The Royal Mansour Spa, Marrakech's Palace of Latticework and Luxury

There are few hotels in the world that can be described as a work of art. The Royal Mansour Marrakech is one of them. Commissioned by the King of Morocco, this is not a hotel in the traditional sense; it is a medina within a medina, a five-hectare estate of winding alleyways, lush gardens, and 53 private, multi-story riads. Recently crowned the "Best Hotel in Africa" by the World's 50 Best, it is an unrivaled showcase of Moroccan craftsmanship.

While the private riads and Michelin-helmed dining are extraordinary, the true heart of the Royal Mansour is its spa. We came to see if this famed sanctuary lived up to its legendary status.

The Ambiance: An Ethereal White Aviary

We entered the spa and simply stopped. We found ourselves standing in a breathtaking, three-story atrium, an ethereal structure of all-white, intricate metal latticework that resembles a delicate, sun-drenched aviary. It is a space of profound calm, an oasis of light and air that immediately separates you from the outside world.

The spa itself is a 2,500-square-meter sanctuary, yet it feels intimate. We were guided to our private spa pavilion before our treatments, relaxing by the heated indoor pool, which sits under a grand glass ceiling, surrounded by plush loungers. The atmosphere is one of absolute serenity.

The Treatments: A Journey into Moroccan Tradition

The spa’s philosophy is built around reinvented glamor and traditional Moroccan wellness rituals. The menu is extensive, but we knew we had to experience the Signature Moroccan Hammam.

Our therapists led us to a private steam room, a magnificent chamber of sculpted marble. The ritual was transformative. It is an art form here, a journey that began with a traditional black soap application, followed by an invigorating kessa mitt exfoliation that left our skin impossibly smooth. The experience culminated in a purifying body wrap and a gentle soaping, leaving us feeling completely renewed.

Following the hammam, we indulged in a couples' massage in one of the private spa suites. Our therapists were experts, intuitive and precise, working out every point of tension. The spa also features a full menu of advanced rejuvenating facials, massages, and a full-service hair salon and barbershop.

The Riads and Service: A World of Private Luxury

The experience is defined by unparalleled privacy. Instead of rooms, guests are given a private, three-story riad, complete with a ground-floor courtyard, a lavish living room, an opulent bedroom and bath, and a private rooftop terrace with a plunge pool.

The service is a marvel of discretion. An astonishing network of subterranean tunnels covers the entire property, allowing butlers and housekeepers to move unseen. We would return from a morning excursion to find our breakfast beautifully arranged in our courtyard, as if by magic.

This discretion is the hallmark of the Royal Mansour. The service is impeccable and attentive, yet formal. It is a regal experience, staff are ever-present when needed and invisible when not. While some may prefer a warmer, more familiar style of service, we found the flawless efficiency to be a luxury in itself.

The Luxe Verdict

The Royal Mansour Marrakech is a spectacular achievement of architecture and artistry. It is a true palace, and the spa is its inner sanctum, one of the most beautiful and tranquil wellness destinations we have ever visited.

While the grandeur of the estate can feel vast, the experience remains intimate. It is a must-visit for the discerning traveler seeking a truly royal experience, where the food is exceptional and the spa is nothing short of magical.

The Spa at Royal Mansour Marrakech

Royal Mansour Marrakech

Rue Abou El Abbas Sebti, 40 000

Marrakech, Morocco

+212 (0) 529 80 80 80

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