Preview visit to the highly anticipated Park Hyatt Marrakech, the new jewel of luxury hotels in Morocco

At the end of a long asphalt path, it is the exuberant vegetation of the central flowerbed that steals the scene: we discover the enormous block of white Calacatta marble that marks the entrance – like the monumental gates of imperial cities – only when we get out of the car. The “wow” effect is slightly shifted, to be sought instead on the threshold of the hotel when the gaze runs towards the large glass wall at the back, where the blue of a swimming pool sparkles against the backdrop of the Atlas, before stopping at the lobby display.

Contemporary art and chiaroscuro

A 7.5 meter high ceiling punctuated by immense skylight partitions/bookcases, marble in profusion, Khenifra black for the most part, but also Italian white and Sahara pink woven on the floor in patterns reminiscent of Berber motifs, and works of art as if echoing the shapes and colors… In this long and discreet corridor, treated with majesty by the interior designer Imad Rahmouni, the elegant and brazen luxury – the signature of the Park Hyatt brand, the most exclusive of the group, immediately stands out , in line with the evolution of Marrakech which is increasingly becoming an international metropolis focused on art. In collaboration with the Ifitry artists’ residence located north of Essaouira, a collection of 703 pieces created by fifteen international visual artists – ceramics, canvases, photos, sculptures – are displayed in all spaces. A fair return for this hotel project which has finally materialized after being started in 2009 by the Alliances group, whose foundation is very active in patronage (it created the nearby Al Maaden Museum of Contemporary African Art (MACAAL)).

The spirit is therefore very contemporary, but lovers of traditional Morocco will find themselves there. The autumnal colours of the slightly curved seats are those of the earth, the soft greens evoke olive leaves and the Berber triangle motif is encrusted on the moucharabiehs that filter the sun and on the fireplace mantels. Going against the previous codes of the hotel industry, the light of Marrakesh makes its return, subtly treated with a play of reflections and shadows. The two lounges that dot the lobby on both sides are the embodiment of this duality, on one side the Living Room, dark, with a strange nocturnal atmosphere in broad daylight, and on the other the reception, all in light tones under its glass roof zenithal light. We promise to return in the evening, when the halos of brass sconces pulsate in front of the enormous suspension of 600 ceramic pieces created by visual artist Mounat Charrat.

Pierre de Taza and shower on the patio

To access your room you have no choice but to enjoy a bucolic walk in the 7.5 hectare garden planted with jacarandas, bougainvillea, palms, oleanders and aromatic herbs: here, no villas, the 130 units are collected in 16 buildings in an ocher colored plan two-tone pavilions built in the style of a douar (village) and therefore close together. As in a riad, you enter a patio, a fresh air chamber that gives access to the rooms and suites. Awaiting the completion of two Duplex suites (up to 3 bedrooms, 350 m2), three categories to choose from, all ultra-spacious: standard King or Twin room (55 m2), Park suite (70 m2) and Park Deluxe suite with separate living room (132 m2) to 169 m2 for the Park Deluxe suite with roof) with Atlas and golf view (the most expensive) or resort (pool or vegetable garden).

The tone is modern with numerous reinterpretations of local design, spreading a real extra warmth: brown leather headboards extended with woven wood panels like the tataoui of the kasbahs, Berber carpets, leather poufs, calligraphy by a Moroccan artist… Noble materials that contrast with the plywood used for dressing rooms with (sometimes too) opulent volumes. Very bright with a mix of light Taza stone (a rough block of which adorns the room) and black marble, the bathrooms open onto a private patio, supreme luxury, you can almost take a shower (aquamoon) in the open air! For families (which have a 250 m² mini-club with climbing wall and water games), the Park Deluxe suite is connected to the standard room, offering a total of 187 m².

At the table with a Moroccan chef, guardian of flavors

On the gastronomic front, this same local anchoring in a contemporary key can be found at the table of Tfaya, the Moroccan (and oriental) restaurant: the direction of the kitchens has been entrusted to Issam Rhachi, one of the leading figures of Moroccan gastronomy. scene that mixes forgotten recipes, traditional techniques and French gastronomic flair. You can taste dishes inspired by street food but also more elaborate dishes, such as beef fillet cooked on the grill, Moroccan salads of rare finesse or a shoulder of lamb in a hay crust… More eclectic, the table of the Pavillon is inspired by a Mediterranean repertoire with an Asian component and Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian fusion). Everything is delicious and the prices are more than fair considering the level of the hotel, looked after with a responsible spirit, with the help of the home garden. The desserts are divinely reduced to sugar by the champion pastry chef of Africa.

Wellness with a view of the golf course and cultural trips

With its variations of green, off-white and blond wood, the restaurant’s immense terrace echoes the main (heated) swimming pool that extends it. Paved with celadon green zellige, it is the meeting point for bathers with its 47 meters in length but for greater privacy we will prefer the second pool below (20 m, heated) with more sparing shade. Both overlook the water of a large lake along the golf course. A third pool extends into the gardens among palms and olive trees: full of nooks and crannies, it’s less suited to tubs but designed for families who don’t have access to the main pool, a wise observation. Arranged over two floors and 2200 m2, the spa is well equipped for global fitness: latest generation fitness, yoga room, sports room (boxing classes, pilates, cross training, etc.), 10 treatment cabins (Sodashi, brand Australian vegan and Nectarbre, Moroccan brand) of which two in duo and relaxation room. Natural light is privileged with splendid views of the 18-hole Al Maaden golf course, but the atmosphere is also intimate: each cabin is flanked by a small relaxation room, extreme luxury, for limitless relaxation. The icing on the cake, an indoor swimming pool extends for 20 meters in front of the golf course (accessible only in addition to a treatment). During the day the space is quite monastic, the best thing is to enjoy it at nightfall when the starry vault of lights shines in front of the immense 7 meter high glass roof: magical!

Starting from 700 euros per night in a standard room including a minibar refilled daily (soft drinks). Breakfast: 37 euros.