A STAR sanctuary
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nce upon a time, celebrities and famous names stayed in famous Moroccan hotels such as the classic La Mamounia or the over-the-top Royal Mansour, the bling bling hotel owned by the King of Morocco. Nowadays, celebs prefer hiding out in more secluded and intimate locations, far away from the bustle of the medina and the busy city. One of these ultra-deluxe hideaways is Amanjena, just outside the city and with views over the High Atlas. Prince was recently a guest, as was Mick Jagger, and Katie Perry just celebrated her birthday here. They stay in pavilions or villas with private swimming pools and gardens, because privacy here is key. What’s also nice, alongside the fireplaces in each pavilion, is the spa with hammam and a cosy bar and restaurant where you just might just end up sitting next to a famous face. Amanjena also offers interesting excursion packages in Marrakech.
Branson’s hideaway
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asbah Tamadot was originally Sir Richard Branson’s private Kasbah, bought for US$1.5m from an Italian antiques dealer at the insistence of mama and papa Branson. The objective was to use it as an exotic bolthole, far from hectic life in London; that is until Branson rebranded it as a hotel. After lengthy renovation works and several millions later, Kasbah Tamadot now has 27 rooms including 10 tents that are actually suites, six of which have their own plunge pool and views over the valley around the village of Asni. The Kasbah is a small palace comprised of pink adobe buildings connected by flowered courtyards and elegant staircases. Every apartment is decorated with valuable antiques and local artifacts. Roof terraces look out on the snowy peaks of the Atlas Mountains, the garden overlooks the valley and river, and the enormous swimming pool is as blue as the pure, intense air of the High Atlas. Inside my room, I can’t find a TV but I can find a Bose sound system, handmade leather slippers, a minibar (included in the price) and, of course, the obligatory rose petals strewn from bed to bath. There’s a strong possibility you will enjoy an aperitif or breakfast sitting alongside some VIPs, Hollywood stars or other famous names from Branson’s extensive list of acquaintances. He also comes here himself a couple of times a year and his mother runs a local charity to support Berber women.
Remember, it’s best to visit Marrakech in spring and autumn, when temperatures are fine, humidity is low, and there’s lots of sunshine. Avoid the summer months. For getting around the city, rely on petit taxis and private drivers. Most luxury hotels also offer a private limousine service, and there is no problem in renting your own 4x4 car.
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