DAY SPA HEAVEN: La Mamounia, Marrakech

A short walk away from the popular, but slightly overcrowded, Jemaa el Fnaa square lies an oasis of peace; the magical La Mamounia hotel. The entrance is hidden within lush green walls and solely given away by the security that is standing guard. Once passed through the initial entrance, the award-winning 5-star hotel somewhat feels like stepping into an ancient palace. With the average price of rooms starting at $597 and going all the way up to $6.519 a night,  the best way to get a taste of the luxury on offer is by paying a visit to their day spa. There is, unfortunately, no getting in here without either one of the two reservations to show for.

Looking for more activities in Marrakech?

• Top to Do’s in Marrakech under $10
• The best rooftop bars and restaurants
• Find out directly what the day spa is going to cost you

Main entrance of the hotel

The Hotel

Within the hotel, the overall lavish oriental atmosphere is enhanced by deep tones of red and gold that are featured throughout. Whilst, on the other hand, the outside areas of the hotel are infused with bright light and colorful tiles. In general, the sense of luxury that you feel when walking in here will almost make you feel displaced. Expect to see international business men having heavy discussions whilst nestled into extravagant red couches, hotel staff that is eager to anticipate on whatever you might need or guests spending thousands of dollars in the high-end shops located within the main hallway; all whilst making your way through to the entrance of the spa.

Main pool

La Mamounia Day Spa

La Mamounia’s spa has won many awards and is world renowned for its captivating main pool. The whole spa boasts an oriental atmosphere, which is executed into the tiniest details and upholds a dreamy feel for visitors throughout the different areas. The treatments themselves draw inspiration of  Moroccan as well as Eastern culture and a variety of traditional and modern therapies are available. Entrance to the spa also allows you free access to several other leisure facilities. Such as a fitness pavilion, on-site tennis courts, and the outdoor swimming pools

Outdoor swimming pool

Complimentary lunch

When opting for a season pass, a three-course lunch at the incredible Italian restaurant is complimentary. Each and every dish we tried was sublime, as were the several staff members serving the table. But, do note that this menu excludes any drinks you might have. The wine list, as to be expected, matches the prices of the rest of the hotel. However, there is a really decently priced Moroccan wine on there that turned out to be perfect. The hotel features two more signature restaurants. An authentic Moroccan one and one that offers French cuisine, all offer an intimate setting and a menu that stays true to their origins. 

What is a visit to the La Mamounia spa going to cost you?

The Italian restaurant, as one would expect, is high-end and priced as such. This is what makes the season pass an exceptionally good deal. The season pass is valid for the entire day and includes a 60-minute massage or hammam treatment, a lunch at the Italian or French restaurant (depending on opening days) and will cost you $163 (€132). We, of course, couldn’t pass up on some good wine, this added another $73 (€59 to the bill).

Combined, this leads up to a total price of $399 (€323) for a single day at the La Mamounia spa for two people.

You can also opt for a day pass, which is valid for a treatment before 15:00 daily, and considerably cheaper: priced a little over $65 (€52). This will also allow you entry to the rest of the spa facilities for the day. Keep in mind that both passes are subject to availability, reservations are always a good idea.

But as mentioned before, with the superb lunch, massage and just an entire day of relaxation in one of the prettiest surroundings imaginable, if you can spare it; go for the season pass.

How to get to La Mamounia?

The hotel is very conveniently located near the main entrance of the old city center of Marrakech. Or if you’re already staying within the medina, the hotel can easily be reached by foot. The same goes if you want to explore other popular things to do in and around the medina after your hotel visits, such as a visit to the bubbling souk or the impressive Ben Youssef Madrasa. The doorman will also be happy to pull over a taxi for you, however, keep in mind that coming from this hotel the taxi driver will think you have some serious cash. And therefore most likely aim to charge the highest amount possible.

For more information on La Mamounia and their spa facilities visit www.mamounia.com/en/

Please note that an elegant dress code is required in all public areas.

