Luxury Morocco

Overview

On the eastern edge of Marrakesh’s historic medina, the Royal Mansour is a private enclave built for the king of Morocco that has set new standards for luxury in the city.

There are no suites or rooms here. On arrival, you will be escorted through palatial Alhambra-inspired gardens to your private three-storey riad, one of 53 here. On the ground floor find a central courtyard, living room and bar. Bedrooms (one to four rooms) and bathrooms are on the first floor with a plunge pool and fireplace on a Bedouin tent shaded roof terrace overlooking the city. The larger riads also feature dining rooms, their own swimming pools, steam rooms and private hammam. Each are uniquely decorated and lavishly appointed with fine silks, contemporary art, intricate mosaic and stuccowork, and handmade furniture, a fine blend of tradition and modernity that was the work of some 1200 craftspeople.

Service here is exemplary and discreet. Riads are assigned staff – two bedrooms or more will garner you a personal butler – who reach each residence via a network of underground tunnels, presenting fine meals and the like meaning you need never leave.

A wonder through the rest of this exclusive mini-medina reveals it to be a true architectural masterpiece, with a large outdoor pool, tea lounge, library, art gallery and one of the finest hammam spas in the country. There are also three glamorous bars including a fumoir, and three fabulous restaurant; the relaxed La Table, and two fine dining options, one French and one Moroccan, overseen by three time Michelin star awarded chef Yannick Alléno.

When you do venture out, the excellent concierge team can recommend the best souks, boutiques and galleries, or you can discover the old town by horse and carriage. Special excursions to the mountains and desert beyond can also be arranged.

Overview

The creation of a French theatre producer, the Dar Ahlam offers you a memorable stay at a beautiful 200-year old Kasbah turned oasis retreat.

In the historic village of Skoura, once an important trade post between the Atlas Mountains to the north and the desert to the south, this ornate four-towered fortress now has 14 rooms, some tucked away within the Kasbah itself and others among the lush gardens.

Days here are long, languid and tailored around your whims, with a few magical surprises along the way. Laze around the pool or in the hammam, take a cooking class or explore Skoura on walks and bicycle rides. With a guide and 4×4 you can also venture further afield down scenic valleys to other charming villages, markets and snow-capped mountains. For a truly unforgettable evening, spend a night at one of Dar Ahlam’s private Berber camps out in endless the sands of the Sahara Desert at Dune’s Camp during the winter months or in the aptly named named Valley of the Roses in the summer.

Every meal is a gourmet experience with delicate, innovative takes on Moroccan and international cuisine created by Frederick Grasser-Hermé and desserts dreamed up by French patissier Pierre Hermé. When you eat is entirely up to you and the setting will always be private and never the same, whether in the herb garden, a hidden corner of the Kasbah by lantern or a picnic by a desert oasis.

Overview

A romantic private camp deep into Morocco’s portion of the Sahara on the ancient salt lake of Iriki some five hours south of Dar Ahlam in Skoura, Dune’s Camp is the spot for an unforgettable night in the desert.

Surrounded on all sides by rippling sands that stretch to the horizon, you’ll find your tent set up for you, spacious and airy with a comfortable bed, sitting area and bathroom with reed mats, Berber cushions and vintage furniture.

Enjoy your time here exploring your own corner of this magical landscape before watching the sunset from atop a dune, aperitif in hand. Walk barefoot back to camp along a path of lanterns to a dinner by the campfire under an astonishing night sky, awaking with the first light to a delectable breakfast.

The Dune’s Camp is open during the cooler months from late September to early May (during the summer months, the camp moves to the Valley of Roses) and exclusively used for overnight stays for those staying at Dar Ahlam.

Overview

The creation of a French theatre producer, the Dar Ahlam offers you a memorable stay at a beautiful 200-year old Kasbah turned oasis retreat.

In the historic village of Skoura, once an important trade post between the Atlas Mountains to the north and the desert to the south, this ornate four-towered fortress now has 14 rooms, some tucked away within the Kasbah itself and others among the lush gardens.

Days here are long, languid and tailored around your whims, with a few magical surprises along the way. Laze around the pool or in the hammam, take a cooking class or explore Skoura on walks and bicycle rides. With a guide and 4×4 you can also venture further afield down scenic valleys to other charming villages, markets and snow-capped mountains. For a truly unforgettable evening, spend a night at one of Dar Ahlam’s private Berber camps out in endless the sands of the Sahara Desert at Dune’s Camp during the winter months or in the aptly named named Valley of the Roses in the summer.

Every meal is a gourmet experience with delicate, innovative takes on Moroccan and international cuisine created by Frederick Grasser-Hermé and desserts dreamed up by French patissier Pierre Hermé. When you eat is entirely up to you and the setting will always be private and never the same, whether in the herb garden, a hidden corner of the Kasbah by lantern or a picnic by a desert oasis.

Overview

In the rugged foothills of the High Atlas Mountains, the Kasbah Tamadot – meaning soft breeze in Berber – is a stunning luxury retreat in a valley just an hour from the bustling Marrakesh.

The expansive estate can be divided into four main areas. The original Kasbah building contains 15 original rooms, indoor pool, spa, library, tented Asmoun Lounge and a stunning courtyard reflection pool. Lovingly restored from what was once a crumbling fortress, the unique rooms feature a smattering of antiques, many with private balconies or terraces, and the best located for views of the valley and Atlas Mountains.

Next to this is the fabulous heated outdoor swimming pool (ideal for winter dips), hot tub, amphitheatre, sundeck, gym, spa treatment room and a collection of fruit trees.

On the other side of the pool, find the Master Suite, a miniature version of the main Kasbah with three bedrooms and a private pool, an ideal set up for families.

Beyond this are extensive gardens, tennis courts and the 10 Berber Tents. Sitting on decking overlooking the valley below and mountains beyond. All are sumptuous and six have their own jacuzzi.

The Kanoun Restaurant serves delicious local and international cuisine and, if the weather suits, you can dine al fresco by the pool or on the rooftop terrace. There’s also an intimate fireside bar where you can try the local Moroccan wines.

This is a great place to simply relax after time in the city but there’s plenty on offer to keep you busy too. You can learn the secrets of Berber cooking with relaxed culinary classes, visit to the local craft houses in the neighbouring villages supported by the Eve Branson Foundation, trek along the river or up mountains on a range of trails or get acquainted with our resident mules, Peppermint, Peanut and Paprika, before a ride around the property. On warmer evenings Kasbah Tamadot hosts cinema nights where you can watch a selection of Moroccan inspired films in the open-air under the stars. Children of all ages are welcome and a range of activities can be tailored to suit each child.