A peaceful oasis in Morocco

One of its most famous residents, the Algerian-French designer Yves Saint Laurent, said: “It is in Morocco that I understood that colour had a soul.” Of course, he was right, just as he was right about women wearing tuxedos.

At the Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech, located just 20 minutes from the city’s ancient walled Medina and Marrakech Menara Airport, you’ll find all of that vibrancy, but at a gentler, more restorative pace.

This was my first trip here and, as someone who lives by the sea, I wondered how landlocked I’d feel. While this lively North African tourist hub sits around 100 miles from the coast, the hotel has cleverly created a verdant oasis. To avoid the highest temperatures, the best times to visit are autumn and spring, but everywhere you look there are fountains, ponds and pools, both indoors and out, giving resort a wonderfully immersed-in-nature feel. The estate covers 231 hectares, while the hotel itself occupies 15 hectares.

Built on an ancient olive grove, flowers and trees line the pathways while birdsong provides a constant soundtrack. The atmosphere, which the hotel describes as “luxury in its purest form”, is one of complete relaxation, framed by the spectacular backdrop of the Atlas Mountains.

Yet if you’re looking for more than a sun lounger and a cocktail (although there's certainly nothing wrong with either), you’ll find plenty to occupy your time. You simply have to ask. For guests wanting a more active stay, the choice is impressive.

The resort boasts a world-class 18-hole golf course and country club, with plans to expand by a further nine holes, plus four restaurants, a tranquil spa, fully equipped fitness centre, four clay tennis courts, one squash court, two padel courts and a semi-Olympic lap pool.

Sustainability is key. The gardens and golf course are irrigated using recycled water, they produce their own organic extra virgin olive oil, employ a zero-plastic policy, keep beehives and use solar panels.

It’s also a resort that embraces every family member, from young to old. Their children’s club is one of its most thoughtfully designed spaces, complete with shallow pool and a packed programme of activities, including cookery classes and outings to the hotel’s organic farm. Frankly, I didn’t want to leave (but I was too old and had to).

Family-friendly experiences continue with pottery classes led by the wonderfully talented Amine, whose endless patience somehow enabled me to produce something considerably more impressive than an amorphous lump of clay.

He clearly adores his craft and explained that families return time and again to spend peaceful afternoons in his studio, creating everything from bowls to decorative figures. It’s a genuinely bonding experience and, once your creations have been fired, you can take them home as souvenirs.

As you’d expect from a brand with more than 70 properties worldwide, the operation runs seamlessly. What strikes you most, however, is the warmth of the staff. From the mixologists and restaurant teams to the receptionists and everyone else in between, you’re greeted with genuine smiles wherever you go.

The hotel offers 135 luxurious rooms, suites and villas, and along with the smiles, there isn’t a bad view to be had. Designed by architect Jean-Francois Adam, the Penthouse Suite is a favourite with honeymooners, but every category, from the smaller suites to the expansive private villas, offer the same sense of tranquillity.

The Prince Villas are particularly impressive, featuring two spacious bedrooms, elegant en suite bathrooms, outdoor showers (installed at the request of the Fairmont’s Mauritian owners), private gardens, a swimming pool and a hammam.

You can arrange for a private chef to prepare dinner on the property, while local musicians are on hand to provide your evening’s entertainment.

Toiletries are by Le Labo and the hotel’s bespoke beds deliver an exceptionally comfortable night’s sleep. After a day exploring either the resort, or the bustling streets of Marrakech, you’ll certainly appreciate both of those details.

And that’s important because no visit to Marrakech would be complete without venturing into the Medina. Wandering its narrow, covered alleyways is a feast for the senses, although you’ll need to stay alert as scooters, bicycles and donkeys prove to be lively obstacles.

The hotel can arrange transportation and expert guides; ours, a genial chap called Aladdin, possessed an encyclopaedic knowledge of the city. A well-liked local, he deftly navigated us through spice stalls, leather workshops, clothing boutiques, pottery shops, apothecaries, bakeries and magnificent carpet emporiums.

It’s imperative you find the time to soak up the city’s rich history. Aladdin was insistent we see the Madrasa Ben Youssef college that was built in the 16th century. He was right. The magnificent tile art, airy courtyards and cedar wood carvings were breath-taking.

Fashion lovers can tour the nearby Yves Saint Laurent Museum, and you can also view the exterior of the designer’s Art Deco villa, which sits inside the lush Jardin Majorelle botanical gardens. The French artist Jacques Majorelle constructed the villa in 1923 and his signature rich ‘Majorelle Blue’ is everywhere.

Celebrities have continued flock to Marrakech; Robert De Niro owns a hotel here but as is often the case with resorts of the Fairmont’s calibre, staff remain discreet about their famous guests. One confirmed admirer, however, is Real Madrid footballer Kylian Mbappé, who also happens to be Fairmont’s first-ever Wellness Ambassador.

But a true celebrity within the confines of the resort is Executive Chef Guillaume Galvez, who ensures every meal is memorable. With three distinctive restaurants, plus a soon-to-be opened French dining concept, Oscar, due to open next month, there’s no shortage of exceptional cuisine.

Capricci serves refined Italian dishes and hosts their generous breakfast buffet, L’Olivier, their poolside bar, specialises in Mediterranean flavours, while Al Aïn beautifully combines Moroccan and Lebanese cooking. Suffice to say, I happily ate my body weight in outstanding food, and enjoyed Moroccan wines. Standouts included their flaming Tangia Marrakchia (tagine) at Al Aïn, their exquisite made-to-order sushi, seafood risotto at Capricci, and insanely delicious desserts, including a moreish Rum Baba, served poolside. An honourable mention must go to their speciality lemon bread. It’s truly delicious when slathered in their olive oil.

With all that indulgence, it’s essential to build activity into your day. Whether you’re tackling the golf course, working out in the fitness centre or simply enjoying a morning swim, the reward is undoubtedly a visit to the resort’s luxurious wellness centre, which has been inspired by the riads of Morocco.

I enjoyed their Ceremonial signature massage. I’d love to tell you more but I think I fell asleep. However, you can also enjoy a hammam, saunas, yoga classes and all manner of beauty treatments that use rich and silky Natura Bissé and marocMaroc products.

A detail I absolutely loved was the abundance of fresh cut flowers. The hotel’s florist spends hours every day creating beautiful arrangements that adorn the lobby, bars, suites and restaurants. I was captivated.

The author Edith Wharton was equally so, writing that “to visit Morocco is still like the pages of some illuminated Persian manuscript, all embroidered with bright shapes and subtle lines”.

I’d simply add that, when experienced from somewhere as beautiful as the Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech, those embroidered pages somehow become even softer, richer and more unforgettable.

For more information visit www.fairmont.com/en/hotels/marrakech/fairmont-royal-palm-marrakech/golf