Royal Palm Hotel, Marrakech, Beachcomber Hotels, Photo by Alan Keohane www.still-images.net
‘Relaxing’, ‘calm’, ‘blissful’, ‘serene’ – possibly not the words you associate with a stay in Marrakech, where a flight time of less than four hours seems to transport you, astonishingly, into a completely ‘other’ place and time. Yet these are exactly the words to spring to mind following a few nights at the Royal Palm Beachcomber Hotel.
The influences of the Mauritian Beachcomber hotel group, who opened the Royal Palm two years ago, transforming an expanse of desert into an unobtrusive, lushly planted oasis, are apparent throughout the resort – the look is low-key opulence and luxury, but without any trace of ‘bling’. Natural wood and dark hues abound, windows are neck-craningly high and plumply cushioned chairs beckon at every turn. Moroccan zellige (a form of tiling) is a recurring feature in the public and private spaces, but in a rich, dark single-toned brown, rather than the zesty colours so ubiquitous in the souks. Each magnificently lavish suite in the resort faces the golf course, so there are endless views of sky and greenery to be enjoyed from your balcony, with hazy views of the mountains beyond. It’s hard to believe that the relentless energy of the Medina is a mere 10 minute ride away, with complimentary shuttle-buses running to and from the hotel several times a day.
Although many hotels in Morocco are ‘dry’ (no alcohol is served) this is certainly not the case at the Royal Palm, where an extensive cocktail menu makes evening drinks by the pools a bewitching way to ease into your night. Watch the sky being stained pink by a desert sunset and see the bowls of flame that flank the pathways roaring into life as darkness falls, before heading to one of the resort’s exquisite restaurants to dine. Le Caravane offers a variety of settings ranging from outside on the terrace (be prepared to be swathed in black Potter-esque robes by attentive, unobtrusive staff the minute there’s a chill in the air) to cosy, intimate rooms inside, with dishes which are simply prepared and theatrically revealed from under silver domes; meat is presented on platters and then whisked away to be carved and plated.
Upstairs, Al Aïn provides an utterly magical setting, with lamplight glinting off tiles and casting intricate shadow patterns on the ceilings, while richly decorative curtains drop from ceiling to floor. The restaurant is run solely by women (although expect male musicians to provide a low-key soundtrack to your meal) and the flavours are delicate and exotic, with thoroughly Moroccan and Arabic influences. On returning your room, you’ll find that invisible attendants have been at work, with your sumptuous bed turned down, fresh towels in the bathroom, water by your bedside and white slippers enticingly placed on the colour-pop rug. Dreamless and immediate sleep awaits.
By day, golfers are more than adequately cosseted with an Cabell B. Robinson designed 18-hole, Par 72 golf course – but if golf is not your thing, then there are a number of sporting facilities to choose from, including tennis, squash and fitness classes ranging from cardio and boxing to Pilates and Kinesis. Of course, you may prefer just to relax with a book by the immense (2000 sqm) pool, which is heated year round – or sink into a cocoon of indulgence at the Clarins spa, where a private indoor pool is reserved for client use, pre or post treatment. Don’t miss the opportunity to have a traditional Moroccan hammam here, where you’ll alternate between blissful drowsiness and bracing invigoration, finally leaving with skin more smooth and sparklingly clean than it’s likely been in living memory.
The Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury Marrakech www.royalpalm-marrakech.com
A three night stay at Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury Marrakech starts from £499 per person with Destinology, based on two people sharing on a room only basis and including return low cost flights from London Gatwick, baggage charges and transfers. For further information or to book, visit destinology.co.uk or call 01204 824619.
Travel tips
The Moroccan Dirham is a closed currency, so exchange your money on arrival and make sure you have no more than 1000Dh with you on departure. Some of the vendors in the souks will accept Euros and US Dollars.
During my stay I was hosted by the Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury Marrakech . All words and opinions are my own.
