Monday, October 5, 2015

Marrakech part III

Marrakech is one of the places where it is hard to choose a hotel... there are just so many beautiful options! Some date back to the 18th or 19th century, when wealthy Moroccans constructed private retreats (riads) within the labyrinth of the inner city, the Medina.  A riad is typically surrounded by an unassuming brick or mud wall, but when you step inside, a little paradise unfolds... you'll find mansions or small palaces which open their windows and balconies onto tranquil and shaded courtyards, or a fragrant garden filled with rose and orange blossom scents.

Many of Marrakech's hotels are former riads, and for a good reason... after spending your day in the bustling and vibrant town, there is nothing more restorative than getting back to an oasis where you can listen to the soothing sound of a trickling fountain, or wander in a beautiful and peaceful garden.

The La Mamounia and the Royal Mansour took my breath away more than any other place.. the La Mamounia because of its elegance and history, and the Royal Mansour because it's a modern day testimony to Morocco's centuries old traditional arts and crafts. Regardless if you visit to spend the night, or if you go to enjoy a dinner or drinks... you'll be spellbound by the exquisiteness and magic of these places.

LA MAMOUNIA

The La Mamounia has been the grand old dame of Marrakech for almost a hundred years, and its history is as rich as the (frequently updated) opulent and elegant interior. It opened in a glitzy ceremony in 1923, but the roots go back much further.. the 20 acre garden was once owned by the 18th century Prince Mamoun, who received it as a wedding present from his father, the Sultan of Morocco. Mamoun famously hosted extraordinary parties in his park, and when the hotel was build, it was named after the prince who the grounds once belonged to. Winston Churchill was a regular (he described it as 'the most lovely spot in the world') and Jacques Majorelle painted the ceiling of one of the dining rooms.




The beautiful and intricate geometric mosaics which decorate La Mamounia's columns, water features, walls and panels are called zellij. The making of these geometric patterns with enamel glazed terracotta shapes is an art form dating back centuries, and the knowledge and savoir faire is passed on from generation to generation of experienced craftsmen.



The basis of my travel wardrobe consisted of black, white and cream pieces, which made for uncomplicated mixing and matching, and resulted in endless possible outfit combinations.



A few colored prints and accessories provided accents and variety, and all in all everything was light and easy to pack.





a beautiful cedar wood ceiling, painted and decorated by hand.






Capsule pieces: 1 dress, 8 shirts/tunics/tops, 4 pairs of trousers
Accessories: 9 bracelets, 4 wool/silk stoles (click here), 3 silk twill 90 carrés, 3 pendant and tassel necklaces (click here) plus various earrings and scarf/shawl rings.
Shoes: six pairs


My bracelets travelled in the new MaiTai Collection jewellery case. The six individual interior pockets have soft padded backings, so even fragile items (such as enamel bracelets) can be stored and transported safely. You can fit up to four more bracelets or other small jewellery items in the spaces between the pockets. The case comes out later this autumn, and will be available in four colors (gris, lilac, taupe and rose)














ROYAL MANSOUR

The Royal Mansour is so much more than an amazing luxury hotel, it is a breathtakingly beautiful testimony to Moroccan and Arab art and craftsmanship. It was build in 2009 by King Mohammed VI, who oversaw every detail of the construction. Artisanal crafts have been supported by Morocco's monarchs throughout history, and when building the Royal Mansour, King Mohammed employed a team of 1500 master craftsmen (maâlems)  over a period of three years. For an undisclosed budget, he created a place of utter perfection with unimaginable attention to detail.... the walls, ceilings and columns are decorated with intricately sculpted plasterwork (gebs), zellij mosaics, ornately carved or painted cedar wood, tadelakt surfacing, marble tiles and marquetry panels. Gates and arches showcase complex iron, white metal and marble lattice work. Suede wall coverings, sumptuous silk tapestries and embroidered drapes add color and and warmth, and light filters through carved wooden shutters or stained glass windows...



a detail of the columns above
















Capsule pieces: black trousers and cream silk shirt
Accessories: Hermes clic-H enamel bracelet in black, MaiTai Collection wool/silk stole in gris perle (click here) and tassel necklace in noir/argent (click here)
Shoes: Belle Vivier by Roger Vivier.












