Yes, yes. They’ve been pretending it’s Abu Dhabi, but when the makers of Sex and the City 2 chose where to film the girls on a stylish holiday, they actually set the cameras rolling in Morocco.
And it’s little wonder. This extremely progressive Muslim nation has exoticism in spades, and a whole wealth of luxury product to tempt visitors, especially in the capital, Marrakech.
Friendly and easy to visit, it’s nevertheless home to a very different culture, presenting a perfect option for the increasing numbers of luxury travellers who are seeking authenticity and adventure.
And with new upmarket properties opening right, left and centre, they can have all this without compromising their exacting standards.
Marrakech
Only a three-hour flight away, Marrakech is perfect either for a city break or as a jumping off point for a longer trip.
There’s plenty to do for wealthy clients, from shopping in the colourful bazaars and souks to traditional spa treatments in a Moroccan hammam, such as the Isis Spa, a luxury day spa right in the heart of the medina (spa-isis.com).
The famous main square, Djemaa el Fna, provides a view of bustling local life, but for peace and quiet suggest a trip to the Jardin Majorelle in the Gueliz district, bought in 1980 by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and now the resting place of his ashes.
Visitors can wander through these tranquil botanical gardens, spotting plants from five continents and passing between buildings painted the electric cobalt colour that is now known as Majorelle blue.
Historical and cultural sights such as the beautifully decorated 16th-century Saadian Tombs and the towering minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque are plentiful.
Moroccan National Tourist Office UK director Ali El Kasmi is quick to emphasise that Marrakech is a truly diverse destination. “In addition to fantastic spas and world-class golf courses, Marrakech also offers an abundance of activities, from horse-riding to dune driving and even hot-air ballooning over the desert.
“And the proximity to the Atlas mountains means that hiking and trekking are popular with visitors. The range of activities on offer makes any break to the city truly unforgettable.”
New hotels
With the list of just-opened and about-to-open luxury properties growing all the time, there’s no shortage of upmarket options.
The Mandarin Oriental Jnan Rahma isn’t scheduled to open until early next year, but if you saw SATC2 you’ve already had a sneak preview – it was referred to as the Sahara Hotel. The crew shot in the lush, landscaped gardens, the lobby and the Royal Suite, an exclusive area on its own floor on the top of the main palace, which has a terrace with views towards the Atlas mountains.
Other scenes include the girls relaxing by the spectacular huge pool, surrounded by manicured gardens, and dining at the poolside restaurant, Chiringito. With dark green marble slates, the pool’s colour was too dark for filming and had to be dyed light blue.
The hotel is set six miles outside the centre of Marrakech in the Palmeraie area, a 120sq km area covered with orchards and palm trees. The property is modelled on traditional palaces, and visitors will find an ochre-walled oasis of tranquillity.
There are 145 rooms, some in self-contained riads which can be booked by families or small groups privately. The large spa is a highlight, with its own hammam and locally inspired treatments.
Also due to open next year, the Baglioni Marrakech will be a five-star boutique dripping with style, with private residences designed by Jade Jagger and a spa by Six Senses.
Most of Marrakech’s larger luxury hotels are set out of the old centre, but the Royal Mansour, which opened last month, is located in the medina – albeit within 3.5 hectares of manicured gardens that provide an oasis of calm amid the chaos of the city.
Built with traditional designs in mind, the hotel comprises 53 individual riads with one to four bedrooms, each with private courtyards and plunge pools, and stunning private roof terraces. A labyrinth of underground tunnels runs between the riads, only accessed by staff, making this hotel perfect for celebs and those who value privacy and seclusion.
The restaurants (run by a three-Michelin-starred chef), lounges, spa, art gallery, kids’ club and library are all arranged around the reception building. With geometrically patterned tiles, delicate copperwork and rich colours, the feel is truly Moroccan deluxe.
In September last year the iconic La Mamounia reopened after a three-year restoration project. Now with 136 rooms and 71 suites, the hotel, originally opened in 1923, is named after its 200-year-old gardens, which were given as a wedding gift by one of Morocco’s kings to his son.
Former guests include Charlie Chaplin, Tom Cruise, Richard Gere and Kate Winslet. Current ones can enjoy four restaurants, five bars, a salon de the, tennis courts and a spa, plus a signature La Mamounia scent which infuses all the hotel toiletries.
Riads
Luxury hotels aren’t the only option for well-heeled visitors to Marrakech. Many choose to stay in an upmarket riad instead.
These converted traditional houses are characterised by a central courtyard, and tend to be hidden in the backstreets of the medina. They are small properties, typically with only a handful of bedrooms, but are authentically Moroccan in feel and give visitors an impression of being a house guest of the host rather than one of many faceless visitors.
Riads often offer romantic meals served in the courtyard or on a roof terrace. Luxury operators have favourite riads they prefer to work with. The Angsana hotel chain owns six luxury riads (pictured) in Marrakech, featured by operators such as Cox & Kings and Classic Collection Holidays.
Another new luxury riad is Maison MK, which hosted Jamie Oliver when he was filmed cooking tajines on the roof for Channel 4’s Jamie Does Marrakech.
Sample product
Carrier offers five nights’ bed and breakfast at the Royal Mansour hotel from £3,010 per person including Royal Air Maroc flights from Gatwick and private transfers. The price is valid until October 31. carrier.co.uk/traveltrade, 0161 491 7650
Prestige offers five nights’ bed and breakfast in a classic inland room with a balcony at La Mamounia from £1,349 per person on a twin-share basis, with Royal Air Maroc flights from Gatwick, private taxi transfers and the services of a local representative. prestigeholidays.co.uk, 01425 480400
