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TOP SUITES OF MOROCCO - Elite Traveler

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E L I T E R E C O M M E N D S<br />

<strong>TOP</strong> <strong>SUITES</strong> <strong>OF</strong> <strong>MOROCCO</strong><br />

Since Morocco’s King Mohammed VI made tourism<br />

a top national priority a decade ago, the number of<br />

visitors to the North African kingdom has increased<br />

almost twofold and is expected to reach 18 million<br />

in 2020. This staggering growth has given the elite<br />

traveler more choices than ever. Here are the best<br />

suites the country has to offer, both new and old, from<br />

the imperial city of Fez to decadent desert oases to the<br />

Atlas Mountains and Marrakech.<br />

BY SCOTT GOETZ<br />

KASBAH <strong>OF</strong> AIT-BEN-HADDOU / <strong>MOROCCO</strong>


<strong>TOP</strong> <strong>SUITES</strong><br />

BEDROOM / ROYAL APARTMENT<br />

S<strong>OF</strong>ITEL FÈS PALAIS JAMAÏ<br />

ROYAL APARTMENT<br />

Key selling points | Gilded carved cedar wood ceilings soar<br />

over this 19th century palace, once the original residence<br />

of the Grand Vizir. Priceless, handcrafted zellige tilework<br />

bedecks the floors and walls, while silk draperies frame a<br />

grand window overlooking the gardens and medina of Fez.<br />

Standout service | At turndown, carpeted stairs are placed<br />

next to the gold and silver canopy bed to ease tired travelers<br />

to slumber in sultan style.<br />

Style | Historic Arab-Moorish living, overseen by the Grand<br />

Vizir of Jamaï, 1876<br />

Special amenities | Crystal chandeliers, flat-screen TV, DVD<br />

player, Bose audio system, Hermès bath amenities<br />

Square footage | 5,769<br />

Number of rooms in suite | Three<br />

Number of bathrooms | Two<br />

Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 142, including<br />

19 suites<br />

Who’s slept here? | Hillary Clinton, Jacques Chirac, Bono<br />

Nightly rate | $2,690<br />

Location | Bab Guissa, Fez<br />

Contact | General Manager Jolanda Sadni Ziane,<br />

212-535-634-331; jolanda.sadni@sofitel.com;<br />

www.sofitel-fes-palaisjamai.com<br />

RIAD FÈS<br />

LIVING AREA / SUITE ROYALE<br />

MASTER BEDROOM / SUITE ROYALE<br />

SUITE ROYALE<br />

Key selling points | This Relais & Châteaux riad’s two-floor<br />

suite features Fez’s signature architecture, with carved<br />

wooden ceilings that top a jewel-like master bedroom.<br />

Upstairs, a living room opens onto a rooftop terrace with<br />

unobstructed views of the city’s medina.<br />

Standout service | A guest requested a musician and<br />

private waiter for a proposal dinner. When rain fell, staff<br />

removed the furniture from the living room and covered the<br />

floor with rose petals and candles.<br />

Style | Traditional Moroccan, by owner/architect Anis<br />

Sefrioui, 2008<br />

Special amenities | Locally crafted bath amenities including<br />

a black mud scrub, 39-inch satellite TV, DVD player,<br />

Nespresso machine, iPod docking station<br />

Square footage | 968<br />

Number of rooms in suite | Two<br />

Number of bathrooms | One<br />

Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 26 suites<br />

Who’s slept here? | Actress Sigourney Weaver, Indian royalty<br />

Nightly rate | From $615<br />

Location | 5 Derb Ben Slimane Zerbtana, Fez<br />

Contact | General Manager Awa Diakhate, 212-664-898-682;<br />

riadfes@relaischateaux.com; www.riadfes.com


<strong>TOP</strong> <strong>SUITES</strong><br />

BEDROOM / VILLA D’ARGENT<br />

DAR AHLAM<br />

VILLA D’ARGENT<br />

Key selling points | Set in an organic garden, this twobedroom<br />

