A Villa Escape

press trip

To be able to travel just a few hours away from a rainy March in England and land to clear blue skies and mountain views still feels like a novelty, no matter how many times I visit Marrakech. That’s one of the special things about it, feeling worlds away, yet being able to fit it in over a weekend if you wish. 

This time I was back to stay at the Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech. Too special a place to pass up the opportunity to visit, made even more evident when we drove up to the entrance. The feeling of calm that washes over you when you’re greeted with a warm towel and a friendly face to carry your heavy bags away, followed by a refreshing drink as you check in, taking in every detail of the lobby whilst you wait. I love it. I felt overdressed in my jeans and jumper, itching to get to my room and slip into something more temperature appropriate.

For somebody that appreciates their own space (hello!) and would prefer not to have to interact with anyone (absolutely no jostling for the best spot at the main pool here) the villas at Mandarin Oriental couldn’t be more ideal. To be able to swim, snooze and sit in the sun in total privacy is a dream. It would be a particularly special stay for a honeymooning couple. 

Whilst it would be all-too-tempting to spend the entire trip on one of your many sofas with a good book or a Moroccan tea, there is plenty to pull you away, which is why Marrakech is such a special destination. The bustling Medina is just a 10 minute drive away, with shuttles available to take you from the hotel. Or you could head out to the Atlas Mountains, which you’ll be able to see as you eat breakfast on the balcony. Slightly closer to home, the spa at MO is also something special, complete with a very well-stocked fitness centre if you’re the kind of person that enjoys exercise whilst on holiday (couldn’t be me!). 

Most of these dining options are also available to people who aren’t guests of the hotel, so you’re able to book in and get a slice of the MO experience. The same goes for the large pool at the heart of the hotel- you’re able to book a pool garden day pass that includes a three-course meal and pool access for the day.

If I’ve not made it obvious enough, I’d happily return for a few more days next to my own extremely inviting pool. The combination of the busy souks just a short journey away and the tranquility of the villa courtyard with its birdsong soundtrack is my ideal combination and one I hope you’ll get to experience too, even if only through these images.