Marrakech is one of the largest and busiest cities in Morocco, but when you enter the Fairmont Royal Palm hotel, on the outskirts of the city, there’s a real sense of peace. With the scent of orange blossom in the air, this desert oasis is the definition of luxury, from the high ceilings of the striking lobby and the palm tree-embellished pool to the hammam-inspired spa and the stunning golf course. Set against the Atlas Mountains, the hotel has 134 rooms, suites and villas, but when you walk around the resort it feels quiet, exclusive and private. It’s no wonder the likes of Amanda Holden, Cristiano Ronaldo and French football sensation Zinedine Zidane have all holidayed here. Pop star Jason Derulo even used one of the villas to shoot a music video – and with such a stunning backdrop, it’s easy to see why. READ MORE: ‘I went on a cruise for the first time and this is my top space-saving packing tip’ READ MORE: ‘I flew to Canada to binge on lobsters with 700 people – and made friends for life’
Celebs such as Amanda Holden and Cristiano Ronaldo have stayed here
(Image: Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech)
The rooms at Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech We were lucky enough to stay in a Deluxe Suite Garden View room, which was adorned with Moucharabieh screens, colourful woven rugs and Moroccan artwork. The room was beautifully spacious with an enormous dressing area and a luxurious king size bed. But I found the most stunning part to be the bathroom, complete with double sinks, a sunken marble bath and a powerful waterfall shower clad with shimmering bronze tiles. Outside, two patio areas overlooked the mountains and lush greenery. I recommend getting up early to see the sunrise – there’s no view like it as the sun creeps over the mountain peaks and shimmers through the palm leaves.
A Deluxe Suite at Fairmont Royal Palm
(Image: Alan Keohane www.still-images.net)
The spa at Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech Wellness is at the forefront of the Fairmont Royal Palm’s offering, with a multitude of relaxing treatments available at the spa, from deep tissue massages to facials and manicures. We experienced a private hammam, a 60-minute ritual of pure bliss including a hair wash, a scalp massage and an intense body scrub using heavenly products from Natura Bissé and local beauty brand marocMaroc. The spa facilities include an indoor pool, juice bar, Jacuzzi and sunny garden. Or you can go for a refreshing swim in the hotel’s outdoor pool, which is the largest in Marrakech. Another tranquil spot is the organic farm. Set among olive and orange trees, it’s one of the most peaceful places at the resort. There’s also a vegetable garden and some very sweet tortoises to marvel at.
The Fairmont’s pool is the largest in Marrakech
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Activities at Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech The resort has a huge 18-hole golf course set across 75 hectares for those who want to spend time perfecting their swing. If that doesn’t take your fancy, there are four tennis courts, a squash court and a fitness room full of gym equipment to get your heart pumping. We enjoyed a taster padel session with a very patient coach, and signed up for an early morning yoga class. Guests can also explore the entire property on a leisurely bike ride – you just follow the olive tree-lined paths throughout the resort. The food at Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech There are so many food options at Fairmont, with cuisine from all around the world. The breakfast buffet offers everything from fresh fruit and pastries to msemen, a traditional Moroccan flatbread that can be sweet or savoury. In the warm evenings, Al Aïn is a heavenly place to enjoy dinner outside. Here we tried a selection of Lebanese dishes with a Moroccan twist, including the flaming kebabs, which were a true showstopper. In Capricci, the Italian restaurant, we tasted the beef carpaccio and Moroccan-style risotto, which were firm favourites, while the views at Le Sabra, located at the golf club, are unbeatable. It’s a more relaxed vibe and perfect for lunch. The sushi at Le Bar was incredible, including crispy crab rolls, bao buns and stuffed gyoza. And if you fancy a cocktail with a bit of flair, choose a tipple from the ‘smoked’ selection.
Enjoy delicious sushi at Le Bar
(Image: aabidvisuel)
What to do in Marrakech The bustling Marrakech medina is a must-visit and it’s easy to get to using the hotel’s shuttle bus that runs every two hours and only takes 20 minutes. In the old town, our informative tour took us to the stunning 18th century palace-turned-museum Dar El Bacha. Be aware, the market does get very busy. And if you want to buy a souvenir to remind you of your trip, be prepared to haggle with the vendors – and don’t be afraid to play hard ball!
A visit to the bustling medina is a must
(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
How much does it cost to stay at Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech? Rates at Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech start from £390 per night for bed and breakfast. For more information and to book, visit the website or contact the hotel at [email protected]. Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.