La Mamounia: Avenue Prince Moulay Rachid, Marrakech, Morocco, Tel: +212 5243-88600

Royal Mansour: Rue Abou Abbas el sebti, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco, Tel: +212 52980-8080 www.royalmansour.com

 

32 comments:

  1. Fabulous photos! These are heavenly places and so different from our first and only experience of Marrakech - the old campsite just out of town. Where we stayed seemed like an old oasis in the desert, a place for nomads, with the tents pitched in the shade of huge old trees and a few flowering shrubs, but not far away was the baked red earth.
    A once famous Oz rock singer Billy Thorpe (no longer with us sadly) decided to take his wife to Morocco for a 40th birthday and secretly organised for all their family and closest friends to be there as a surprise for her. After they'd checked into their hotel some men in uniform visited and asked to see him, causing quite a frisson of concern. It turned out however, that the King, the father of the current Sultan, was a huge fan and wanted to meet him and have him sing. From then on Billy and co were the guests of the king and had the most fabulous time in the palaces and gardens around Morocco. One of his best holidays ever apparently. (Used to know Billy years ago - so heard it directly from him.)
    Your capsule wardrobe looks fabulous! Best wishes, Pamela

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  2. The Gardens of the Mamounia... A dream...
    And of course with such beautiful photos.
    Its completely personal of course, but we stayed at RMansour, we did not like it al all...
    Amities

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  3. Shoukran jazilan for the visit, we really feel like oriental princess in the Palais des 1001 nuits ! Sequins and tassel were totally in their elements ;) Very very clever your jewelry case, it will avoid travelling with a suede pouch for each bracelet.
    Have a good week ahead dearest MT and ladies in Le Salon.
    xx Catherine.

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  4. Dear MaiTai,

    Love the fabulous colours of these hotels a little bit of heaven I think when you are sitting in them at they end of a busy day.
    Have loved all three of your travel log stories, what a wonderful time you must have had and what memories to keep.

    Also cant wait for the new Jewellery case to come out how exciting.
    Best Jane x

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  5. I love your packing posts, Mai Tai, and I especially love your scarf accessories - have a few in my own collection. But I've fallen in love with your pendant necklace! Any chance of offering it with a silver pendant, in addition to the gold? I've moved to all silver jewelry - much more in tune with the silver hair! - and have been looking for a long necklace like this. With a black cord, it would be divine...

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  6. beautiful post- love how disciplined your packing was x

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  7. In all honesty, I'm happy to leave the monkeys and the snakes behind and move into the lap of luxury. The colors and the details, especially the tile work, are all magnificent - that painted cedar ceiling - oh my gosh!

    And, I'm sure I could live quite happily at the Royal Mansour! I'd like to try anyway.

    You looked lovely,too - very cool and sophisticated.

    Best,
    Jerrine

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  8. Dearest MaiTai,
    What an enchanting post and you are a vision! Thank you for sharing your experience from Morrocco and for introducing a new jewellery case, definitely a must-have for me.
    I second Vivian's plea for a silver pendant on black cord, it would add extra mileage to my wardrobe.....

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  9. How absolutely exquisite! You've definitely added Marrakech to my 'must see' list.

    And, as always, your capsule wardrobe pics are a source of inspiration--thank you!

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  10. Dear MaiTai, It's like a beautiful dream (the tilework!), and your capsule wardrobe was perfect! Looking forward to the launch of the new jewelry case. I cast my vote for a silver pendant as well, brushed or shiny, either would work beautifully. Jerrine, let's all move in to the Royal Mansour. What a reality show that would make!
    Warm aloha to all,
    Fifi

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    Replies
    1. Yeah, Fif, let's get off that roof - too close to flying monkeys! I think the Royal Mansour would suit us just fine.

      Of course, I have a feeling that I'd have to sell my H. collection to afford the privilege of all that luxury.

      Hugs to you,
      Jerrine

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  11. Merci pour ces superbes photos (comme toujours !) qui font aussi de très beaux fonds d'écran pour ordinateur et m'aident à patienter entre deux voyages tout en suggérant de nouvelles destinations.
    Félicitations aussi pour le travail réalisé sur le site, cela représente beaucoup de travail mais le résultat en vaut vraiment la peine.

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  12. Dearest Mai Tai,

    Suddenly I felt I was far away in a beautiful palace, surrounded by the most enchanting and magical sorroundings.

    Your beautiful photographs reminded me of 1001 nights and the colours of the walls and of the tiles are so soft and pretty...

    You look beautiful wearing your stole, perfectly in accordance with the Palace and its gardens.

    Thank you for this beautiful post!<3
    Warmest hugs, Manuela

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    Replies
    1. I would love the silver pendant on a black cord too!!!! It sounds quite chic! <3

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    2. It was me, Manuela.

