Elite Traveler HRS 2018-2019

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EXPLORE The Kid’s Kasbah will put a smile on your children’s faces through creative activities enjoyed in a playful atmosphere. Nestled at the heart of the resort’s farm and the chef’s vegetable gardens, the kids club is the perfect spot to introduce your little ones to nature. There is a choice of activities including cooking classes with the chef, playing with animals or gardening. An environmentally aware approach is at the core of all the teachings. Children will discover Moroccan heritage and local traditions through diverse and fun cultural workshops, including Berber carpet weaving and Arabic calligraphy. RELAX The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech A sanctuary of well-being, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech was designed by French duo Gilles & Boissier, who took inspiration from the architecture of cathedrals and historic mosques in Andalusia. The sun-drenched entrance opens onto a pool and fountain, engendering a cool and soothing atmosphere, while Marrakech’s ubiquitous red bricks cover the walls and columns. The overall effect lends a warm and elegant atmosphere to this temple of well-being where the architecture and layout are designed around the five elements and play with the five senses. A corridor with arches that seem to go on forever winds through the spa, and eventually leads to a heated 750-sq-ft indoor pool with majestic views of the gardens. With a total area of 19,380 sq ft, the spa has six treatment rooms, including a couple’s and a single spa suite — each with vitality bath — and a Thai treatment room, featuring a private garden where guests can choose to enjoy treatments next to the olive tree. Two luxurious Moroccan hammams dedicated to the traditional black soap scrub, hairdresser, beauty salon (with pedicure and manicure studios), yoga studio and modern fitness center complete the experience. Contact Malika Rojhani, spa director, mrojhani@mohg.com, +212 666 205 990 Mes’Lalla restaurant serves fine international cuisine combined with traditional Moroccan gastronomy exquisitely prepared by chef Salim Ait Ezzine. Very detail-oriented, chef Ait Ezzine works with organic products grown in the vegetable garden. Signature dishes are the creamy risotto made with Acquerello rice, thickened with pumpkin and black truffle oil, and Atlantic sea bass fillet braised with aromatic herbs and vegetables. The dessert menu, a signature of chef Charaf El Boujlaidi, is composed of light sweets and pastries. An eclectic wine list complements the menu via a fine collection of red, white and rosé Moroccan wines, as well as a selection of Lebanese, Italian, Spanish and French bottles. DINE Mes’Lalla

The Mandarin Pool Villa

MANDARIN ORIENTAL , MARRAKECH MARRAKECH, MOROCCO Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech marks the debut of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in Africa. A modern and elegant resort nestled in the heart of 49 acres of olive groves and gardens featuring 100,000 fragrant roses, the property celebrates rich Moroccan heritage through subtle Berber references. The resort redefines luxury hospitality in the Red City by way of accommodation made up solely of private villas and suites set in lush greenery. A new dining experience comes through four restaurants and bars. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech offers renowned signature treatments, as well as treatments inspired by Moroccan traditions. The luxury experience is completed by the group’s unparalleled service, allied to the best traditions and hospitality of the Moroccan Kingdom. CONTACT Jean Philippe Moser, general manager, jpmoser@mohg.com, +212 666 042 168

STAY Mandarin Pool Villa Size 3,100 sq ft Nightly rate from $880

AWARDS & RATINGS Forbes Five-Star Award 2018

Offering a contemporary take on a traditional riad, villas are entered via a walled courtyard with heated pool. The sumptuous master bedroom has a bathroom with round bath and shower, and opens out to the private pool and Jacuzzi. There is also a spacious living area. Each villa has decor influenced by both Berber and Arab- Andalusian elements. Interiors showcase authentic Moroccan touches such as tadelakt -plastered walls etched with Berber motifs, handwoven rugs from Rabat and delicate lattice work.

Route du Golf Royal Marrakech Morocco mandarinoriental.com

Photo George Apostolidis