Marrakech, Morocco / The Oberoi Marrakech

You can’t stray far from dizzying architecture and adventures in Marrakech; even on the outskirts of the city, where The Oberoi celebrates it all behind its towering rosy walls.

The Oberoi’s Moroccan endeavour has come a long way from the farm that once stood in its spot; but the surrounding 28 acres of mature citrus and olive trees mingling into the mountains humble it’s grand façade. The design by architect Patrick Collier – chosen for his background in palace building of course – has resulted in gaping hallways adorned in tiny Zellīj tiles (courtesy of over 300 artists and more than 3 years); out-of-the-way rooms with local touches and Andalusian accents; and an exquisite courtyard inspired by Marrakech’s illustrious Ben Youssef Madrasa, surrounding a fountain paying homage to the one in the brand’s New Delhi hotel.

It’s only possible to better all the privacy and spacious majesty by personalising the experiences to be had here. The very well-connected Chief Concierge, Samir, is our go to man. So if out-of-hours museum tours, hot-air balloon breakfasts over the Atlas Mountains and bird’s eye views over the Sahara in a private helicopter raise a curious eyebrow, we’re positive we can arrange something. As for in-resort, well, the spa sits on its own island over a natural spring; complete with one of the best traditional hammam experiences around. But the new-for-2021 SAHA wellness programme is where serenity is at – a line-up of four pillars embodying their mantra “may everything you do bring you good health”.

Travel notes:

• 84 rooms and villas; with private terrace and private pool respectively
• Carefully planned resort layout for optimum privacy
• 3 dining options with some featuring views across the grand canal water feature and mountains, and piano bar
• Djemaa el-Fna square and the airport are within 20 minutes’ drive
• In-resort activities including joining the October harvest and landscape garden and horseback tours
• Deep connection to the community with a local charity partnership, traditional recipes and customs in the restaurants and library featuring books on Moroccan history