*Converted on xe.com, as of 12 April’ 18 

Top to Do’s in Marrakech under $10

Whether you’re craving the sun, want to get acquainted with foreign culture or wish to explore historic monuments; Marrakech lends itself perfectly for all city trip lovers. But, as many are aware, those short vacations can become quite costly real fast. Therefore, finding one of a kind things to do, that do not involve reaching deep into the wallet, are a precious find.

Still need a place to stay in Marrakech?

• Hotel tip for Marrakech

1. Ben Youssef Madrasa

Just a few streets away of the Souk lies the impressive Ben Youssef Madrasa. This monumental building formerly functioned as the country’s largest Islamic school but is now by many perceived as cultural heritage. The abandonment living quarters, which used to house the students, offer phenomenal views where visitors can glare at the fine architectural details that have been crafted into the building.  Luckily, you’ll most likely won’t explore the property alone, as creepy feelings sneak up on you fast whilst standing in these small dark chambers. The entrance fee will cost you  MAD 20, equal to $2.18.

For more information on Ben Youssef Medersa and opening hours, visit www.medersa-ben-youssef.com

2. Bahia Palace

We’ve yet to come across a palace that doesn’t excite us. The architectural brilliance that goes into building these royal residences has some sort of ancient glory over them. And, as they age, their beauty remains. Which is literally what the palace of Bahia stands for – palace of the beautiful. The palace, covered in colorful tiles and marble carvings, was build in the nineteenth century and is located on the south-east of the old city center. The entrance fee of the Bahia Palace is very gentle and comes down to €1 – $1.24.

For more information on the Bahia palace and opening hours, visit www.palais-bahia.com/

3. Majorelle Garden

Lush greens and bright blues. The Majorelle garden is a small botanical garden, located somewhat outside of the Medina, that combines artistry with gardening. The garden is also commonly known as the YSL garden, as designer Yves-Saint-Laurent purchased it together with companion Pierre Bergé in the 1980’s, to restore and maintain the land. The place is, nowadays, as colorful as it is popular. If you’re keen on a visit without standing in line for hours, try to go early on the day and especially avoid weekend days. Another way to go around the line is to buy a combo ticket, which includes entrance to both the museum as well as the garden and can be purchased at the museum entrance, where it is considerably less crowded. This does raise the price however to 100 MAD, whilst regular entrance to the enchanting Majorelle Garden will cost you 70 MAD, equal to €6.2 – $7.6.

©FRANOISE BRO – FOTOLIA/YANN CANARI

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We weren’t kidding about the line.

For more information on the Majorelle Garden visit www.jardinmajorelle.com

Still need a place to stay in Marrakesh? Hit this link for our accommodation tips.

* All prices as of 13 February’18, converted on xe.com 

HOTEL TIP MARRAKECH: Riad Palacio De Las Especias

Well, hotel, hotel… actually this accommodation is classified as a riad. A term originating from the old days, where a riad was commonly known as a traditional Moroccan house with, in the center of it all, a garden or courtyard. All within the comfort of the old city walls – therefore, within the medina (old city center of Marrakech) you’ll find lots of these characteristic riads. Whilst some parts of the old city feel long overdue for a renovation, most riads are like stepping into another world. A world straight from your 1001 fairytale that is. And that especially goes for Riad Palacio De Las Especias.

Up for some exploring?

• Top to Do’s in Marrakech under $10
• 5x the best rooftop bars in Marrakech 

This is part of your room. I KNOW.

Riad Palacio De Las Especias

Plants everywhere, hints of bright colors and the turquoise pool; there are few things not to like about Riad Palacio De Las Especias. The rooms are spacious and decorated completely in line with Morrocon design, which overall boasts a romantic atmosphere. The Bab El-Khemish double room has it’s very own small balcony, overlooking the courtyard.

View from our room

Breakfast is set up on your own private table throughout your stay. Diversifying day by day and just enough to let even the anti-morning persons amongst us leave the breakfast table smiling.

Guests of the riad also have access to the rooftop terrace. If the temperature is right, you can even request even they set up the yummy breakfast featured above under the blue morning sky. Also, a great spot to hang and recover from your day of exploring all that Marrakech has on offer.

