Since 1923, La Mamounia has welcomed travellers from all over the world, both unknown and famous, so you can imagine how delighted I was to be invited along to stay at the iconic La Mamounia Marrakech, I visit this stunning hotel every time I’m in the city, the atmosphere is fabulous and the cocktails are divine.
My journey began when I landed at the airport, they have recently opened the new section and it’s quite impressive. I was greeted and whisked through security, no waiting around to get through passport control. I was met by the driver and quickly whisked off, this is an added bonus when you book a driver to meet you at the airport, so if you are visiting its well worth thinking about as the queues can be quite long.
As I walked through the airport doors I could smell the warm air and it felt good to be back. After a short 10 minute drive we reached the gates of the hotel and we entered the driveway of this beautiful palace hotel.
We were greeted then seated in the lounge area and given almond milk and dates, these are served to welcome guests to the hotel in keeping with the Moroccan tradition of hospitality, this may not sound appetising but believe me I don’t even like milk and it is amazing. The smell of orange blossom seems to be everywhere in this hotel as well as jasmine, cedar and powerful leather all of them a delight for the nose.
The history of the establishment stretches as far back as the 12th century, when it stood protected behind the medieval ramparts of Marrakesh. The hotel is inseparably attached to its magnificent gardens, which were gifted to Prince Al Mamoun as a wedding present in the 18th century.
La Mamounia carries with it this prestigious past and its Arabic-Andalusian culture, rich with splendid colours, shapes and materials, which it nurtures and celebrates.
The designer has used beautiful contrasting colours, such as the zellige telework in Majorelle blue, green and orange and this can been seen throughout the hotel, the detail is exquisite with flowing lines of arabesque sculptures, textured and velvety smooth fabrics, and gentle warmth of wood, as well as the subtle, enchanting presence of water in the hotel’s fountains and ponds.
In the past I have visited to have a cocktail with friends in the Churchill bar and I have also sat on the terrace and gazed at the stars, but this time I stayed here and it was perfect.
I enjoyed a stroll in the gardens and walked along the central alley lined with ancient olive trees, you can smell the fragrances of orange blossom or Madagascar periwinkle as you pass the flowerbeds. The gardens of La Mamounia are simply magical. They have a beautiful array of bougainvillea, prickly pears, palm trees, cactuses of all kinds and other fruit trees, including some 1,200 plant species.
I wandered aimlessly around for ages and then followed my stroll with tea at Le Menzeh.
I was pampered with fabulous Spa treatments, I had lunch by the pool people watching and I spent many an afternoon doing absolutely nothing
This is the luxury of this palace hotel. As you enter the hotel you feel the spirit of La Mamounia.
I can honestly say I loved every moment I have spent at La Mamounia . My stay in this beautiful hotel has been amazing and I will be back again for sure. I can’t tell you how relaxing it has been and I have wanted for nothing, everything I could possibly need or want is here.
The grounds are breathtaking and the spa simply stunning.
The service is fantastic in Marrakech but this hotel exceeds all my expectations.
visit www.LaMamounia