It’s been a long, hot, jam-packed full day of sightseeing in Marrakech. We’ve got that post-mooching-around-the-Medina high; our senses overstimulated by the feast of exotic sights, sounds, smells and of course, all the shopping that the world-famous indoor market Jemaa el-Fnaa has to offer.
As we excitedly compare our bartered-down bargains and marvel over our delicious lunch on a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city, our cab whizzes through the crowded, winding streets, dodging TukTuks, food sellers and horse-drawn carriages. We are grateful - and admittedly a little smug - to know that The Oberoi, our luxurious oasis of calm and tranquility awaits for us, just 30 minutes from the heart of the city.
I’ve been to Marrakech four times now and each time I discover more about this incredible place - and leave with a suitcase heaving with shopping. Marrakech really is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway, being only a four hour flight from the UK, especially in the cooler months such as spring and autumn, when temperatures tend to stick in the mid-twenties. I’ve even been for Christmas and the weather during the day was perfect for lounging by the pool. In the past, I’ve always stayed in the beating heart of the city, but to get out into the countryside underneath the majestic Atlas mountains for a 3 day stay at The Oberoi proved to be the perfect foil to the hectic pace of the Medina.
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Who is the Oberoi Marrakech for?
It’s undeniably a very romantic destination. Indeed, The Oberoi has become one of the most highly sought after wedding venues in Marrakech, due to its spectacular location, incredible space, amenities and the impeccable service and luxury Oberoi is known for worldwide. There’s even an in-house team of wedding planners to help with every detail and the option to ‘buy-out’ the entire property for your special occasion. The tranquility of the location - nestled amidst 28 acres of lush gardens, fragrant citrus orchards and centuries-old olive groves - makes staying there feel intimate, despite the very grand, impressive architecture and 84 rooms and suites. And I really do mean grand. The resort, which used to be an olive farm and still has over 2,500 olive trees, opened in 2019, took 10 years to build and comprises some stunning architectural features such as the vast inner sanctum marble courtyard. The entrance to the hotel features a grand black basin that at night has giant flames floating in the water - it really does make a magnificent and dramatic atmosphere. The Oberoi is also a lovely getaway for friends and families as well and would make a perfect girls weekend away or if you're traveling with little ones, there is a fantastic creche service on offer.
What are the bedrooms like?
The 84 rooms, all situated within the tranquil grounds of the property, range from deluxe with private terraces to deluxe villas with private pools. We were lucky enough to have a room with a small private pool in our garden courtyard. The ceilings in the rooms are very high, in fitting with the elegance of the resort, and the bath overlooking the garden and pool was glorious. The hotel also boasts one of the best suites in Morocco, the royal suite. Situated on the elevated first-floor location above the main property, the views are over the ‘grand canal’ water feature down to the Atlas mountains are amazing, especially from the private infinity pool. There is also the two-bedroom royal villa, suitable for families, with its own private pool.
What does it offer for foodies?
Lots of options! My favourite was the poolside restaurant Azure, perfect for a long leisurely lunch in the shade. The ambience is so chilled and the menu fantastic and nutritious - do try the avocado hummus served with goat cheese ice cream! They also do an incredible freshly baked focaccia.
Then there’s Tamimt, open all day and where the extraordinary breakfast buffet is served every morning and you can sit alfresco overlooking the grounds. The restaurant offers a blend of Mediterranean and international cuisines. For lunch try the incredible six course Moroccan salad menu, served in little dishes and including pickled cucumber, carrot walnut and cinnamon and masala pumpkin - no second course needed!
Rivayat is a real treat for a special dinner. An Indian meal unlike any I've ever tasted - even in India. Mentored by Michelin-starred chef Rohit Ghai, the menu is exceptional. The masala prawns and Mangalore Sea Bass were particularly special. The service was a little slow, but the setting made up for it.
It’s worth noting that Morocco, being a Muslim country, imposes a very high tax on alcohol and wine can be expensive. If you fancy a few drinks on a budget, a good tip is to purchase some alcohol at duty free at the airport and store in the minibar.
What about the spa?
Located on a private island (yes really!) and built around a maze garden, the beautiful, floor-to-ceiling glass-walled spa is filled with natural light. Situated at one end of the property’s vast grounds, it’s not to be missed out on. The spa also includes the resort’s sizeable indoor swimming pool, also encased in a glass structure and surrounded by the lush gardens. There are many bespoke wellness programmes on offer including a new Ayurveda-inspired wellness treatment designed by Dr Anuradha Mathad, a renowned wellness expert from India. I was lucky enough to enjoy the signature massage, which was absolutely perfect.
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What else is on offer at The Oberoi?
Through the spa and fitness centre, the Oberoi offers personal training, yoga, pranayama, running coaches, meditation, Qi Gong, mindfulness activities including working on the grounds with the gardeners, star gazing or even a sleep therapy programme! The hotel can offer trips into the Atlas mountains, just 30 minutes drive away for skiing during the cooler months.
What can you do outside The Oberoi?
Marrakech really is a feast for the senses! As already mentioned, the vast Medina – Marrakech's ancient fortified citadel dating back to the Berber Empire – is a shopping paradise with winding alleys lined with souks selling jewellery, textiles, ceramics and more! Prepare to barter, it’s expected and treated like a sport. Do stop at the locally renowned and very popular Nomad restaurant for a delicious lunch (although it does not serve alcohol and booking in advance is advised.)
The deep-blue Jardin Majorelle is another main attraction, a beautiful botanical garden owned by Yves Saint Laurent who lived with his partner, Pierre Berger, in the city. And the nearby Yves Saint Laurent museum is well worth a visit, featuring an Aladdin’s cave of the designer’s creations spanning his entire career. As well as mosques, gardens, restaurants and palaces if you fancy exploring, you’ll be spoiled for choice. That is if you can ever tear yourself away from the beauty and serenity of the Oberoi Marrakech.
Deluxe room with private terrace from£652 (including breakfast and taxes); Deluxe villa with private pool from £813 (including breakfast and taxes).
