Travel: Hidden treasures at La Sultana, Marrakech
The sights, the sounds, the smells, Marrakech’s medina has it all in abundance, tightly packed within its ancient walls. The trick to exploring this ancient city is to wander, to explore without a plan and stumble across new favourites that feel like unique finds. One of these such places can be found off a bustling street inside the Royal Quarter of the Kasbah, appearing like an oasis just when you need it most. La Sultana is humbly announced by a narrow alleyway, a brick walk way that opens up enticingly, with the flickering light of lanterns to guide you to its entrance. And as easily as that you have left the madness of the medina in your wake and something very special awaits you.
An entrance not to be missed, La Sultana Marrakech
Made up of a sprawling series of interconnected Riads, each section of La Sultana opulently is decorated with its own unique character. Starting with the romantic pale pinks of Riad Scheherazade, which are highlighted with intricate stucco work and fine zellij tiling. To the carved cedar wood and rich jewel tones of Riad Saadia, a startling contrast to the palette cleanser that is Riad Sabaa, a vision in all-white stucco and marble. While the true heart of La Sultana is the brick-lined Riad Almohad, the combination of arches and azure pool has a dreamy painterly quality to it. Flashes of green from the leafy palms, banana and sica trees only add to these oasis like comparisons. Not to mention make it a favourite spot for Instagram worthy photo opportunities. By day you can lounge around the pool enjoying its peaceful waters, and as the sun goes down the lanterns are lit to create an intimate dining space. I defy you to remember during your stay that this calm oasis, that you are still very much in the centre of this intense city.
Riad Almohad at La Sultana
After such a grand entrance you will be relieved to know that the sleeping arrangements do not disappointment, the 28 bedrooms and suites each have their very own style and offer a perfect showcase of everything Moroccan craftsman have to offer. Expect maximalist tastes throughout, ceiling carvings so intricate they have a mesmerizing effect of a magic eye puzzle and awe worthy bathrooms fit for Roman emperors. Not to fear there is substance behind the style too, you can expect all the luxury mod cons, for example soundproofing between the rooms, Ipod docks and DVD players come as standard.
Aerial views at La Sultana
If that’s not enough to tempt you, the jewel in the already sparkling crown of La Sultana can be found on the roof top. Upon which you will find the largest terrace within the medinas golden triangle, offering unforgettable views that you will take with you long after you have unpacked your suitcases. Let your eyes skim across the picturesque emerald tiled rooftops and intricate gold minarets of your temporary home to take in the 360 degrees views of the city. From the historical monuments that make the cities iconic ochre skyline all the way to the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, you won’t want to miss a thing.
After a couple of days in the city however wonderful your culinary experience so far may have been, you may be surprised to find yourself all tagine-d out. Then I would recommend hot footing it to the roof terrace and treating yourself to the Mediterranean menu at the La Table du Souk restaurant (serving lunch every day to guests and non-guests from 12h00 and 15h30 everyday), whilst cloistered away from the city amongst the palms and bougainvillaea. Be warned you will find it hard to tear yourself away, but don’t fear when the stars appear so do the heaters and cosy throws to ward off the chill in winter months.
Interiors at La Sultana
Not quite ready to re-join the real world yet? Delve a little deeper into the Riads and find the spa, a heavenly space carved directly into pink marble. Be it a Royal Hammam or massage using the finest local product ranges, Marrokisssime, Nectarome and Kure Bazaar, you will not be disappointed.
La Sultana is a hidden gem, a luxurious piece of Moroccan history and true oasis in a city of excess. And with intrigue to be found in every corner, you will be pleased to find your explorations don’t finish at the door.
- Lucy Coghlan was a guest of La Sultana Marrakech, www.lasultanahotels.com. Rates starting from 3600MAD (approximately £285) per night in a prestige room for two people (excluding breakfasts).