PAYDAY LUXURY: La Mamounia, Marrakesh

Luxurious La Mamounia, Marrakesh

A short walk away from the popular but overcrowded Jemaa el Fnaa square lies, in an oasis of peace, the magical La Mamounia hotel. The entrance is hidden within lush green walls and solely given away by the large men from security dressed in black.  Once passed through the initial entrance, the award winning 5-star hotel feels like stepping into an ancient palace. With marble tiled floors that lead the way up to staff that awaits you in traditional robes. 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.

La Mamounia hotel entrance
Main entrance of the hotel

La Mamounia hotel

Right from the start, there are so many different impressions that its hard to decide where to look first. The overall lavish oriental atmosphere is enhanced by the deep tones of red and gold that are featured throughout the massive hotel lobby. Whilst on the other hand, the glimpses you catch of 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 makes you feel displaced. Expect to see international business men having heavy discussions whilst nested into extravagant red couches, hotel staff that is eager to anticipate on whatever service you might need or guests spending thousands of dollars in the high-end shops featured in the hotel; all whilst making your way through to the main entrance of the spa.

Dat spa entry at La Mamounia

Main pool La Mamounia spa
Main pool

The day spa of La Mamounia has won many awards on its own and is as visually appealing as they come. The main pool is so captivating that is like something from a dream. But, frankly, so is every other aspect of the spa. Indulge yourself by going for the season pass – exact costs  can be found at end of the post- and get pampered with a 60-minute spa treatment, garden-side lunch and enjoy an afternoon of doing absolutely nothing. The spa treatments at the hotel draw inspiration of  Moroccan as well as Eastern culture, offering a variety of traditional and modern therapies. The spa pass furthermore, allows free access to several other leisure facilities. Such as the fitness pavillon, tennis courts and outdoor swimming pools

Outdoor spa facilities La Mamounia
Outdoor swimming pool
Indoor spa facilities La Mamounia
Indoor spa facilities

Luxury lunch La Mamounia hotel

And then, there is the food. 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 waiting the table. But, do note that this menu excludes any drinks you might have. The wine list, as to be expected, matches the rest of the prices of the hotel. However, there is a really decently priced Moroccan wine on there which we were hesitant to try at first, but later turned out to be perfect. The hotel features two more signature restaurants. An authentic Moroccan one and one that offers a French cuisine, all offer an intimate setting and a menu that stays true to their origins.

Indoor hot tub La Mamounia spa

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

The Italian restaurant, as one would expect, is high-end and priced as such. This is what, even though the drinks might be excluded from the deal, makes the season pass an exceptionally good deal. The season pass is valid for the entire day and includes a 60-minute massage or hamam treatment, a lunch at the Italian or French restaurant (depending on opening days) and will cost you $163 (€132). As we, of course, couldn’t pass up on some good wine, our drinks brought the total up with another $73 (€59). Which combined, led up to a total price of $399 (€323) for a single day at the La Mamounia spa for two persons.

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 centre 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 visit, 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 

ACCOMMODATION TIP – New York City

That Manhattan is no longer the only ‘place-to-be’ has been clear for quite some time now. With a large variety of districts – that each have their own characteristics- Brooklyn’s got it. And, whilst other popular area’s such as Williamsburg and Dumbo might be located closer to the bridge, Bushwick, a little bit farther out, ain’t bad at all. Especially, if you come across an accommodation like this.

The Funky Loft

A 30-minute subway ride away from New York City’s bubbling core, lies the extravagant Funky Loft.  With a variety of lush plants, a swing in the living room, kitschy 1970’s themed bathroom, vintage furniture and props throughout; this place truly is an artists dream. The Funky Loft was named “the coolest Airbnb in Brooklyn’ in 2017 by Time Out Magazine. Well, there is no arguing that.

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With its quirky interior and something eye-catching on every inch of the appartment, it’s no wonder the property is regularly rented out for photoshoots. The Funky Loft features 3 rooms that are individually themed and are fully decorated to complement that theme. New York City is famous for ever fluctuating weather but they’ve got you covered with an A/C for the hot days and heaters for the colder ones.  The doors of the accommodation are wooden barn doors, and slide from side to side. Which are super cool but do not completely close, so hopefully you’ll have mindful neighbors.

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The owners are friendly and, above all, experienced in renting out their accommodation. They know how to anticipate on anything you might need and have tons of tips to make the best of your stay.  As, an original bed and breakfast be-tamed, breakfast is set up for you to use at 07:00 and remains available until 11:00.

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However, as superb as this place might be, do keep in mind that the owners actually live at the property. Therefore, they’ve set silent hours, from 10pm until 10am. Not to say that you’re unable to go out or anything like that, you’re more than welcome to step in at any time of the night, just keep down the noise. Small price to pay for such a lovely apartment. Staying longer or having a romantic weekend getaway? Than maybe this place is best combined with a night in a hotel in Manhattan.

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Total costs for staying at the Funky Loft in Brooklyn?

For our 3-night stay, during a particularly cold March, we paid a total of $345 (280 EUR) which is a bargain in NYC.

Keen on spending the night in this incredible accommodation? Find out what it is going to cost you on your desired date and time by clicking here.

*All prices as of 31 March’18 in US dollars and EUR, converted on xe.com

HOTEL TIP – Marrakesh

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 within the centre of it all a garden or courtyard. All within the comfort of the old city walls – therefore, within the medina (old city centre of Marrakesh) you’ll find lots of these Moroccan houses of wonder. Whilst many parts of the old city feel long over do for a renovation, most riads are like stepping in to another world. A world straight from your 1001 fairytale that is. And that especially goes for Riad Palacio De Las Especias.

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This is part of your room. I KNOW. AWESOME.

This riad is interior perfection for us, containing future home goal after future home goal. Plants everywhere, hints of bright colors and the turquoise pool. The rooms are spacious, with rose petals on the bed upon arrival- super cheesy but we can’t help but to love the extra effort our hosts made for us.

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Bab El-Khemish double room

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View from our room

But if that doesn’t sell you. How about the diverse breakfast on offer. Which they will 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.

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Guests of the riad also have acces to the roof top 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.

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Want to wake up in Riad Palacio De Las Especias? Check out the the current prices for your desired date and time here.

For our 4-night stay we paid a total price of € 480 / $594 

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

Sunset Magic – Bali Hotspot

Bright cocktails, fresh food and pink-isch sunsets; a magical combination. La Plancha, located on the Double Six beach between Dhyanapura & 66 road in Seminyak, is a Spanish beach bar with an abundance of colourful beanbags and tasseled parasols.   Continue reading Sunset Magic – Bali Hotspot