Review: Royal Mansour Marrakech – A Retreat Fit for a King

Hidden in a verdant oasis behind ancient city walls, a feeling of calm and tranquillity ensues on entering the Royal Mansour. It feels a million miles away from the velocity of nearby Djemaa el Fna square…

Commissioned and owned by King Mohammed VI, traditional Moroccan architecture and opulent craftsmanship are proudly displayed at this opulent retreat. From the hypnotic water features, grand geometric mosaics and flickering chandeliers that dress the courtyard hub, to enchanting candle-lit rose and lavender clad medina walkways and palatial Riads – wherever you glance there’s a vision of grandeur.

The Spa

Spanning three floors, with a heavenly, light-infused intricate white trellised atrium, the spa at Royal Mansour is a palace in its own right – elegant and serene, with calming water features – facilities include a state of the art Hammam suite, a swimming pool and individual relaxation pods.

Throughout the year global wellbeing experts and therapists (including reflexologists, nutritionists and physiotherapists) gather at the spa for a ‘Wellness Week’ where they perform seminars and one on one therapies with guests. Experience packages include: Invigorating, Purifying or Regenerating – which include a selection of therapies to complement each experience.

Tailor-made treatments include the Moroccan Deep Tissue Massage which begins a relaxing foot ritual, followed by three deep lavender inhalations. Assisted stretching exercises helped to loosen my limbs and relax my back. What followed was one of THE BEST massages I’ve ever experienced – using kneading and pressure point techniques, the therapist managed to work away tension in my scapula that had been there for years. A relaxing hand, head and scalp completed the blissful ritual.

Other Treatments include traditional Hammams, Reflexology, Maroc Pureness Facials, Balneotherapy, Sisley facials, wraps and therapeutic massages.

To Stay

Our abode for the week was a One Bedroom Riad. Towering 3 floors, the palatial pad was literally fit for a king. With a stunning interior of bespoke handcrafted furniture, sumptuous silks, colourful mosaics, a winding staircase leads up to a rooftop plunge pool and outdoor open log fire.

To Eat

Everything feels majestic at Royal Mansour and the restaurants are no exception. At Grande Table Marocaine the ambience sublime and the service impeccable. Renowned and celebrated as one of Morocco’s best eateries Yannick Alléno (a three Michelin star Parisian chef) and his team create an array of gastronomical delights such as poached spiny lobster, with beetroot and citrus, as well as classic briouates and tanginess.

Head to La Table for breakfasts fit for a king, and La Table Franciase for French gourmet cuisine. Be sure to check out Le Bar – a stunning pink gold leaf adorned cocktail bar and lounge.

British Airways flies from London Heathrow Airport to Marrakech from £99 each way, including taxes and fees, and from London Gatwick Airport to Marrakech from £86 each way, including taxes and fees. Please visit www.britishairways.com to book.