La Sultana Hotel

Morocco

Among the opulent mosques and museums of the medina in Marrakech – where unrivalled craftsmanship is found around every corner – stands a regal sanctuary. With the grand Royal and Bahia Palaces and historic Saadian Tombs as its neighbours, La Sultana hotel is made up of five distinct riads in the heart of the Kasbah district.

Wander its sprawling corridors and you’ll find yourself traversing ten centuries of Moroccan history as the property echoes the dynasties of the past – spot it in the arched ceilings and intricate zellige tiling of Riad Scheherazade or the sub-tropical gardens of ochrelined Riad Almohad, once the royal granary. Luxury prevails throughout, although each riad has its own style and architecture. Twenty-eight rooms and suites come in jewel tones, with vaulted ceilings and grand columns reflecting a noble legacy that’s further elevated with tadelakt touches, copper finishes and emerald bathrooms, softly lit by traditional lanterns.

After exploring the labyrinthine souks of the Medina, perfecting your Moroccan bread-making techniques, perhaps taking in the panoramas from a hot air balloon and wrapping up lunch in the Atlas Mountains (all organised by the hotel), head to the rooftop terrace to try your hand at making your own tagine with their open-air cookery classes. Also based here is restaurant La Table du Souk, serving the likes of Mechoui-style lamb and couscous plates, with cityscapes of equal calibre. After, sip a spiced cocktail or glass of local wine (meze included) at The Odette Rooftop Bar –this is the place to be when the sun begins to set behind the Koutoubia Mosque. Alternatively, opt for a traditional Moroccan pastilla of pigeon and almonds, a zesty harira soup or seasonal veg on a bed of hummus and pumpkin seeds at poolside La Table de la Sultana and, come morning, try maakouda potato cakes or toast with a cardamoninfused marmalade. To complete your trip with a pampering session worthy of a sultan, the hotel’s award-winning, pink marble spa covers all your hammam needs.

Doubles from £327. 00 212 524 388008, lasultanahotels.com

Words by Angela Dukes.

This review was taken from the October 2022 issue of Food and Travel. To subscribe today, click here.