Total costs of our stay at Riad Palacio de Las Especias

For our 4-night stay, we paid a total price of $594 (€ 480), worth every penny. Want to wake up in Riad Palacio De Las Especias as well? Check out the current prices for your desired date and time here:

More information

* All prices as 24  January’18, converted on xe.com 

5x the best Rooftop bars and restaurants in Marrakech

Ah, the rooftop bars in Marrakech. The ultimate way to escape an ever chaotic Medina, which -don’t get us wrong- definitely has its charms. It is however not quite suited for those who are looking for a moment of tranquility and relaxation. Luckily Marrakech offers a way out, even if it’s just for a moment. When stepping into the following 5 cafes and restaurants, where the hectic is left behind and one can take in all the colorful beauty that this diverse old city has on offer – from above.

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1.Nomad

Nomad, this trendy decorated restaurant is located right in the center of the Medina. The atmosphere is fascinating and with three floors -two of which are outdoors- you will be able to view the old city from above from many different angles. During nighttime, the lit lanterns and light beamed edges of the rooftop create a romantic atmosphere under the open sky. Nomad is incredibly popular so reservations come in handy, especially during high season.

An extensive three-course dinner, including four sodas and coffees, will set you back 588 Moroccan Dirham, which equals 61.12 US Dollar.

Total costs for a three-course dinner for two- 588 Moroccan Dirham, 61.12 US Dollar

For more information on menu items and prices click here 

2. Atay Cafe Food

Cafe Atay is a multi-level little gem that offers the ideal combination of good food and a good view. The seating areas get smaller the further up you wish to go, so being there early ain’t a bad idea if you want to be guaranteed of a good spot to start gazing at the city and of course – the biggest eye-catcher of all – the mosque.

For lunch with a view – which consisted of a tajine, omelet, two coffee, juice and tea- we paid roughly 200 Moroccan Dirham, which equals 21.13 US dollar.

Orange cinnamon juice 25 Moroccan Dirham- 2.64 US dollar | Mint tea 15 MAD- 1.51 US dollar

3. Café Des Épices

Café Des Épices, located just minutes away from its sister Nomad, offers equally beautiful views of a colorful square. An open space that immediately feels like a relieve when making your way to the vibrant, but narrow, streets of the souk. This lovely place has more of a casual vibe to it, making it perfect for daytime meals or some Moroccan whiskey. (Read: tea)

Total costs of our lunch came down to 202 Moroccan Dirham, equaling 21.34 US dollar. And it was a LOT. Next, to the meals, it included a juice, two coffees, and a large soda.

Lamb Taijne 7.39 US dollar – Chicken sandwich 5.28 US dollar

Colorful views

For more information on menu items and prices click here

4.  Souk cafe

The bright and playful rooftop bar of Souk cafe was such a pleasant surprise. We actually ended up here by accident, as normally we carefully look for places we want to eat way before. But this time, after hours of strolling through the Medina, we needed some energy ASAP, and then there appeared Souk cafe. Where we honestly ate the best Taijne we had throughout our stay! The beef tajine, topped off with apricot was finger licking good, and the terrace itself was lovely during the day. Don’t expect spectacular views of the Medina, but the food alone is reason enough to stop by.

Total costs for our meal -consisting out of two tajines, two juices, two sodas, and coffees- was roughly 340 MAD/35.92 US dollar.

5. Le Jardin

Soaked in emerald green, Le Jardin is a sight for sore eyes.  The restaurant features a combination of Moroccan and European chic interior and is garden themed throughout. The relaxed atmosphere alone is why Le Jardin should be on top of your to-do list, either by day or by night. However, for the more romantic ‘dinner-in-the-garden-by-candle-light’ idea, nighttime is definitely advised.

For dinner at this lush green restaurant, we paid 529.20 Moroccan Dirham, which is 55.91 US dollar. We, again, ordered extensively and this included a two-course dinner, four sodas, coffee, and a juice.

Ground floor

For more information on menu items and prices click here

All prices as of 11’December 2017, converted on xe.com