41 ESCAPE


THE ROYAL MANSOUR, MARRAKECH The monumental entrance to the Royal Mansour


is testimony to local craftsmanship: traditional cedarwood, chiselled metal and sculpted plasterwork. Like the famous Bab el Khemis (“Thursday Gate”) in Meknes, the hotel entrance promises “health, wealth and prosperity”. It’s hard to believe that this fabled hotel has only


been in existence since 2010, as it reflects the essence of Moroccan tradition. Owned by King Mohammed VI, it’s fit for royalty, the lofty and the extravagant. But how do you set yourself apart in a magical area of


the world with no shortage of world-class hotels? Firstly, 1 200 local artisans helped create the


design, which took more than three years to build. The property contains over 1,5ha of gardens, pools and day pavilions that nestle the 53 individual multi- floor riads, small private townhouses built around a central courtyard. Each riad comprises three floors where guests can


relax in their own living room, bedroom and rooftop that boasts a pool and sun loungers. The beauty lies in the detail: the geometric mosaic tiling, carved wooden ceilings and 350 sets of curtains which are caressed by hand to create perfect pleats. Then there’s the privacy aspect and discreet


nature of the hotel. Beds are quickly and efficiently made, breakfast laid out and plates whisked away without the guests ever encountering a member of staff. The king himself uses the hotel for his royal and diplomatic guests, with Hillary Clinton, John Legend and Sam Smith among those who’ve stayed there. And while you may be forgiven for not wanting


to leave the seclusion of the riad, the Royal Mansour can arrange a trip into the Atlas Mountains, Bedouin- tented dinners under the stars, camel rides across the dunes, hot-air balloon rides at sunrise or horse-and- carriage rides around secret corners of the medina. Did you know? Each floor of the riad has a back door through which the butler or room service staff enter and leave. This leads to a network of underground tunnels, accessed only by staff using golf carts to ensure the utmost discretion. The tunnels were constructed first, with the hotel then built over the underground labyrinth. www.royalmansour.com


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