Set within the 12-century ramparts surrounding the old medina in Marrakech, La Mamounia is a magical Moroccan style property which has been fully restored by acclaimed Parisian designer Jacques Garcia to its former glory. Having re-opened in 2009, the legendary hotel permanently plays hosts international royalty, politicians, celebrities, and is at the top of the bucket list of every major jet setter [if they have not already visited]. Featuring a 27,000 sq. foot spa, five bars, three signature restaurants, millions of hand-cut tiles, wood-marquetry walls, hundreds of handmade lanterns, complete with intricate arabesques based on Berber and Arab-Andalusian traditions — it’s easy to lose yourself to the magic of La Mamounia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Directeur Général Pierre Jochem tells KDHamptons, “La Mamounia is an oasis in the heart of the city of Marrakech, within the historic old city walls. The hotel has a soul and character that one feels from the moment they enter. Our 700 year old garden creates a very special atmosphere landscaped with jasmine, orange, olives and palm trees, and the discreet aroma of cedar and rosewood lingers everywhere.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Executive Director Denys Courtier and Kelli Delaney

 

 

 

“La Mamounia is a mythical place because of its history. Since 1923, La Mamounia has been an iconic destination for luxury and elegance lovers around the world. Thousands of extraordinary anecdotes have happened within its walls,” shares Executive Director, Denys Courtier [above].

 

 

 

 

 

 

ROOMS, SUITES, AND RIADS: The decadent suites at La Mamounia offer views of the majestic Koutoubia Mosque, expansive gardens, or the Atlas Mountains. My personal choice for standout suites are: Al Mamoun [above] which offers splendorous, decadent palace inspired decor, or for a more romantic respite, book the Baldaquin Suite; a creamy dreamy fantasy suite with a giant scalloped canopy bed [below].

 

 

 

 

 

 

My beautiful Majorelle Suite, laden with textures, tiles, and Moroccan design details.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPER SPA TIME: Inspired by an intoxicating blend of Moroccan and Eastern culture, the 27,000-sq-ft Spa La Mamounia featuring a large indoor heated pool, Jacuzzi, 9 treatment rooms, 6 outdoor massage cabins, a gym, 2 Hammams and a spa suite. Over 80 treatments are offered, I wisely chose the two hour Royal Hammam ritual which is a deep cleansing and nourishing treatment starting with a skin preparation in the steam room, followed by a black olive marmalade soap application all over the body, warm shower, a full body scrub using a special glove called “Kessa”, and then finishes with a Rhasoul mask form the Atlas mountains to purify the skin and massage. Heaven!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spa Director Aude Koch shares, “The Spa of La Mamounia is a peaceful sanctuary, designed and decorated to make its guests live a real sensory experience. We have five signature ingredients used to create La Mamounia products: Rose flowers, Orange flowers, Ghassoul clay, Black soap and Argan oil, which make our spa experience and treatments so unique.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

DINING AT LA MAMOUNIA: The hotel’s three signature restaurants boast authentic Moroccan, French and Italian cuisine in intimate settings that stay true to the menus’ origins. Here are my top dining tips & details on each:

 

 

 

 

* Breakfast: Start your day with a bountiful poolside buffet and social scene at the Pavillon de la Piscine

 

* Two-Michelin-star chef Don Alfonso is the mastermind behind the exquisite farm to table menu at L’Italien incorporating ingredients from the hotel’s own organic vegetable garden. The handmade fettucini with white truffles were the talk of the table.

 

 

 

 

* Cocktails at the Moroccan Bar at La Mamounia [above]. Possibly one of the most anticipated parts of the day? Ladies, break out your best Roberto Cavalli caftans, Valentino Rockstud stillies, fancy Fendi clutches, and chandelier earrings for this sexy see-and-be-seen velvet covered lounge. A flute of rosé champagne before and after dinner is de rigueur dahling.

