I’ve always been a huge fan of Marrakech; an endlessly enchanting city that seems to pull me back time and time again. From wandering the maze of colourful souks, discovering the effortless blend of traditional and modern cultures, capturing beautiful architecture at every turn, to mouthwatering cuisine and extraordinary experiences that will stay with me for a lifetime. Marrakech is a city which delivers on many levels, no matter whether you’re visiting for a weekend of as part of a longer Moroccan itinerary.
There’s no denying that there are plenty of options when it comes to picking a hotel in Marrakech but it was Selman Marrakech that had been on my radar for a long time. And after finally spending a few days there back in June, I can confirm it firmly exceeded expectation. From check-in to check-out, it was a hotel that surprised and delighted in equal measure.
First Impressions
The hotel entrance sets the scene beautifully. Picture a striking water feature paired with a dramatic horse sculpture, giving you an immediate sense of the artistry and heritage running through this hotel. It’s the kind of arrival that stops you in your tracks and truly gets you excited for what’s to come.
Inside, the contemporary Moroccan style instantly catches your attention. Low lighting and dark velvet furniture give parts of the hotel a moody and mysterious edge. While unexpected splashes of colour throughout add a fun and surprising streak. It’s a look that feels both sophisticated and playful at once, which I absolutely loved at first glance.
My Suite
I stayed in a Junior Suite overlooking the gardens and pool which did not disappoint; super specious and beautifully designed, with horse artwork throughout, paying homage to the hotel’s own Arabian horses. I particularly loved the black-and-white Moroccan tiled bathroom and the bed deserves a special mention too – I was huge and I had the best night’s sleep I’ve enjoyed in a long time.
For clients, I’d recommend the Junior Suites for couples or as a connecting option for families. If you want to go all out, book one of the One Bedroom Private Pool Villas where the bedrooms feature rich, fabric-covered ceilings that echo a luxury Berber tent. They are a truly sumptuous haven and very special.
A Foodie’s Delight
The food and drink here is excellent throughout. Every meal felt like a real treat for the taste buds.
I loved dinner at the hotel’s new fine-dining restaurant, Sabo by Chef Jean-François Piège. It’s a spectacular affair from start to finish, with flamboyant décor matched by an exquisite French-inspired menu with a Moroccan twist. We also enjoyed a wonderfully special Moroccan feast at Assyl, complete with traditional entertainment and a horse display. And, not to be missed, a long, leisurely lunch at La Terrasse tucking into delicious sharing plates and a lovely bottle of crisp rosé wine.
The Iconic Selman Horses
Selman Marrakech is renowned for it’s collection of award-winning Arabian horses, so if you’re a lover of horses and riding (like myself), you’ll be in horsey heaven! The stables feel like a luxury hotel in their own right and even if you don’t class yourself as a huge equine fan, a tour of them is still highly recommended. It’s quite a spectacular experience, especially if you pair it with a private pool-side breakfast. What’s not to love about enjoying an intricate horse display whist tucking into a fabulous spread of freshly bake pastries.
I personally couldn’t wait to take one of the horses for a ride around the hotel grounds. It’s a beautiful way to soak up the immaculate landscaping. I also had a lot of fun being guided through various horse-back acrobatic maneuvers on the end of a lunge line by one of the stables’ expert instructors / horse whisperers. I was surprised how quickly my old riding skills came back, it really is just like riding a bike.
Exploring Beyond the Hotel
As I mentioned at the top of this post, one of my favourite things about Marrakech is the wealth of experiences right on your doorstep. It delivers far beyond a traditional city break where shopping, museums and dining take centre stage. Here you can absolutely experience all of those things, however, venture a short distance and adventure, nature and warm, local hospitality are all easily accessible.
On this particular visit one of my highlights was a trip to the High Atlas region of the greater Atlas Mountain range. After breakfast on our second morning, we were collected and whisked away in a convoy of 4x4s onto the open road. Watching the dramatic landscape whizz by from the comfort (albeit bumpy at times) of a luxury vehicle is one way to experience it, but you also can’t beat stepping out to discover the rugged terrain on foot. A brisk, elevated walk lead us to a small mountain village where we were welcomed to enjoy tea and homemade snacks with a local Berber.
As we made our way back down the mountain, we stopped off for a barbecue and vegetable tagine lunch at Réservoir du Lac, overlooking Lac Lalla Takerkoust. It was lovely to spend time chatting with a few local residents who were thrilled to see the reservoir full again after months of drought. It made for a really memorable, authentic lunch stop.
Closer to home, we had a brilliant afternoon zipping around Marrakech and through the narrow streets of the Medina on sidecars with Insiders Marrakech. It’s an experience I’d urge anyone visiting to try – it’s completely different to seeing the city on foot and a lot of fun. That being said, spending a few hours wandering through the souks, bartering for your latest wears is an absolute must too, each time I visit this beautiful city.
Who Would I Recommend It To?
I’d say Selman Marrakech suits couples brilliantly. It has a romantic feel that might be a little much for solo travellers to feel entirely comfortable with. Families with older, adventurous children who are up for exploring the surrounding area, as well as relaxing by the pool, will also get a lot out of a stay here.
Fancy experiencing Selman Marrakech for yourself? Get in touch and I’d love to start planning your stay.
