Marrakech part III

Marrakech is one of the places where it is hard to choose a hotel... there are just so many beautiful options! Some date back to the 18th or 19th century, when wealthy Moroccans constructed private retreats (riads) within the labyrinth of the inner city, the Medina.  A riad is typically surrounded by an unassuming brick or mud wall, but when you step inside, a little paradise unfolds... you'll find mansions or small palaces which open their windows and balconies onto tranquil and shaded courtyards, or a fragrant garden filled with rose and orange blossom scents.

Many of Marrakech's hotels are former riads, and for a good reason... after spending your day in the bustling and vibrant town, there is nothing more restorative than getting back to an oasis where you can listen to the soothing sound of a trickling fountain, or wander in a beautiful and peaceful garden.

The La Mamounia and the Royal Mansour took my breath away more than any other place.. the La Mamounia because of its elegance and history, and the Royal Mansour because it's a modern day testimony to Morocco's centuries old traditional arts and crafts. Regardless if you visit to spend the night, or if you go to enjoy a dinner or drinks... you'll be spellbound by the exquisiteness and magic of these places.

LA MAMOUNIA

The La Mamounia has been the grand old dame of Marrakech for almost a hundred years, and its history is as rich as the (frequently updated) opulent and elegant interior. It opened in a glitzy ceremony in 1923, but the roots go back much further.. the 20 acre garden was once owned by the 18th century Prince Mamoun, who received it as a wedding present from his father, the Sultan of Morocco. Mamoun famously hosted extraordinary parties in his park, and when the hotel was build, it was named after the prince who the grounds once belonged to. Winston Churchill was a regular (he described it as 'the most lovely spot in the world') and Jacques Majorelle painted the ceiling of one of the dining rooms.

The beautiful and intricate geometric mosaics which decorate La Mamounia's columns, water features, walls and panels are called zellij. The making of these geometric patterns with enamel glazed terracotta shapes is an art form dating back centuries, and the knowledge and savoir faire is passed on from generation to generation of experienced craftsmen.

The basis of my travel wardrobe consisted of black, white and cream pieces, which made for uncomplicated mixing and matching, and resulted in endless possible outfit combinations.

A few colored prints and accessories provided accents and variety, and all in all everything was light and easy to pack.

a beautiful cedar wood ceiling, painted and decorated by hand.

Capsule pieces: 1 dress, 8 shirts/tunics/tops, 4 pairs of trousers

Accessories: 9 bracelets, 4 wool/silk stoles (click here), 3 silk twill 90 carrés, 3 pendant and tassel necklaces (click here) plus various earrings and scarf/shawl rings.

Shoes: six pairs

My bracelets travelled in the new MaiTai Collection jewellery case. The six individual interior pockets have soft padded backings, so even fragile items (such as enamel bracelets) can be stored and transported safely. You can fit up to four more bracelets or other small jewellery items in the spaces between the pockets. The case comes out later this autumn, and will be available in four colors (gris, lilac, taupe and rose)

ROYAL MANSOUR

The Royal Mansour is so much more than an amazing luxury hotel, it is a breathtakingly beautiful testimony to Moroccan and Arab art and craftsmanship. It was build in 2009 by King Mohammed VI, who oversaw every detail of the construction. Artisanal crafts have been supported by Morocco's monarchs throughout history, and when building the Royal Mansour, King Mohammed employed a team of 1500 master craftsmen (maâlems)  over a period of three years. For an undisclosed budget, he created a place of utter perfection with unimaginable attention to detail.... the walls, ceilings and columns are decorated with intricately sculpted plasterwork (gebs), zellij mosaics, ornately carved or painted cedar wood, tadelakt surfacing, marble tiles and marquetry panels. Gates and arches showcase complex iron, white metal and marble lattice work. Suede wall coverings, sumptuous silk tapestries and embroidered drapes add color and and warmth, and light filters through carved wooden shutters or stained glass windows...

a detail of the columns above

Capsule pieces: black trousers and cream silk shirt

Accessories: Hermes clic-H enamel bracelet in black, MaiTai Collection wool/silk stole in gris perle (click here) and tassel necklace in noir/argent (click here)

Shoes: Belle Vivier by Roger Vivier.

La Mamounia: Avenue Prince Moulay Rachid, Marrakech, Morocco, Tel: +212 5243-88600

www.mamounia.com

Royal Mansour: Rue Abou Abbas el sebti, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco, Tel: +212 52980-8080 www.royalmansour.com