In Marrakech, the spirit of historical tradition and modern innovation co-exist in perfect harmony. Known as the city of luxury, the cosmopolitan hub situated in western Morocco is home to dazzling palaces, luxury spas and impeccable standards of hospitality, while preserving the heritage of stunning Moorish architecture, ancient mosques and bustling souks.

For holidaymakers eager to explore the vibrancy of Moroccan culture on a five-star basis, hotel La Mamounia will cater to your immediate needs and tend to your wildest imagination. Nominated as one of Condé Nast Traveller’s best hotels in the world for six years on the trot, La Mamounia paves the way when it comes to style, opulence and grandeur. Located in Marrakech’s modern Hivernage neighbourhood, La Mamounia encompasses the majestic essence of Moroccan culture while providing a high-class luxury experience that keeps its loyal customer base coming back each year.

Since its opening in 1923, the hotel has hosted a plethora of A-list guests and cemented itself as somewhat of a cultural muse in history. Paul McCartney wrote Mamunia (meaning “safe haven” in Arabic) during a 1973 stay, Alfred Hitchcock got the inspiration for his 1963 classic The Birds while lounging on a jardin-facing balcony and Winston Churchill once called it ‘the most lovely spot in the whole world’. However, the deluxe hotel has never been shy about reinventing itself. To celebrate its centenary last year, an imaginative, two-phase renovation spearheaded by renowned architect/designer duo Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku metamorphosed the space into a contemporary bastion of Moroccan luxury and tradition.

The certified “grand dame” of the Moroccan hotel scene, La Mamounia houses 135 rooms, 71 suites, five restaurants, four bars and two tea rooms. The main attraction, however, is the prestigious La Mamounia Spa which extends over 2,500m2 – a separate institution in its own right. Exuding the tranquillity of a lush Arabian night, the marble space lit by lanterns features 10 treatment rooms, three hammams (steam baths; two public and one private), a heated indoor pool and a Jacuzzi.

Head concierge, Zineb Meliani has been committed to ‘creating memorable experiences for guests’ at La Mamounia for over 13 years. ‘I love how cosmopolitan and dynamic Marrakech is,’ she says.

‘For an authentic experience, I recommend Alcimat. They are an event and activities company that creates immersive experiences where visitors can enjoy the beauty of nature and have unique moments like dining in the great outdoors or private historic sites. They help capture a spirit of adventure akin to early 20th-century explorers. In particular, they offer an excursion called “Le Plateau du Kik” which takes you to the most strategic and amazing hidden spot in this village, where you can enjoy views of the river, mountains and lush greenery.’

A day out in Marrakech is a one-of-a-kind adventure. The food culture boasts a spectrum of traditional delicacies ranging from authentic street food to Michelin-star restaurants. ‘My favourite under-the-radar spot is Le Petit Cornichon,’ Meliani tells us.‘It offers fresh food and has a great atmosphere–I highly recommend trying the beef wellington.’ Meanwhile, the winding lanes of the street marketplaces known as“souks”attract tourists and locals bargaining for the hidden treasures of the city’s thriving commerce. ‘If I were to buy something from a souk, I would choose a Moroccan teapot or a local dress,’ says Meliani.

While Marrakech continues to burgeon as a highly sought-after location for travellers from across the globe, the tourist hotspots remain prime locations offering an authentic experience of Moroccan culture. ‘If there is one tourist attraction that’s worth the visit then it’s the Majorelle Garden,’ Meliani recommends. Majorelle is a one-hectare botanical garden filled with sprawling greenery created by French Orientalist artistJacques Majorelle over almost forty years, starting in 1923–located just a few hundred metres from the Yves Saint Laurent Museum.

La Mamounia, Marrakech