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THE ROYAL MANSOUR
Expect the very best at this palatial property in Marrakech where
guests are treated like royalty. Claire Martin adjusts her tiara
IN 1999 KING MOHAMMED VI INHERITED
a country, a fortune and countless beautiful
homes, but shortly into his reign, Morocco’s new
king decided to build another palace: the Royal
Mansour. Set within Marrakech’s old Medina
walls, the royal residence was intended to serve
nobility and state guests, but it is also open to
those that can aff ord it – rooms start at €1,625 a
night. Privacy is key. Even though you’re a short
walk from the buzz of the Djemaa el-Fna, Royal
Mansour is hidden away from prying eyes.
Th e King didn’t set a budget or a completion
date, and you’ll see the results as soon as
you pass the four-ton wood-and-bronze door.
Th e opulent lobby boasts a glistening marble
fl oor, rich drapes, a dramatic chandelier and a
central fountain with pools. Th e hotel is painstakingly
perfect – almost too perfect. You worry
that you might brush up against and accidentally
end up smashing a priceless heirloom:
every furnishing, fi nishing touch and everyday
item looks like a work of art. Th e palace took
three and a half years to build, with more than
1,500 skilled artisans creating intricate ornamental
tilework and cedarwood carvings.
Th e Royal Mansour is made up of 53 individual
riads (townhouses), dotted along winding
paths. It’s like an absurdly opulent Medina, with
shaded squares, fountains and patches of brightpink
bougainvillea. Each three-storey riad opens
onto a central courtyard with a circular fountain,
fi lled with fl owers each morning. An electronic
Fifteen
PRIVAT
DIARY
canopy automatically unfolds at the fi rst sniff of
rain. Downstairs is a living room, dining room and
small kitchen, and upstairs is a bedroom and bathroom.
Th e roof terrace holds a Bedouin-style
tented area, sumptuous sun loungers and a private
plunge pool, with views of the Atlas Mountains.
Each riad has its own personal butler as
well as 10 members of staff – but you’re unlikely
to see them. Just like a traditional Moroccan
palace, the Royal Mansour has an underground
network where the staff move around without
being seen by the guests. It might seem unnecessary,
but it’s all part of the experience, and
there’s no question that the level of detail and
attentiveness here is unprecedented.
www.royalmansour.com