suite offers a private hideaway between the High<br />

Atlas and Sahara. Palm trees and the towering main kasbah<br />

can be viewed from the courtyard’s plunge pool—the perfect<br />

place to sip Moroccan wine from the suite’s mini-cellar.<br />

Standout service | When former guest Ted Turner mentioned<br />

that his home had big TVs (the suite had none), staff drove<br />

five hours to find one and by evening, it was installed.<br />

Style | Berber chic, by Thierry Teyssier, 2004<br />

Special amenities | Custom embroidered linens, two fireplaces<br />

with a wood menu for burning, Maisons des Rêves bath<br />

amenities, private butler service<br />

Square footage | 2,153<br />

Number of rooms in suite | Two<br />

Number of bathrooms | One<br />

Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 12, including three villas<br />

Who’s slept here? | Harvey Keitel, Karolina Kurkova, actress<br />

Adriana Karembeu<br />

Nightly rate | From $1,232<br />

Location | Douar Oulad Cheik Ali, Skoura, Region of Ouarzazate<br />

Contact | Director of Operations Hicham Hraïd-Rochette,<br />

33-607-362-226; hhr@maisonsdesreves.com;<br />

www.maisonsdesreves.com<br />

LIVING AREA / RIAD D’HONNEUR<br />

RO<strong>OF</strong> TERRACE / RIAD D’HONNEUR<br />

ROYAL MANSOUR MARRAKECH<br />

RIAD D’HONNEUR<br />

Key selling points | This top accommodation—which<br />

took three-and-a-half years and 1,800 workers a day to<br />

construct—sets a new standard of luxury. The sprawling<br />

18-room riad has three floors surrounding a central courtyard<br />

with an electric retractable roof. Entertain in the screening<br />

room, dine on delicacies prepared in the riad’s full restaurant<br />

kitchen or relax on the rooftop terrace.<br />

Standout service | The hotel arranged a private helicopter to<br />

Essaouira for a surprise picnic under a tent.<br />

Style | Exquisite Moroccan artistry, by 3BIS, 2010<br />

Special amenities | Full-sized marocMaroc bath amenities,<br />

D. Porthault linens, interior wrought iron elevator, touch<br />

panel controls for light, air conditioning, volume and roof<br />

Square footage | 19,375<br />

Number of rooms in suite | 18<br />

Number of bathrooms | Four and two half-baths<br />

Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 53 riads<br />

Who’s slept here? | Top politicians, CEOs and designers<br />

Nightly rate | $41,290<br />

Location | Rue Abou Abbas El Sebti, Marrakech<br />

Contact | General Manager Jean Pierre Chaumard,<br />

212-529-808-080; jpchaumard@royalmansour.ma;<br />

www.royalmansour.com


<strong>TOP</strong> <strong>SUITES</strong><br />

DINING ROOM / AL-HAMRA MAISON<br />

AMANJENA<br />

AL-HAMRA MAISON<br />

Key selling points | Celebrities and socialites praise this<br />

two-bedroom retreat for its minimalist take on Alhambran<br />

architecture. The central living room, with two cavernous<br />

domed bedrooms on either side, opens onto a walled garden,<br />

large pool and lounging and dining areas.<br />

Standout service | One guest bought out the resort for a<br />

birthday bash that included music and a live baby camel.<br />

Style | Moroccan tradition meets modern design, by Ed<br />

Tuttle, 2007<br />

Special amenities | Two fireplaces, butler service, Havaianas<br />

for Amanjena sandals, argan oil and Moroccan candles,<br />

Nespresso machine, La Maison de Blanc linens<br />

Square footage | 12,163<br />

Number of rooms in suite | Three<br />

Number of bathrooms | Two and one half-bath<br />

Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 39, including 32<br />

pavilions, six maisons and the Al-Hamra Maison<br />

Who’s slept here? | Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Sienna<br />

