From the hearts of Marrakech to the coast of Casablanca, Royal Mansour redefines what it means to live like a king. Where regal splendour meets local charm, the essence of Moroccan grandeur is yours to indulge in
Royal Mansour Marrakech
When it takes the collective effort of 1,500 master artisans over three years to construct a hotel, one can be sure that the result will be a regal masterpiece of epic proportions.
Built at the behest of Morocco’s King Mohammed VI in 2010, the Royal Mansour Marrakech is quite literally the definition of palatial luxury. Case in point: the 53 lavish riads, each with its own private courtyard entrance, butler service, plunge pool and rooftop terrace.
Spread across five acres of manicured gardens, the Royal Mansour Marrakech was conceptualised and brought to life as a medina within a medina. Surrounded by lush gardens and terracotta-coloured alleys, its design philosophy oozes deep Moroccan architectural and artisanal heritage, combined with a touch of modernity.
Unparalleled service is to be expected in a crown-worthy retreat. To ensure the preservation of beauty and calm, all of the action happens behind the scenes; hidden service doors within each riad enable butlers and service teams to come and go swiftly and silently, almost like magic. Behind these service doors exists a whole other world, where a maze-like basement houses kitchens, laundry rooms and more. “Our butlers aim to add an emotional touch, giving guests the experience of a unique side of Marrakech, a dimension that goes far beyond service,” explains Jean-Claude Messant, the managing director of the hotel collection. Truly, the Royal Mansour has perfected the art of balancing presence with discretion.
Gourmet options
In the public areas, multiple gourmet experiences await, ready to whisk guests on a journey around the world. Indulge in authentic Moroccan gastronomy at La Grande Table Marocaine, French classics at the brand-new La Table, or contemporary Italian fare at Sesamo (with a menu curated by none other than the Michelin-starred brothers Massimiliano and Raffaele Alajmo); highly acclaimed dining options are aplenty.
Preferring to enjoy a meal in the outdoors, shaded by palm and olive trees? Dine by the pool in a stylish cabana at Le Jardin, the hotel’s latest establishment. Overseen by Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alleno, an Asian-inspired menu serves up cuisines with multiple influences, from Japan, Thailand, to Peru and the Mediterranean.
Experiences and wellness
To add meaning to an already-beautiful stay, curated experiences are but of course offered at the Royal Mansour. Nestled deep in the gardens away from view, guests have access to the Artist Residence, a charming bohemian conservatory. Take part in activities like outdoor yoga, painting sessions, ceramics and calligraphy classes, jewellery-making workshops and more–the new garden of the Royal Mansour Marrakech (recently expanded in 2021) has every activity to invigorate the body, heart and mind.
For those seeking a deep relaxation, the hotel’s highly accoladed spa, spread across 2,500 square metres, is more than well-equipped to invigorate every inch of one’s being. Multiple treatment rooms and spa suites offer massages, hair treatments, manicure and pedicure services, to traditional Moroccan hammam baths.
Royal Mansour Casablanca
7 decades after the inauguration of Casablanca’s first 5-star luxury hotel, the legend of the Royal Mansour Casablanca continues on, following its recent reemergence from a eight-year-long revamp. Immersed in the heart of Morocco’s most vibrant city, the hotel marks the rebirth of an emblematic palace in Casablanca.
Serving up the charm of the 1950s in an Art Deco style, the Royal Mansour Casablanca houses a total of 149 luxurious accommodations. There are rooms and suites ranging from 45 to 130 square metres, exceptional duplex and triplex suites catering to families and large groups, as well as prestigious private apartments spread across three floors of the property.
Gastronomic odyssey
The Royal Mansour Casablanca boasts a collection of three world-class culinary experiences, helmed by three acclaimed chefs at the top of their game. Take in panoramic views of the city in the glass elevators on your way to La Grande Table Marocaine, for the best of Moroccan gastronomy by chef Karim Ben Baba. Boasting the same standards as at the Royal Mansour Marrakech, this restaurant has the breathtaking addition of spectacular vistas from its 23rd-floor perch.
In the mood for international tastes? Chef Eric Frechon helms La Brassiere, dishing out French gourmet elegance infused with a local touch, with the use of only the finest and freshest Moroccan products (think Oualidia oysters and Mohammadia lobsters). Alternatively, opt to dine under a sky of blown-glass cherry blossoms at Le Sushi Bar, where Japanese sushi masters perform live preparations of exquisite dishes conceptualised and curated by chef Keiji Matoba.
Wellness and amenities
A day spent in the vibrant metropolis of Casablanca is best wrapped up with relaxation and rejuvenation. Extending over several floors, the hotel’s wellness areas are dedicated to just that. Similar to its Marrakech outpost, the Royal Mansour Spa here offers face and body treatments using cutting-age technology, private massage rooms, as well as an authentic Moroccan hammam experience within exceptional marble decor.
This story first appeared in the November 2024 issue. Purchase it as a print or digital copy, or consider subscribing to us here
