Hidden in a secret oasis behind the ancient city walls - amongst palms, citrus, olive and pomegranate trees -the tranquility of The Royal Mansour feels a million miles away from the vociferous bustle of nearby Djemaa el Fna square.
Commissioned and owned by King Mohammed VI, traditional Moroccan architecture, design and opulent craftsmanship are proudly, and lovingly displayed. From the trickling hypnotic water features, grand geometric mosaics and flickering chandeliers that dress the courtyard hub, to enchanting candle-lit rose and lavender clad medina walkways and palatial riads - wherever you glance there's a vision of beauty.
The majestic Mansour experience begins on touch down in Marrakech - greeted by a representative I'm shown to an executive lounge and served fresh Moroccan mint tea. Within half an hour I'm wandering its magical medina and listening to the wonderful distant melodic sounds of the call to prayer...
The Riad
One bedroom riad - Towering 3 floors, a palatial pad literally fit for a king, with a stunning interior of bespoke handcrafted furniture, sumptuous silks, colourful mosaics, a roof top plunge pool and indoor and outdoor open log fires.
A cool courtyard atrium, kitchenette, living and dining area sit on the ground floor with a winding stone staircase leading to the bedroom and bathroom with a walk in monsoon shower and marble Moroccan bath. A sunny roof terrace sits above. Facilities in all riads include Nespresso, mini bar and butler service.
The Spa
Spanning 3 floors, with a heavenly light infused intricate white trellised atrium, the spa is a palace in its own right - elegant and serene with scattered calming water features - facilities include a state of the art hammam suite, hydrotherapy pool, swimming pool, a spa shop and café and individual relaxation pods.
Throughout the year global wellbeing experts and therapists (including reflexologists, nutritionists and physiotherapists) gather at the spa for special 'Wellness Weeks' where they perform seminars and one on one therapies with guests. Wellness Week 'experience packages' include: Invigorating, Purifying or Regenerating - which include a selection of therapies to complement each experience. All guests are welcome to attend the complimentary seminars which include "How to Let Go Throughout the Body" and "Facial Reflexology".
The Treatment
Moroccan Deep Tissue Massage. A tailor made massage with a focus on treating problem areas. A health consultation then a foot scrub is followed by 3 deep lavender inhalations, then stretching exercises to loosen limbs and relax the back. A kneading and pressure point back massage using argan oil to deeply penetrate and work away knots and tension is followed with a light aroma foot, hand, head and scalp massage for relaxation.
Other Treatments Include
Traditional hammam, reflexology, Maroc Pureness Facial, balneotherapy, sea algae wrap, Sisley Hydration Facial and therapeutic massage.
Spa Products
Maroc Maroc, Sisley, Dr Hauschka and Chanel.
To Eat
Le Grande Table Marocaine for romantic Moroccan delights by candlelight. La Grande Table Francaise for French fine dining. For informal Mediterranean try La Table. In-riad dining available. All restaurants are overseen by celebrated French chef Yannick Alleno.
Don't Miss
A stroll to the nearby 'must see in Marrakech" Djemaa el Fna square. Nightime lounging on the roof terrace by the roaring log fire, listening to the The Muezzins melodious call to Prayer.
The Deal
A 3 night Wellness Week Purifying Experience starts at £3,477 which includes 3 nights in a one bedroom Riad, daily breakfast, personalised airport assistance and transfers. A 45 minute traditional hammam treatment, hydration facial and a wheatgerm and ginseng hair treatment.
EasyJet flies to Marrakech from Bristol, Gatwick, Stansted and Manchester airports, with prices starting from £31.74 per person (one-way, including taxes based on two people on the same booking).
All flights can be booked at www.easyjet.com