Four Seasons Hotel Marrakech Rises from the Old City as an Oasis for Modern Travellers (Morocco)
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Four Seasons Hotel Marrakech Rises from the Old City as an Oasis for Modern Travellers (Morocco)
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Category: Africa Indian Ocean - Morocco - Industry economy -
Hotel opening
This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2011-05-05
Resort-like setting welcomes families, couples, food lovers, shoppers and explorers.
Across from the legendary Menara Gardens in Marrakech and an easy stroll from its famous Medina is a 40-acre (16 hectare) walled oasis rising from the ancient city: Four Seasons Hotel Marrakech. With 140 rooms and suites, five restaurants and bars, two pools, an extensive spa and acres of sunlit gardens, it is poised to be the new starting point for travellers to this inspiring city, beginning this summer.
A fast 10-minute ride from the airport reveals a shimmering, intriguing city that begs to be explored. At the Hotel’s gates, a glorious fountain heralds arrival, and the familiar Four Seasons name signals that this is going to be a memorable stay in Morocco. Inside the lobby, guests are greeted by an enticing view through to tree-lined pools and Moorish pavilions, and the warm welcome of the Hotel’s local and international staff.
“Travellers should consider Four Seasons as their ‘friend in Morocco’ as they plan a trip to Marrakech,” invites Jean Claude Wietzel, general manager of the new hotel, who has been carefully assembling a local and international team of experienced staff who share the company’s service-oriented philosophy. “Whether seeking a resort-like location for a family holiday, a romantic hideaway or a home base for doing business, Four Seasons Hotel Marrakech will be the gateway for a meaningful experience in Morocco.”
Inspired by the nearby Medina, Four Seasons Hotel Marrakech offers a modern take on traditional Moorish architecture. Rose-hued pavilions with hand-carved details are surrounded by a lush landscape of swimming and reflecting pools, gardens, pathways and fountains. Buildings are low-rise so as not to obstruct stunning views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains and Menara Gardens beyond the Hotel’s towering palms.
Families at Four Seasons
Boasting the city’s only fully-supervised facility for children, Four Seasons Hotel Marrakech is the ideal choice for families. The Kids For All Seasons program is located next to the family pool, so that parents can see children splashing about in the wading pool or playing games. For older children, the fully-wired Young Adult Centre allows younger guests to stay connected to friends back home while they make new ones in the games room and movie theatre.
An Oasis for Couples
Four Seasons Hotel Marrakech is also a destination for romance, with private spaces and experiences to share. Every room and suite has its own balcony or terrace for leisurely breakfasts or dining à deux, and the adults-only pool promises a relaxing day in the sun. At the Spa, a separate couples pavilion with its own entrance and series of private suites opens the possibilities for shared journeys of relaxation and renewal.
The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Marrakech
Two Spa pavilions sit among gardens filled with birdsong and perfumed by exotic flora. The main pavilion offers 15 treatment rooms for massages, facials and body treatments, plus a salon and whirlpool. A second building is reached by its own discreet entrance, and there couples and those embarking on more extensive spa journeys will find two luxurious spa suites, as well as a modern interpretation of the traditional hammam.
Tennis courts and fitness facilities are also on the property, and jogging maps within its walls or through the symmetrical orchards of olive, cypress and fruits in the Menara Gardens will be available.
Dining Options Abound
The dining experience at Four Seasons Hotel Marrakech begins at the signature Bleu d’Orange, where guests will be enveloped in the scents of southern France in a stylish room and outdoor terrace accented with Moroccan zelige tiling. French born and trained Executive Chef Christophe Gillino is creating a distinct Provençale menu that promises a light touch featuring fresh ingredients from the region.
On the rooftop, against a backdrop of mountains as the sun sets over the Menara Gardens, Zest at Bleu d’Orange comes to life for an evening of open-air cocktails and jazz.
Cuisine du Sud is the focus at Solano, where specialities of Morocco, Andalusia and Sicily come together. Invited in by the heavenly aromas of fresh bread baking in the ovens, guests will be able to select antipasti and enjoy an extensive menu to be enjoyed indoors or out.
Four Seasons Hotel Marrakech will also offer Inara Bar and Lounge for lunch, afternoon tea and drinks, and Azzera Grill, a poolside restaurant specialising in grilled meats and fish.