 

 

 

 

* Dinner at Le Marocain was my favorite experience for local flavors and classic Moroccan tagines. With its Riad concept, Le Marocain is set amid palm and olive trees, tables are tucked in discreet alcoves creating an intimate atmosphere for enjoying the renowned menu of modern Moroccan delights. Got an adventurous palate? Ask your server to suggest a tasting of some local delicacies [above]. A bite of lamb’s brain, perhaps?

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Marrakech is a magical city: its colors, smells and views are uniquely beautiful. When I arrived I discovered the legendary warmness and generosity of its people. I love the view when the sky is blue and you can see the snow capped Atlas mountains at the same time the beautiful palm trees,” shares Denys Courtier.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOCAL ACTIVITIES: The average temps in Marrakech this time of year are 72°F during the day and 55°F at night. Only a ten minute walk from La Mamounia, I loved shopping the myriad stalls of the Djemma el-Fna souk, where Moroccan artisans offer: spices, leather goods, antiques, rugs, lanterns & lighting, jewelry, apothecary & herbal potions, tiles, silverware, soaps, linens, caftans, and more. As you enter the souk prepare for a performance of snake charmers, musicians, and traditionally dressed Berbers who will happily take photos with you [and expect to be tipped FYI]. The local currency is the Moroccan dirham, and if you’re a good haggler you can get the vendors to cut their prices by 50%.

 

 

 

My friend Marco Larsen had no problem charming the cobras and pythons in the souk.

 

 

 

A visit to the Yves Saint Laurent’s Jardin Marjorelle is a must-see. Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé discovered the glorious Jardin Majorelle in 1966, during their first stay in Marrakech, and bought in 1980, saving it from becoming a hotel complex. Deciding to live in the Villa Bou Saf Saf, which they renamed Villa Oasis, the design duo undertook the arduous restoration of the garden in order to preserve the vision of its original curator, artist Jacques Majorelle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS: [All can be arranged by La Mamounia]

* Drive to the valley village of Imlil, a rural enclave lined with lively cafés, restaurants and gift shops in the High Atlas Mountains, 40 miles south of Marrakech.

* A desert picnic in a Berber tent at La Pause, or Scarabeo Camp in the Agafay Desert

* Day trips to the silver markets of tiznit or a mosaic and zillij tile insider tour

* Private Caftan showing by Haute Couture designer Frédérique Birkemeyer

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Rooftop lunch at Terrace des Epices. [above] The food is fantastic, and so is the people watching.

 

 

 

* Nightlife: bô-zin is the hottest restaurant in town [below]. It reminded me of being in Paris during fashion week: an army of leggy models strewn across banquets, a famous DJ, and flowing champagne. TIP: Take a disco nap in the afternoon, the scene here is just starting at 11pm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

GETTING THERE: On this trip, I flew Qatar Airways, which was voted Best Business Class of the Year for 2014. Undergoing rapid expansion, this five-star airline boasts one of the youngest fleets of Airbus, Dreamliner, and Boeing air crafts. With 180-degree horizontal flat beds in First and Business Class, including “turn-down” service with a feather bed covering [while you change into cozy Qatar pajamas], WIFI, personal On Demand touch screen 26 inch LCD TVs, and dining menus curated by top international Michelin star chefs including Nobu and Tom Aikens, it’s pretty easy to enjoy your airtime.

 

 

During my layover waiting to fly to Abu Dhabi to visit my sister, I took a dip in the pool followed by a deep tissue massage.

 

 

Michelin Star Indian chef Vineet Bhatia created the menu for our flight home.

 

 

I flew through Hamad International Airport in Doha which is a fantasy land for architecture fanatics. Spread out over two levels, the Al Mourjan Business Lounge is the equivalent to the size of 10 Olympic size pools, can accommodate up to 1,000 visitors at a time, offers many sumptuous dining options, 15m x 7m infinity pool water feature, private quiet rooms, game rooms for children offering PlayStation pods and an F1 driving simulator. Long layover? Check into the Qatar Airport hotel & spa [which is located inside the terminal] for a massage, dip in the swimming pool & jacuzzi, work out in the gym, or book one of the squash courts with your travel buddy.