Daily Express

Palace of dreams

HOT HOTEL La Sultana Marrakech, Morocco

- BY JAMES CAVEN ‘‘ It’s made up of different riads, with artwork all over and marble floors

VIBE

La Sultana Marrakech lies hidden away inside the UNESCO world heritage listed medina, the historic heart of the imperial city.

It’s convenient­ly located near many of the city’s tourist sites, including the Saadian Tombs, the Royal Palace and the Bahia Palace, while it lies just 10 minutes’ walk to Jemaa el-Fnaa, the main square.

During the day, the nearby streets are full of locals shopping for food in the markets, while at night the area has a real buzz to it.

STYLE

The five-star hotel, which opened in 2004, has 28 rooms and suites, which are all different so each guest’s stay is unique.

It’s made up of different riads – a luxurious house or palace with an interior garden or courtyard – with each having its own distinctiv­e feel. There’s artwork everywhere while the intricatel­y carved brickwork and wood panelling, high-vaulted ceilings and marble floors leave you feeling like you’re staying in a palace.

The rooms are extremely luxurious, with a Jacuzzi and armchairs ensuring your stay is as comfortabl­e as it can be.

FOOD AND DRINK

There are two restaurant­s, along with a cocktail and meze bar. The menus all offer a blend of French and Moroccan cuisine, using fresh and local ingredient­s. Tuck into a delicious lunch of grilled sea bass or crayfish at the La Table du Souk on the roof terrace. La Table de La Sultana, located next to the pool, offers the perfect dinner spot. The vegetable tagine is delicious, and perfectly complement­ed by the local Casablanca beer.

The rooftop bar, Odette, is ideal for grabbing a cocktail, with both the Midnight in Marrakech and the Rock The Kasbah particular­ly recommende­d.

Its dinner menu is not to be missed, with the fish tagine perfectly followed by a homemade sorbet.

WHAT TO DO

Jump in one of the hotel’s two pools, or visit the spa and grab a treatment in one of its private rooms. The gym is on the terrace, so you can enjoy rooftop views while exercising.

The hotel has arguably the greatest rooftop terrace in the city and it’s where you can find the gym, so you can enjoy panoramic views while exercising, or just relax as you admire your surroundin­gs.

There are stunning views including the Kasbah Mosque, as well as the ancient city walls and the 16th-century Saadian Tombs. You can also see the snow-capped Atlas Mountains.

A DAY OUT

The urban safari, led by experience­d and knowledgea­ble official guides, is a superb way to get a feel for Marrakech.

Learn about the history and culture of the red city on this three-hour walking tour, while also enjoying the hustle and bustle as you make your way around its narrow streets.

Starting from the hotel’s rooftop, it takes you through the Kasbah district, around the beautiful Bahia Palace, before ending in the iconic Jemaa el-Fnaa square. You’ll learn about the royal dynasties which shaped the city, while also getting a feel for everyday life in Marrakech as you visit markets and admire its architectu­re.

In the square, you’ll find market traders and food vendors selling their goods, while snake charmers and Berber musicians entertain.

And if you fancy something different, Africa’s largest cacti farm - Cactus Thiemann - can be found on the outskirts of Marrakech. Marvel at the dozens of varieties of the prickly plants on a tour round the 17-acre garden - just don’t get too close!

Other activities organised by the hotel include hot-air ballooning, bread-making classes, golf, yoga and mountain biking.

 ?? ?? RELAX... One of the hotel’s two pools
RELAX... One of the hotel’s two pools
 ?? ?? ALFRESCO La Table du Souk
ALFRESCO La Table du Souk
 ?? ?? ROMANTIC Dine out in style
ROMANTIC Dine out in style
 ?? ?? STUNNING Hotel room at La Sultana
STUNNING Hotel room at La Sultana

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