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  13. Oh, these retreats look divine, and as Jerrine mentioned, far from those pesky monkeys and slithery snakes! Your pics and prose paint a beautiful atmosphere!
    So thrilled you and yours got to experience this exotic locale and as always merci for sharing it with us!
    You look elegant as ever descending the stairs wearing your beautiful stole<3 I am still hoping for those leg extenders to be added to the MT Collection...long legged beauty,you!
    Sending mwahs and best to you and all of the swans for a wonderful week ahead! T xx

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    1. Also, I love the new jewelery travel case! Perfect timing for Xmas gifts as well as gifting myself;-) Win,win! xx

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    2. I fully agree with you, dearest Trudye! It's lovely!!! <3 hugs, Manuela

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    3. The leg extenders are divine, Trudye. I highly recommend them. I have worn my pair out and must buy another.

      I hope they'll be offered again soon :~}

      Feathery swan hugs to all,
      Jerrine

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    4. Please put my name on the waiting list, too...Something I've always been hoping for:)
      Feathers are getting wet, the French rain has arrived here...hope you were not drowned, dear MT!
      Katja

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    5. Sorry small ladies but years ago I took an option on all the stock of these Nordic leg extenders as well as all the blond hair extensions. Now that we are talking about it, I'll take the long elegant arm extenders too!
      Well, be happy that you can still buy these beautiful long silk stole...
      Crazy Tut tut,
      C.

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    6. You ladies crack me up. I'm 5'8" so I can get by without leg extenders. I'd like the blond hair extensions, though. Do they come in silver?
      :-) Fifi

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    7. Ok, Fifi, I have blond extensions covered...well come to think of it I could use some as I have just chopped off my hair;)
      Envious of you tall swans given that I am a mere 5'4", but I can honk and fly with
      the best of you! Lofty aspirations and all;-) xx

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    8. Same height, Fifi, but I'd still like to be taller with longer legs. We're never satisfied with ourselves, are we!

      Cheers,
      Jerrine

      PS - Now, Trudye, we elegant swans don't honk. According to Catherine, we tut . . . tut.

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    9. What shall I say, girls? I am 5' 1'' and would love those long legs too! Manuela xx

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    10. Well, darling Manuela, I would say, "Good things come in small packages !"

      Happy weekend to all of the salon swans! Not exactly sure what sound the swan makes...trumpet,honk or whatever,so I will remain 'mute' on that subject! Rest assured that the smallest can be ever elegant;)
      xx

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    11. Thanks, darling Trudye! 😉
      A happy and sunny weekend to you and all the swans here too! Manuela xx

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  14. Oops- I missed out on all the monkey-snake-talk...I definitely also prefer beautiful tiles and I figure that some of them would look stunning if printed on silk....just a suggestion to any H designer who may follow this blog (they'd better)! Also love the colour combinations - very warm and subtle. Not to mention MT's exquisite travel wardrobe- elegant as always. But I do wonder- wasn't it boiling hot? I'd die in long pants, unless there is A/C even outside:)
    Thanks, dearest MaiTai, for sharing your excellent pictures with us!
    Katja
    P.S. Also love the idea of Black and Silver- although I have changed to more gold lately...

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  15. Hi Mai Tai!
    I love your blog. Your style is great. Thanks for sharing your pictures with us. Marrakech is so particoloured.
    Jana

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  16. I completely admire your guarderobe to travel..... I need a full luggage plus a bag for beauty products, shoes, bathsuits, pareos, shawls, etc etc. Pullovers if cold, shirts if warm, one vest minimum , clothes for souk, clothes to travel around Morocco, diners, etc etc. One day, may be I will arrive to travel lighter....a dream for my husband !
    Of course many many trousers as I dont like robes on me! I seems that I take 10 years more....
    Amities

    My husband gets mad each time!



    details....
    I can never travel so light, it would be a dream

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  17. Dear MaiTai,

    the Hermes bug bit me a few months ago and while looking for knotting tips I found your blog. After reading nearly everything I wanted to thank you for all the time you put into it. I have enjoyed so much, it is a great sorce of inspiration - and very dangerous as well for my pocket, now I am thinking of a horn necklace Isatis, even I did not know I need one.... I will be in Paris on wed. next week and hope to check one in RL.

    I gladly join the fan club and looking forward to your next post. I adore your style and your wise words.

    Re your trip to Maroc your pictures took me back to our trip 3 years ago when we visited Fes, Rabat and Marrakesh. It was wonderful and I liked Fes the most. In Marrakesh we spent almost 2 hours in the souk to find the perfect candle holder made of wax with those adorable carving ... an in the Jardin Majorelle we fotographed nearly every pot and wall because the light and the colors were so fantastic... ah memories..... today I will cook something maroccain for dinner, I think.

    Hope you and your family come/came back well.

    Bon week end,
    Rita




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