Elite Traveler March-April 2016

EXPLORE MARRAKECH

Water Palace PALAIS NAMASKAR

Al Mamoun Suite LA MAMOUNIA

Oetker (owners of Eden Rock in St Barths and The Lanesborough in London, as well as this resort north of the Moroccan capital) know how to do polished glam and indulgence. It reflects its expertise in this extravagant four-bedroom villa with chandeliers, brocade fabrics and open fires, decorated with a mix of contemporary Italian furniture and sleek Balinese wood. A swanky modern kitchen, which can be staffed by hotel chefs or your own, makes entertaining a breeze; a colonnaded pool and pretty gardens with hammocks and umbrellas are a serene backdrop to the architectural turrets and arches, the pinnacle of which is the golden domed ceiling of the master bedroom. Special amenities Bespoke art work (hung to client specification), butlers, spa preferences and party planning – one guest had a replica of Marrakech’s main square, Djemaa el Fna, recreated in the garden, complete with snake charmers, drummers and acrobats. Size 23,680 sq ft Number of bedrooms Four Weekly rate $53,700 Contact Nabil Azerfi, front house manager, +212 524 299 800, nabil.azerfi@palaisnamaskar.com, palaisnamaskar.com

Airport transfers in a classic Daimler set the tone for a stay in the most lavish suite at this classic grand dame hotel, whose legendary return to form was overseen by French doyen of decadence, Jacques Garcia. Al Mamoun has two bedrooms and a refined grandeur with historic artwork and heritage furniture. Butler service and a sceney vibe in the center of the city are part of the allure, as is the terrace overlooking the pool, gardens and view of the Atlas Mountains. Past illustrious guests include Charlie Chaplin and Winston Churchill. Special amenities Champagne and fresh flowers on arrival, all of the hotel’s VIP services, which in the past has included arranging for a jewelry store to be opened at 3am following a guest’s spontaneous marriage proposal. Size 2,282 sq ft Number of bedrooms Two Weekly rate $35,850 Contact Taoufiq Mohamed Ait El Haddad, chief concierge, +212 524 388 600, taitelhaddad@mamounia.com, mamounia.com