Miller, David and Victoria Beckham<br />

Nightly rate | From $3,550<br />

Location | Route de Ouarzazate, km 12, Marrakech<br />

Contact | General Manager Miguel De Sousa, 212-524-399-000;<br />

mguedesdesousa@amanresorts.com; www.amanresorts.com<br />

VILLA DES ORANGERS<br />

PATIO / PRIVATE RIAD<br />

PRIVATE RIAD<br />

Key selling points | Hidden within a cluster of converted<br />

riads, this boutique hotel’s top offering delivers intimacy and<br />

true medina character with two second-floor suites, living<br />

area with fireplace, solarium and seductive patio and pool.<br />

Standout service | Hotel staff can arrange a day trip to the<br />

Moroccan desert by private plane, complete with a champagne<br />

luncheon under a Berber tent.<br />

Style | Contemporary Moroccan, by owners Pascal and<br />

Veronique Beherec, 2008<br />

Special amenities | Complimentary 4x4 airport transfers,<br />

Les Sens de Marrakech bath amenities, African artifacts and<br />

art, butler service, Chez Zoe linens, Samsung TVs and DVD<br />

player, Bose iPod docking station<br />

Square footage | 1,500<br />

Number of rooms in suite | Four<br />

Number of bathrooms | Two<br />

Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 27, including 21 suites<br />

Who’s slept here? | A-list actresses and European CEOs<br />

Nightly rate | From $1,935<br />

Location | 6 rue Sidi Mimoun, Marrakech<br />

Contact | General Manager Jean Paul Compagnon,<br />

212-524-384-638; jpcompagnon@villadesorangers.com;<br />

www.villadesorangers.com


<strong>TOP</strong> <strong>SUITES</strong><br />

BEDROOM / THE KSAR’S APARTMENT<br />

KSAR CHAR-BAGH<br />

THE KSAR’S APARTMENT<br />

Key selling points | This Harim suite, situated high up in the<br />

castle’s turret, boasts a spacious bathroom with a massive<br />

marble bath and fireplace. Private stairs lead to a rooftop<br />

terrace with heated pool and a Moroccan tent with views of<br />

the surrounding palm grove.<br />

Standout service | One guest requested seating for 16<br />

guests in the hotel’s swimming pool for a formal dinner.<br />

Style | 14th century Moorish architecture, by owners Nicole<br />

and Patrick LeVillair, 2003<br />

Special amenities | Embroidered Venetian linens, Bang &<br />

Olufsen TV and DVD player, iPod docking station, traditional<br />

oriental hooded bathrobes, personal library<br />

Square footage | 1,050<br />

Number of rooms in suite | Three<br />

Number of bathrooms | One<br />

Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 14 suites<br />

Who’s slept here? | Kylie Minogue, Sean Connery, Jeremy<br />

Irons, Queen Sofia of Spain<br />

Nightly rate | From $1,230<br />

Location | Djnan Abiad, La Palmeraie, Marrakech<br />

Contact | General Manager Nicole Grandsire-LeVillair,<br />

212-524-329-244; nicole@ksarcharbagh.com;<br />

www.ksarcharbagh.com<br />

LA MAISON ARABE<br />

LIVING AREA / CHEMS ROYAL SUITE<br />

TERRACE / THE KSAR’S APARTMENT LIVING AREA / CHEMS ROYAL SUITE<br />

CHEMS AND NAHAR (ROYAL <strong>SUITES</strong>)<br />

Key selling points | These two triplex suites in the heart of<br />

the medina can be connected by a private hallway and offer<br />

rooftop terraces with Jacuzzis. Guests gain private access to<br />

the owner’s country annex and pool, set in luxuriant gardens<br />

adjoining the royal nursery.<br />

Standout service | Hotel staff arranged a dinner under a rooftop<br />

tent where Moroccan flautist Saïd Chraïbi serenaded guests.<br />

Style | Timeless oriental elegance, by owner Prince Fabrizio<br />

Ruspoli, 2009<br />

Special amenities | La Maison de Blanc Egyptian cotton linens<br />

and bathrobes, two plasma screen TVs, DVD player, Nectarome<br />

bath amenities<br />

Square footage | 950<br />

Number of rooms in suite | Two<br />

Number of bathrooms | Two<br />

Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 26, including 14 suites<br />

