Marrakech is renowned for it’s bustling markets and medinas full of wonderful trinkets and it’s delicious Moroccan restaurants and street food. If however you prefer to escape the hustle and bustle then Marrakech’s Mandarin Oriental is the hottest new location in the city and offers a wonderful calmness in opulent surroundings.
The medinas really are the place for a bargain but be prepared to haggle for a good price. Never be too keen. If you feel that the buyer is asking too much then be prepared to walk away. If your offer is fair then they will no doubt chase after you and agree to your price. You can find all kinds of fragrant spices, teas and beautiful jewellery and gemstones among other things. The medina became popular in the 1920’s and today is visited by people from all across the globe in search of cultural experiences and hand made treasures, carpets and keep sakes.
Djemaa el Fna, the main square is a little more low key and is best visited in the evening when things start to come alive and is filled with various musicians, monkeys and food stalls to keep you both nourished, sated and entertained.
You’ll definitely want to visit the old city if you enjoy absorbing some of the local culture. This is where you can visit Medersa Ben Youssef, a grand 16th century building with beautiful architecture . The Andalusian Arabic Bahia Palace is also a beautiful place to visit and is awe inspiring in it’s magnificence.
Now, onto your tranquil haven of peace – The Mandarin Oriental. Just ten minutes from the city, the hotel is set amongst 20 acres of land is quite a sight to behold. Olive trees line the grounds and a sense of calm descends upon ones being. Take a walk through the fragrant rose gardens and look upon the dazzling scapes of the Atlas mountains. It’s a glorious place to soak up the ambience with a loved one.
You can choose to stay in a suite in the main block or book your own private villa. The villas are exceptionally spacious and you will have your own private grounds, a hot tub and swimming pool. The interiors are decorated in a modern day Moroccan style and tastefully decorated. The garden is quite magical with large lanterns to light the way on your romantic evening. The white day beds are sumptuous and inviting and you’ll want to fall into them and gaze at the stars.
By night, the streets of Marrakesh are dreamy and inspiring with low hanging lanterns creating an air of romanticism and sweet aromas fill the air.
The hotels signature restaurant Mes’Lalla offers an absolute taste sensation to it’s privileged guests who can choose from succulent dishes such as fresh sea bass and squid cannelloni.
The hotel spa is an absolute dream with soft lounge areas and a big fireplace. Many guests choose to relax here and read or nap in the peaceful surroundings. Choose from a whole myriad of relaxing treatments which take place in the private gardens. The Mandarin Oriental is a place of beauty where you will be treated to amazing panoramic views, the most amazing sensory experiences and best of all – absolute tranquility.
