IN FOCUS
MARRAKECH I
t’s no exaggeration to say that hoteliers from Marrakech’s raft of upscale hotels are elated about the
return of British Airways to the capital of Morocco’s south and gateway to the snow-covered Atlas Mountains. It’s been three years since the sale of British Airways’ subsidiary GB Airways to easyJet, and the inaugural fl ight of British Airways’ new three-times-weekly two-class service from London Gatwick on March 27 was greeted with delight. Marrakesh is one of the world’s iconic cities and boasts an increasing number of upscale properties that expect to benefi t greatly from the new BA service. A typical response was that of Josep
M. Alaves, director of Revenue and Market Analysis at the famous city-centre La Mamounia hotel where Winston Churchill passed a number of winters. “British Airways’ return is fantastic. The problem we've had with British guests at this level is that we had only easyJet. Having an airline with business class brings the kind of market we want.” This was a view reinforced by the
British Airways is again fl ying to Morocco's best-known tourism city, Marrakech, to the delight of everyone, not least the city’s upscale hoteliers, says Alan Orbell
Moroccan Tourist Office’s director for UK & Ireland, Ali El Kasmi. “Although many easyJet customers were booking fi ve-star accommodation, there are still some people who demand business class and full service. “The return of British Airways will mean a great deal. A lot of people are linked to BA and like to go where BA fl ies to; these are customers who don’t want to be seen fl ying with the same people as fl y easyJet and Ryanair.” Even without BA, some 475,000
British visitors travelled to Morocco in 2010, a 26% increase on the year before. According to Ali El Kasmi the tourist offi ce is looking for a 15/20% increase in 2011. “January alone was up 18% but the impact of events in Tunisia and Egypt has seen a slowing in bookings. However we have more new hotels coming including a Four Seasons opening in June.” Somewhat older, and fi rst opened in
1923, La Mamounia closed in 2006 for three years and has re-emerged with fewer rooms and a still more luxurious
Marrakech is just about the most exotic
place you can get to in three hours. The return of British Airways opens up a whole new market for agents to sell
property offering 136 rooms, 71 suites (including Churchill’s with a rack rate from £2500 per night!) and three villas. It’s been brought back to its original idea of representing a Moroccan palace (
www.mamounia.com). More upmarket still is the Royal Mansour, which opened in 2010 and takes tasteful opulence to a whole new level (the hotel's lead-in rack rate is around £1384 per night).
Also in the city centre, The Royal
Mansour is a stunning property of 53 riads (the name given to Moroccan houses, built around an open courtyard) which have been designed and furnished to the very highest standard. From the ground fl oor courtyard with its tinkling fountain through to the plunge pool, sun loungers and tented area on the second fl oor, even the entry level riad offers exemplary accommodation. Including the spacious dressing and storage rooms, kitchenette, and luggage room, a one-bedroom riad actually boasts some 14 ‘rooms’. A lavish spa, swimming pool, two gastronomic restaurants under the supervision of a Michelin three-star Parisian chef, an al fresco restaurant and bars complete the picture. Another upscale property, a short
drive away from the city centre, is Aman Resorts' Amanjena. The Amanjeena offers 32 Pavilions, six two-storey Maisons and the Al Hamra Maison, all radiating from the ancient basin (irrigation pool) at the resort's heart. It features two restaurants (Moroccan/
Mediterranean and Thai), a 33-metre swimming pool, two-storey library, spa and two golf courses, one next door (
www.amanresorts.com). Back in the city, just walking distance
from the huge Jemâa el Fna Square, the Hivernage Hotel & Spa offers 85 rooms/ suites. Other features include La Table du Marche restaurant, swimming pool and a roof-top bar with distant views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. The group is also opening Pure by Hivernage this summer, a boutique hotel with 69 suites and spa village. (
www.hivernage-hotel.com).
Above: The pool in the Royal Mansour and a riad beyond Bottom Left: The leisurely way to see Marrakech
One great recommendation to get an
unforgettable 'overview' of Marrakech and the nearby Atlas Mountains is to take a Ciel d'Afrique hot-air balloon ride. (
www.cieldafrique.info/anglais) Marrakech is just about the most exotic place you can get to in three hours; it’s as close as fl ying to Rome but offers a completely different atmosphere. The return of British Airways opens up a whole new market for agents to sell.
FACTFILE 23
Where To Book It Seasons
01244 202 000;
www.seasons.co.uk The operator is offering seven nights at the Royal Mansour from £4595pp including British Airways Club fl ights, private transfers and accommodation in a one-bedroom riad with breakfast.
Who Flies There BA
British Airways’ new service is being operated by a mix of two-class Boeing 737s and Airbus A319s departing Gatwick each Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday at 13.05 arriving in Marrakech at 15.35. The return departs at 16.20 to reach Gatwick at 20.55. Return fares start from £158.90.
23
Other fl ights into Marrakesh are offered by: easyJet, Ryanair, Royal Air Maroc (via Casablanca) and, from April 1, bmi too.
www.shortbreaksholidays.com • May/June 2011 17
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