Drom Marrakech to Essaouira, from the desert to the Mediterranean, rich mansions, secular palaces and fashionable places are preparing to find their faithful regulars, fans of this very special land. With the reopening of the borders, everyone – gourmets, aesthetes or hedonists – aspires to rediscover the medinas, the secret gardens, the long beaches, and to lend themselves to the game of a very rich and easily accessible destination. To each his Morocco and his addresses. Our selection between sure values and less known spots.
Olinto, Fabrizio Ruspoli’s new haven of peace
An hour’s drive from Marrakech, towards the Atlas, the former owner of the mythical Maison Arabe left the ocher city for the countryside. Olinto, which is scheduled to open in the spring, will offer nine suites, some with private pools, in an elegant residence, the secrets of which have not yet been revealed. We just know that the place will schedule ambitious cultural events linked to music. Future guests can enjoy a spa, large gardens and horseback riding around the property.
[email protected] or via the hotel’s Instagram account @olintomorroco
Chic medina in El Fenn
It’s a classic story, Vanessa Branson (Richard Branson’s sister) was looking twenty years ago for a holiday home in Marrakech. A decrepit riad was acquired, then, surprise, the deed of ownership mentioned a succession of neighboring outbuildings, the whole becoming far too large. The idea of turning it into a hotel then emerged. Once opened, the premises quickly became the chic and unofficial consulate of the United Kingdom in Marrakech. The secret of El Fenn is the very sure taste of the owners; a cheerful residence where Moroccan furniture and contemporary design collections mingle. We won’t miss having a drink on the huge rooftop terrace, one of the city’s trendy places.
From €660 for 2 nights with lunch, tea time and spa treatments, el-fenn.com
At the Tour d’Éole, the best of the ocean
Windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts from all over the world meet in Dakhla in the far south of Morocco. It lacked a nice address. The Tour d’Éole designed by Jérôme Schanker fills this void. On a hill sheltered from the wind, the villas of this ecolodge with modern lines are discreet in this infinity of sand and ocean. The project is eco-responsible, the materials and furniture are local, the water is treated and the solar panels supply the energy. The table is gourmet, customers benefit from a spa, a beach club and a wide range of sports activities.
From €250 per night full board, www.latourdeole.com/fr
The great outdoors at the Jardin des Douars
Away from the busiest roads of Essaouira, the completely renovated hotel is drowned in bougainvillea, palm trees and various cacti. The four-hectare estate consists of a main house with less than twenty rooms and vast villas that can accommodate large families and groups of friends. The owners have not played with the blue and white prism of the port city, zelliges and ocher cob recall the traditions of Ouarzazate. The service and top-flight cuisine are carried out by a passionate team.
From €126 per night with breakfast and €500 per night in a three-bedroom villa with housekeeper, jardindesdouars.com/fr
Dar Nour or the chic tempo
In the Kasbah of Tangier, the address has been faultless for more than ten years, carried by a trio of French owners. Places bathed in light and dressed in whitewash paint are deceptively indolent, Tangier inspiring a thousand activities. We run from the market to the galleries, without forgetting the most famous antique dealers, like Chez Majid. Dar Nour is also a real little museum, everything has been found on site, each room is furnished differently. It is also a meeting place for lovers of the city: around the three terraces, the restaurant and the bar, you come across Emmanuelle Béart, Vincent Lacoste, Pascal Greggory or Vincent Darré.
From €75 per night and €145 in a suite, darnour.com
The beautiful hours of the Mamounia
The palace, symbol of the Marrakchi art of living, knows how to reinvent itself and play with the times. While waiting to celebrate its centenary next year, the hotel has given itself a little facelift with the help of interior designer duo Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku. Without deconstructing the work of Jacques Garcia, who had undertaken the major renovation of the premises, Jouin and Manku endeavored to breathe new life into the whole. Among the new appointments, the elegant redesigned Churchill bar, the restaurants run by star chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and a Pierre Hermé pastry shop which also signs the Majorelle bar menu.
From €385 per night, mamounia.com/fr
