seen outside of private Moroccan homes, using traditional cooking techniques such as clay mechoui ovens.
There’s no point in traveling all that way without the necessary pampering too – let off steam (literally) in the Farnatchi Spa, comprising two marble hammams with vaulted ceilings. A wide range of treatments and therapies are on offer, including Morocco’s traditional Hammam experience.
A perk of this beautiful stay is the hotel’s dedication to personalised service – the team can arrange an array of memorable experiences, tailored to each guest’s desires. Marvel at a magical night under the stars in the desert, followed by a sunrise hot air balloon – whilst families can embark on an exhilarating sidecar ride around the medina for something a little closer to earth.
Le Farnatchi is available to rent in its entirety sleeping up to 20 guests, and with a fantastic programme of activities for all, is well suited for family and friends seeking a celebratory reunion.
Start the adventure
How: Rates at Le Farnatchi start from approximately £268 per night including breakfast and airport transfers. Book directly via lefarnatchi.com
March departures: Red Savannah (01242 787 800, http://www.redsavannah.com) offers a 3-night stay at Le Farnatchi in a Standard Suite from £1,041 per person including daily breakfast, airport transfers and return Economy Class flights from London Heathrow to Marrakech.
June/July departures: Red Savannah (01242 787 800, http://www.redsavannah.com) offers a 3-night stay at Le Farnatchi in a Standard Suite from £722 per person including daily breakfast, airport transfers and return Economy Class flights from London Gatwick to Marrakech.
4 Es Saadi Marrakech, Marrakech
Set in the tranquillity of the sprawling sun-dappled gardens, five-star Es Saadi Marrakech Resort is ideal for a stay of restoration.
Having scooped the title of 2019’s Best Unique Experience Spa in northern Africa and Middle-east, the Es Saadi Palace Spa boasts not only sprawling spa facilities, but 2 high-tech, bright and airy fitness studios, one for fitness, yoga and Pilates and the other for weights and cardio training.
Built to surround a majestic, 100-year-old eucalyptus tree, guests have an array of activities and classes at their fingertips including body conditioning, aqua spinning and core training to exercise both physical and mental wellness.
Es Saadi Marrakech Resort is an oasis of Moroccan splendour in the heart of Marrakech’s Golden Triangle. Looking out onto the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, near the bustling souks and Jemaa El Fnaa square, this majestic palace offers 92 suites and 10 private luxury villas dotted around the gardens, as well as 8 Ksars (two-storey Berber-style cottages well suited to families) surrounding the pool.
Their 2400 square metre lagoon-swimming pool is the largest in the city, with an immersed palm tree and the resort boasts a 3,000sqm award winning spa set over three floors which boasts the only Dior Institut outside of Paris.
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How: Find out more and make a booking via essaadi.com
5 Selman Marrakech
At the foot of the Atlas Mountains, stands an elegant palace with a unique atmosphere: Selman Marrakech. Designed by Jacques Garcia, Selman Marrakech seduces with its timeless harmony and dreamy desert setting. One night here, and you’ll leave feeling like an A-lister.
The property offers 55 rooms and suites and 5 private riads with a private swimming pool and butler service, meticulously executed. It also boats the longest heatable swimming pool of 80m long plus a trio of drool-inducing restaurants.
Marvel at the in-house locals – AKA the beautiful thoroughbred Arabian horses found roaming around the palace grounds. As well as exquisite views throughout, Selman Marrakech’s spa, Spa Chenot is a tribute to oriental wellbeing and a must-try for fans of the specific and unique Chenot Method. Grace, beauty and style – when can we check-in?
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How: Find out more and make a booking via selman-marrakech.com
