Mandarin Oriental to Open Luxury Resort in Marrakech, Morocco

Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech, which is scheduled to open in 2014, will be an intimate and exclusive retreat, set in 20 hectares of landscaped olive groves in the heart of the exotic Palmeraie region, with the snow-capped Atlas Mountains providing a stunning backdrop. The resort comprises luxurious accommodation, providing an unparalleled spacious and elegant living environment, offering the utmost in privacy. Innovative dining, a signature Mandarin Oriental spa and verdant gardens featuring orchards, pools, water features and fountains combine to provide guests with the perfect resort environment from which to explore the region's attractions and rich, cultural heritage.

Positioned within the lush, landscaped grounds will be 54 individual villas, or riads, each housed in 300 square metres of private walled gardens, featuring their own pools and hot tubs, open-air showers, extensive areas for sunbathing and shaded alfresco dining. In keeping with traditional Moroccan customs, each riad will feature an interior courtyard, creating a calming, reflective arrival experience. The accommodation will be elegantly styled using exotic colours and textures, reflecting the rich heritage of the region. The resort's palatial main building will house a further seven expansive suites, each with their own rooftop pool and panoramic vistas of the gardens and the surrounding countryside, bringing the total number of guestrooms to 61.

An eclectic selection of Moroccan and international cuisines will be provided by five innovative restaurants and bars, including poolside alfresco dining, a vibrant bar with live music and a signature fine dining restaurant. Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech will also feature an 80-seat ballroom with three additional function rooms.

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech will focus on the well-being of its guests, offering holistic rejuvenation and relaxation in a serene, meditative setting. The expansive 1,800 sq.m Spa will feature eight private treatment rooms, including two deluxe couples' suites, each with associated hammams, relaxation areas, significant water and heat therapies as well as a comprehensive fitness centre and an indoor swimming pool. Set to provide an all-encompassing range of wellness, beauty and massage treatments, the Spa will offer life-enhancing signature programmes created exclusively by Mandarin Oriental as well as specifically developed treatments inspired by local Moroccan traditions.

Serene yet contemporary in character, celebrated French architect Pascal Desprez has modelled the resort's architecture on Morocco's rich heritage and the cultural influences of the region. Renowned Paris based design-duo Gilles & Boissier will oversee the interior design of the main building's public areas.

The resort is ideally located for access to the region's varied and extensive leisure activities. Perfect for year-round golfing, Marrakech's three premium clubs, Royal Golf, Golf D'Amelkis and Golf Al Maaden, are all located within close range of the resort. The city's celebrated walled medina, with its palaces, mosques and lively souks where intricate handcrafts and delicate jewellery are sold alongside aromatic spices, traditional slippers and colourful fabrics, is a short drive away.

Marrakech Menara Airport is a 15 minute drive from the resort. Easily accessible from all major international locations, Marrakech benefits from direct flight routes from European hubs such as London, Madrid, Milan, Munich and Paris.

More information: Mandarin Oriental Hotels