Who’s slept here? | Fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier,<br />

U.S. ambassadors<br />

Nightly rate | From $709<br />

Location | 1 Derb Assehbe, Bab Doukkala, Marrakech<br />

Contact | General Managers Taoufik Ghaffouli and Nabila<br />

Dakir, 212-524-387-010; direction@lamaisonarabe.com;<br />

www.lamaisonarabe.com


<strong>TOP</strong> <strong>SUITES</strong><br />

LIVING AREA / LION SUITE<br />

LA SULTANA MARRAKECH<br />

LION SUITE<br />

Key selling points | Cedar wood carvings cover the walls,<br />

doors and windows of this majestic suite, which includes an<br />

enormous sitting room fireplace flanked by two stone lions,<br />

an opulent bathroom with Jacuzzi, marble columns and<br />

crystal chandeliers and an outdoor covered terrace with<br />

ornate plasterwork.<br />

Standout service | One famous football player had monkeys,<br />

henna painters, fire breathers and jugglers perform on the<br />

private terrace for a special proposal.<br />

Style | Moroccan fantasy, by La Sultana concept design, 2009<br />

Special amenities | La Maison du Blanc Egyptian cotton<br />

linens, Pioneer iPad station, two 42-inch Samsung LCD TVs,<br />

artwork by Denis Wirth-Miller<br />

Square footage | 1,000<br />

Number of rooms in suite | Three<br />

Number of bathrooms | Two<br />

Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 28, including 15 suites<br />

Who’s slept here? | Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi,<br />

the cast of The Real Housewives of New York City<br />

Nightly rate | From $1,000<br />

Location | 403 Rue de la Kasbah, Marrakech<br />

Contact | VIP Hostess Imane Zkhiri, 212-524-388-008;<br />

rp@lasultanahotels.com; www.lasultanahotels.com<br />

LA MAMOUNIA<br />

LIVING AREA / RIAD<br />

RIAD<br />

Key selling points | Located in the gardens of this regally<br />

restored property, the three Riads offer a respite from the<br />

hotel’s legendary see-and-be-seen atmosphere. Discreet<br />

Moorish opulence defines the three bedrooms, dining room<br />

and living area, while a rooftop terrace wraps around the<br />

courtyard with private pool.<br />

Standout service | Staff accommodated the special, ultraspecific<br />

dietary needs of a guest’s beloved dog.<br />

Style | Modern Moroccan glamour, by Jacques Garcia, 2009<br />

Special amenities | Ozone swimming pool, VIP entrance and<br />

in-riad check-in, open fireplace, Duravit sinks, Jacob Delafon<br />

bath tubs, D. Porthault linens<br />

Square footage | 7,534<br />

Number of rooms in suite | Six<br />

Number of bathrooms | Three<br />

Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 210, including 71<br />

suites and three Riads<br />

Who’s slept here? | Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Aniston,<br />

