Simply put, La Mamounia is a visual experience and the ultimate place for relaxing in Marrakech.
If you've ever wanted to experience what living like a Moroccan royal and experience life in the luxe lane, this is where you can make it happen. Just a stone's throw away from the Medina, this 5 star hotel overflows with decadence and is the perfect oasis to recharge after exploring the intense and chaotic souks. It has it all - glorious architecture, fine dining, a spa and rooms worthy of a king, beautiful lush gardens, exceptional customer service; but it will cost you. As you can image, its price tag is also that worthy of royalty, so instead of breaking the bank, I decided to skip out on staying nightly and visit during the day.
My wallet thanked me.
THE SPA
To be honest, the spa is what first caught my attention about the hotel (thanks Instagram!). No visit to La Mamounia is complete without a visit to it's luxurious wellness center. The traditional Moroccan Hamman and signature treatments using exceptional local products like argan oil, ghassoul, and savon noir were highlights. After you indulge in one of their treatments, take a dip in their iconic pool to unwind. Such a treat.
a few things to know
- The iconic hotel has a history stretching as far back as the 12th century, when it stood protected behind the medieval ramparts of Marrakesh. The legendary gardens, were gifted to Prince Al Mamoun as a wedding present in the 18th century, and since 1923 has welcomed known and unknown guests such as Winston Churchill, Franklin Roosevelt, and myself (lol).
- For dining, you have your choice among the clearly named restaurants: Moroccan, for traditional cuisine in a restored Riyadh; French for a fusion of French and Asian flavors; and Italian for a kitchen with products welcomed from the garden hotel.
- You can buy the signature hotel fragrance (jasmine, cedar, date, and orange blossom) in their gift shop. Definitely worth the money, as the luxurious scent is one of the first things you notice when you enter the hotel.
- While I personally did not stay in the rooms, you have the option to choose a room that overlooks the Koutoubia or the Atlas Mountains. They also offer guests a choice of one of three Riad suites right in the heart of their gardens.
the architecture
Inspired by the Moorish elements, the architecture at La Mamounia takes the proverbial cake. With lush textiles, sparkling water fountains, epic tile-work, and exceptional woodwork, there's no corner of this property that wont visually stimulate you. One of my favorite parts of the hotel are the open courtyards that boast lush plants, glass lanterns, and Zellige ornate pillars.
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FINAL THOUGHTS
La Mamounia embodies every Moroccan fantasy and daydream you've every had - and then some. There's decadent food, there's glamour, there's exceptional service, and a luxurious spa; what more could you ask for? And while I wouldn't particularly recommend basing yourself there exclusively during your time in Marrakech (it is very expensive. But if you got it like that, go forth and flourish!), it is definitely a place you'll want to spend at least one afternoon treating yourself.
It's truly a work of art.