Room for Everyone
Surrounding the Hotel’s central area that includes pools, restaurants and spa, pavilions of guest rooms and suites form a village connected by arcades, walkways and courtyards evoking a contemporary medina filled with riads. Each of the 140 guest rooms and suites, which are among the largest in the city, has its own spacious balcony or terrace with mountain and garden views. Families and friends travelling together will also appreciate the ability to connect two rooms via a private foyer.
Exploring Marrakech
Known as the Red City, Marrakech is the most important of Morocco’s imperial cities, situated in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains, at the edge of the Sahara, and at the centre of the region’s economic and cultural life. It’s a relaxed city with an abundance of fig, pomegranate and olive trees that shade its friendly people and flavour its delicious cuisine.
Four Seasons Hotel Marrakech is ideally located in the central part of the city, right across from the Menara Gardens and an easy stroll to the Medina. One’s journey into the heart of Morocco might begin at the Hotel’s own Culture Centre, where arts and crafts displays are the setting for classes on cuisine, culture, nature and history.
At the nearby souks, the Hotel’s multi-lingual concierge team can direct guests to the best spots for fine leather goods, brass lamps, silk slippers, handwoven carpets and fragrant spices. Food lovers may also enjoy a visit to a local baker, where Moroccans bring their dough to be baked in a communal clay oven and then retrieved in time for the evening meal.
Then, Four Seasons can arrange visits to important sites such as 12th century Koutubia Mosque, the Palais Bahia (“palace of the favourite”), and excursions to the ski resort of Oukaimden or the beaches at Essaouria, or even a caravan into the Saharan Desert.
HOTEL FACT SHEET
Opening Date
Mid 2011
General Manager
Jean Claude Wietzel
Physical Features
Property Size: 40 acres (16 hectares)
Total Number of Rooms: 140
Guest Rooms: 113
Suites: 27
Number of Stories: 4
Design Aesthetic:
Inspired by the nearby Medina, main buildings evoke a Moorish palace surrounded by pavilions; guest rooms are reached via arcades, courtyards and stairways, similar to traditional riads
Palm trees and lush gardens, swimming and reflecting pools, fountains and floating pavilions throughout
Architect:
Hill Glazier Architects (original concept)
Didier Lefort Architectes
Interior Designer(s): GA Design
Location:
Across from the historic Menara Gardens; an easy walk to the Medina and Old City; 10 minutes by car from the airport
Spa
Opening Date: June 2011
Interior Designer: Blu Spa
Number of Treatment Rooms: 17
Teens/Children: Teen treatments offered
Special Facilities:
Separate couples facilities with private entrance
Hammam experience
Indoor and outdoor water facilities
Private garden
Salon
Spa Director: Helene Almgren
Dining
Executive Chef: Christophe Gillino
Restaurant: Bleu d'Orange
Cuisine: Provençale
Indoor Seating: 50
Outdoor Seating: 30
Designer: GA Design
Executive Chef: Christophe Gillino
Restaurant: Solano – Brasserie du Sud
Cuisine: Andalusian, Italian and Moroccan
Indoor Seating: 80
Outdoor Seating: 40
Designer: GA Design
Lounge: Inara Bar and Lounge
Indoor Seating: 30
Outdoor Seating: 25
Designer: GA Design
Lounge: Zest at Bleu d'Orange
Outdoor Seating: 50
Designer: GA Design
Lounge: Azzera Grill
Outdoor Seating: 80
Designer: GA Design
Recreation
Pools:
Number of Pools: 2
Tennis:
Number of Tennis Courts: 2
Fitness Facilities:
Size: 350 sq m / 3,767 sq ft
For Younger Guests
Kids for All Seasons:
Fully supervised program in its own facility with wading pool near the family pool; activities include games, arts and crafts, and performances by local entertainers
Teen Centre:
Includes games room, computer stations and movie theatre; teen spa treatments also available in the Spa
Meeting Rooms
Total Size: 2,600 sq m / 28,000 sq ft
Largest Ballroom: 600 sq m / 6,458 sq ft
Meet and Feed Capacity: 550
Banquet Capacity: 550
Outdoor Banquet Capacity: 550
Breakout Spaces: 3 meeting rooms
Private Dining Room: 40
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