Gwyneth Paltrow, Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr<br />

Nightly rate | $12,500<br />

Location | Avenue Bab Jdid, Marrakech<br />

Contact | General Manager Didier Picquot, 212-524-388-600;<br />

dpicquot@mamounia.com; www.mamounia.com


<strong>TOP</strong> <strong>SUITES</strong><br />

LIVING AREA / ROYAL SUITE<br />

TAJ PALACE MARRAKECH<br />

ROYAL SUITE<br />

Key selling points | Spanning the top floor of the palace wing<br />

and offering panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains and<br />

the lush gardens of the Palmeraie district, this regal suite<br />

(to be unveiled, along with the rest of the hotel, this October)<br />

boasts three bedrooms with private baths, a large salon,<br />

terrace, lounge and meeting room. Interiors draw on a mix<br />

of influences, from the noble Berber kasbahs of Morocco to<br />

Ottoman architecture.<br />

Standout service | The hotel will be home to a<br />

40,000-square-foot ayurvedic Jiva Grande Spa.<br />

Style | Exotic oriental splendor, by Stuart Church, 2011<br />

Special amenities | Best-in-class Simmons mattresses,<br />

Ploh bathrobes, 45-inch Samsung TV, DVD player<br />

Square footage | 5,381<br />

Number of rooms in suite | Five<br />

Number of bathrooms | Three<br />

Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 161, including 26 suites<br />

