Close by is charming Villa Des Orangers, where owners with lush fabrics, furnishings and pillow cases embroidered with gold thread. This Relais & Chateaux Riad features spacious rooms whose roof top terraces have views of the Atlas Mountains. After a dip in the pool and a visit to the spa, I feasted on mouth-watering Mediterranean-Moroccan fare in the cozy candlelit restaurant. This might be the most romantic spot in Marrakech. www.villadesorangers.com Riad Joya, just two years old, is owned by a small group of savvy Moroccans with impeccable taste. For those who want to be in the busy medina where the action is, this trendy riad features seven plush suites with luxurious Moroccan décor, butler service, spa and a rooftop restaurant with the best lamb tagine I had in Marrakech. www.riadjoya.com A highlight was my lunch at Jnane Tamsna located in the exclusive serene date grove and olive tree Palmeraie area, twenty minutes by car from the medina. The stylish twenty four bedroom luxury sanctuary with Moroccan décor and stunning antiques is owned by esteemed interior designer and Grande Dame of Marrakech Meryanne Loum Martin, known for her house party gatherings and salons. Guests enjoy swimming pools, tennis courts, and a vegetable and herb garden – used for meals. A favorite of celebrities, like Giorgio Armani, Brad Pitt, Donna Karan and David Bowie, you never know who will be at your dining table. It was here that I met Italian Princess Letizia Ruspoli, who owns an elegant, contemporary riad, Dar Seven, in the medina. I also met Vanessa Branson (sister of Richard) who owns Riad El Fenn in the medina, with suites with private pools and an amazing art collection. They told me about Le Salama near the main square, where everyone from Paloma Picasso to Roberto Cavalli dined, Sidi Ghanem, the new hip shopping area, 33 Rue Majorelle, boutique for the best of the best, and The Lotus Club, a cheeky burlesque club. Vanessa is also the founder of the Marrakech Biennale art festival, which attracts
Jnane Tamsna: www.jnane.com Dar Seven: www.darseven.com Riad El Fenn: www.riadelfenn.com Marrakech Biennale: www.marrakechbiennale.com If you would like to brush up on your French, or learn a little, Mango is marvelous and it works. www.TryMango.com For an excellent guide in Marrakech who knows the latest boutiques and designers as well as the vast souk contact: Hatim www.moroccan-heritage.com For elite custom tours in Morocco: Heritage Tours Private Travel www.HTprivatetravel.com Michael@htprivatetravel.com
Resident