I have often dreamt of Morocco as a land straight out of a Scheherazade tale, full of azure pools, flickering amber hues, saffron spiced air and swirling veils. My first impressions of the Amanjena Resort in Marrakech did nothing to shatter my reverie – A sun baked pink palace that appeared as a hazy mirage before my eyes, framed by the vast Atlas Mountains that shimmered in the distance.
The sweet sound of trickling water from the scattered pools and fountains instantly starts to soothe the soul and the scent of rose water in the air is the perfect antidote for the weary traveler.
There are 39 suites in total and I was ushered to one of the Amanjena’s two-storey, two-bedroom Maisons that allowed me to suspend reality and imagine I was living in a traditional Moroccan town house, complete with my own arc cut fireplace, Maillechort candle lanterns, and chaise lounge to recline on while I listen to the soft symphony echoing from the zellij wall fountain.
A short journey through my new abode revealed further untold delights in the form of the domed bathroom in the master suite complete with a stunningly carved Quarzazate green marble bath which I immediately wanted to relax into for several luxuriant hours.
Tearing myself away from the visual feast of the inside of my suite, I ventured towards the brilliant sunlight streaming through my courtyard doors and entered my own private jannah (paradise). I dipped a toe into my private swimming pool, leant down to sample the intoxicating scent from the rose bushes, and sat down for a while under my own shade tree to contemplate the wonders of my good fortune.
If there was one thing that could have made me relax further than I already had, it was a visit to the spa at Amanjena. Taking the form of a traditional Moroccan ‘hammam’ the spa is the ideal place to revitalize and rejuvenate your mind and body, thanks to the centuries old traditions and therapies used by the therapists, with many of the staff who work in the spas having learned ancient local skills passed down from generation to generation.
Laying in the warm heat of the hammam I felt all the impurities being lifted from within my skin, followed by a scalp massage that had me entering a state of absolute bliss.
A light supper of traditional mezze and delicious lamb tagine was served in an intimate Caidal Tent, as the sun sank below the mountains. Sat in my courtyard I sipped the mint tea lovingly prepared for me by my personal butler and pondered the meaning of Amanjena. When translated, Amanjena means ‘peaceful paradise’ and with the desert stars shining above me, I could not think of a more perfect explanation than that.