Who’s slept here? | Long before opening, the suite welcomed<br />

the cast of Sex in the City 2 as the set of the ladies’ hotel in<br />

Abu Dhabi<br />

Nightly rate | Price available upon request<br />

Location | Bab Atlas, Palmeraie, Marrakech<br />

Contact | Reservations, (866) 969-1825; www.tajhotels.com<br />

LIVING AREA / BERBER TENTED SUITE<br />

POOL DECK / BERBER TENTED SUITE<br />

KASBAH TAMADOT<br />

BERBER TENTED <strong>SUITES</strong><br />

Key selling points | These six tented suites, nestled in the<br />

Atlas Mountains and just five minutes from the main kasbah,<br />

offer unmatched exclusivity. Desert touches blend with modern<br />

accents to cast a seductive air, from the private heated<br />

plunge pool to the white marble and mosaic bathroom.<br />

Standout service | The F&B Manager sourced a 1998 Château<br />

Margaux wine from King Mohammed VI’s wine cellar for a guest.<br />

Style | Romantic escape, by Real Studios, 2008<br />

Special amenities | Flat-screen LG TV, DVD player, Bose<br />

sound system with iPod docking station, Nespresso machine,<br />

Nectarome bath amenities<br />

Square footage | 700<br />

Number of rooms in suite | Two<br />

Number of bathrooms | One<br />

Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 24, including six<br />

Berber Tented Suites<br />

Who’s slept here? | Owner Sir Richard Branson and family,<br />

as well as many of Branson’s high-profile friends<br />

Nightly rate | From $1,300<br />

Location | BP 67, Asni<br />

Contact | General Manager Camilla Guyatt,<br />

212-524-368-200; camilla.guyatt@kasbahtamadot.virgin.com;<br />

www.kasbahtamadot.virgin.com


<strong>TOP</strong> <strong>SUITES</strong><br />

BEDROOM / VILLA PRESTIGE<br />

S<strong>OF</strong>ITEL ESSAOUIRA MOGADOR GOLF & SPA<br />

VILLA PRESTIGE<br />

Key selling points | Golf fanatics and beachgoers alike<br />

will enjoy this all-new two-bedroom suite, which offers a<br />

contemporary twist on Moorish motifs with an airy, open feel,<br />

bright colors and modern furniture made from exotic woods.<br />

Standout service | Staffers arranged a five-course dinner,<br />

accompanied by live music, for a very special proposal.<br />

Style | Modern Moorish, by Didier Gomez, 2011<br />

Special amenities | Private garden and pool, king-size<br />

MyBed, en suite Jacuzzi and hammam, Bose Wave sound<br />

system, Nespresso machine, Hermès bath amenities<br />

Square footage | 1,432<br />

Number of rooms in suite | Three<br />

Number of bathrooms | Two<br />

Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 175, including 14<br />

suites and 28 villas<br />

Who’s slept here? | This newly-opened property is sure to<br />

draw international VIPs<br />

Nightly rate | $1,500<br />

Location | Domaine de Mogador Diabat, Essaouira<br />

Contact | Guest Relations Manager Izabela Kwasna,<br />

212-524-479-400; h7145-gr@sofitel.com; www.sofitel.com<br />

HEURE BLEUE PALAIS<br />

BEDROOM / SENIOR SUITE<br />

SENIOR <strong>SUITES</strong><br />

Key selling points | Built into the medina walls of coastal<br />

Essaouira, Heure Bleue’s Senior Suites celebrate the city’s<br />

past as the crossroads of African, European and Arab trading<br />

routes. These oriental-inspired accommodations are rich<br />

with sensual fabrics, marble bathrooms and fireplaces that<br />

separate the bedrooms from the sitting areas.<br />

Standout service | Staff transformed the rooftop into a desert<br />

setting, complete with a Bedouin tent, large quantities of<br />

imported sand and a baby camel for a surprise birthday party.<br />

Style | Ocean liner elegance, by Karl and Olivier, 2004<br />

Special amenities | Flat-screen TV, DVD player, Val d’Argan<br />

wine, Les Sens de Marrakech bath amenities<br />

Square footage | 645<br />

Number of rooms in suite | One<br />

Number of bathrooms | One<br />

Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 33, including 15 suites<br />

Who’s slept here? | Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley<br />

Nightly rate | From $300<br />

Location | Bab Marrakech Gate, Essaouira<br />

Contact | General Manager François Laustriat; 212-524-783-434;<br />

f.laustriat@heure-bleue.com; www.heure-bleue.com


<strong>TOP</strong> <strong>SUITES</strong><br />

LIVING AREA / ROYAL VILLA<br />

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL MARRAKECH<br />

ROYAL VILLA<br />

Key selling points | The expansive four-bedroom Royal Villa<br />

offers the ultimate in luxury, from its indoor and outdoor<br />

dining areas to its private movie theater and garden with lap<br />

pool, whirlpool, fireplace and gazebo.<br />

Standout service | The first couple to check in had the resort<br />

to themselves and enjoyed a special anniversary dinner.<br />

Style | Contemporary design with Moroccan touches, by GA<br />

Design International, 2011<br />

Special amenities | Rivolta Carmignani linens, 42-inch flatscreen<br />

LCD TVs, DVD player, Bose surround sound system,<br />

Bulgari bath amenities, Kohler bath fixtures, airport transfer<br />

in a Rolls-Royce Ghost<br />

Square footage | 3,770<br />

Number of rooms in suite | Eight<br />

Number of bathrooms | Four and one half-bath<br />

Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 141, including 27 suites<br />

Who’s slept here? | A-list celebs are sure to flock to<br />

Marrakech’s newest hotspot<br />

Nightly rate | $14,980<br />

Location | 1 Boulevard de la Menara, Marrakech<br />

Contact | General Manager Jean Claude Wietzel,<br />

212-524-359-200; jeanclaude.wietzel@fourseasons.com;<br />

www.fourseasons.com/marrakech<br />

BEDROOM / ROYAL VILLA<br />

BEDROOM / ROYAL VILLA<br />

COORDINATE YOUR STAY:<br />

COX & KINGS<br />

Morocco isn’t the easiest country to navigate on<br />

your own, although it helps if you can speak French.<br />

Fortunately Cox & Kings has the resources to provide<br />

the best local guides, whether your trip’s focus<br />

is relaxation, history, shopping or haute cuisine.<br />

Local drivers (request Hicham Baghar) can make a<br />

multi-city journey an entertaining, educational and<br />

hassle-free experience: They know the best routes,<br />

have ins with top hotels to secure the most coveted<br />

suites and can arrange special excursions along<br />

the way to make for an unforgettable adventure.<br />

Contact | Destination Manager, India, Arabia<br />

& North Africa, Nicole Beattie, (323) 655-1758;<br />

nicole.beattie@coxandkingsusa.com; www.coxandkingsusa.com

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