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KASBAH OF AIT-BEN-HADDOU / MOROCCO

TOP SUITES OF MOROCCO

Since Moroccos King Mohammed VI made tourism a top national priority a decade ago, the number of visitors to the North African kingdom has increased almost twofold and is expected to reach 18 million in 2020. This staggering growth has given the elite traveler more choices than ever. Here are the best suites the country has to offer, both new and old, from the imperial city of Fez to decadent desert oases to the Atlas Mountains and Marrakech.
BY SCOTT GOETZ

TOP SUITES

LIVING AREA / SUITE ROYALE

MASTER BEDROOM / SUITE ROYALE

BEDROOM / ROYAL APARTMENT

SOFITEL FSPALAIS JAMA

ROYAL APARTMENT Key selling points | Gilded carved cedar wood ceilings soar over this 19th century palace, once the original residence of the Grand Vizir. Priceless, handcrafted zellige tilework bedecks the floors and walls, while silk draperies frame a grand window overlooking the gardens and medina of Fez. Standout service | At turndown, carpeted stairs are placed next to the gold and silver canopy bed to ease tired travelers to slumber in sultan style. Style | Historic Arab-Moorish living, overseen by the Grand Vizir of Jama, 1876 Special amenities | Crystal chandeliers, flat-screen TV, DVD player, Bose audio system, Herms bath amenities Square footage | 5,769 Number of rooms in suite | Three Number of bathrooms | Two Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 142, including 19 suites Whos slept here? | Hillary Clinton, Jacques Chirac, Bono Nightly rate | $2,690 Location | Bab Guissa, Fez Contact | General Manager Jolanda Sadni Ziane, 212-535-634-331; jolanda.sadni@sofitel.com; www.sofitel-fes-palaisjamai.com

RIAD FS
SUITE ROYALE Key selling points | This Relais & Chteaux riads two-floor suite features Fezs signature architecture, with carved wooden ceilings that top a jewel-like master bedroom. Upstairs, a living room opens onto a rooftop terrace with unobstructed views of the citys medina. Standout service | A guest requested a musician and private waiter for a proposal dinner. When rain fell, staff removed the furniture from the living room and covered the floor with rose petals and candles. Style | Traditional Moroccan, by owner/architect Anis Sefrioui, 2008 Special amenities | Locally crafted bath amenities including a black mud scrub, 39-inch satellite TV, DVD player, Nespresso machine, iPod docking station Square footage | 968 Number of rooms in suite | Two Number of bathrooms | One Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 26 suites Whos slept here? | Actress Sigourney Weaver, Indian royalty Nightly rate | From $615 Location | 5 Derb Ben Slimane Zerbtana, Fez Contact | General Manager Awa Diakhate, 212-664-898-682; riadfes@relaischateaux.com; www.riadfes.com

TOP SUITES

LIVING AREA / RIAD DHONNEUR

ROOF TERRACE / RIAD DHONNEUR

BEDROOM / VILLA DARGENT

DAR AHLAM
VILLA DARGENT Key selling points | Set in an organic garden, this twobedroom suite offers a private hideaway between the High Atlas and Sahara. Palm trees and the towering main kasbah can be viewed from the courtyards plunge poolthe perfect place to sip Moroccan wine from the suites mini-cellar. Standout service | When former guest Ted Turner mentioned that his home had big TVs (the suite had none), staff drove five hours to find one and by evening, it was installed. Style | Berber chic, by Thierry Teyssier, 2004 Special amenities | Custom embroidered linens, two fireplaces with a wood menu for burning, Maisons des Rves bath amenities, private butler service Square footage | 2,153 Number of rooms in suite | Two Number of bathrooms | One Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 12, including three villas Whos slept here? | Harvey Keitel, Karolina Kurkova, actress Adriana Karembeu Nightly rate | From $1,232 Location | Douar Oulad Cheik Ali, Skoura, Region of Ouarzazate Contact | Director of Operations Hicham Hrad-Rochette, 33-607-362-226; hhr@maisonsdesreves.com; www.maisonsdesreves.com

ROYAL MANSOUR MARRAKECH

RIAD DHONNEUR Key selling points | This top accommodationwhich took three-and-a-half years and 1,800 workers a day to constructsets a new standard of luxury. The sprawling 18-room riad has three floors surrounding a central courtyard with an electric retractable roof. Entertain in the screening room, dine on delicacies prepared in the riads full restaurant kitchen or relax on the rooftop terrace. Standout service | The hotel arranged a private helicopter to Essaouira for a surprise picnic under a tent. Style | Exquisite Moroccan artistry, by 3BIS, 2010 Special amenities | Full-sized marocMaroc bath amenities, D. Porthault linens, interior wrought iron elevator, touch panel controls for light, air conditioning, volume and roof Square footage | 19,375 Number of rooms in suite | 18 Number of bathrooms | Four and two half-baths Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 53 riads Whos slept here? | Top politicians, CEOs and designers Nightly rate | $41,290 Location | Rue Abou Abbas El Sebti, Marrakech Contact | General Manager Jean Pierre Chaumard, 212-529-808-080; jpchaumard@royalmansour.ma; www.royalmansour.com

TOP SUITES

DINING ROOM / AL-HAMRA MAISON

PATIO / PRIVATE RIAD

AMANJENA
AL-HAMRA MAISON Key selling points | Celebrities and socialites praise this two-bedroom retreat for its minimalist take on Alhambran architecture. The central living room, with two cavernous domed bedrooms on either side, opens onto a walled garden, large pool and lounging and dining areas. Standout service | One guest bought out the resort for a birthday bash that included music and a live baby camel. Style | Moroccan tradition meets modern design, by Ed Tuttle, 2007 Special amenities | Two fireplaces, butler service, Havaianas for Amanjena sandals, argan oil and Moroccan candles, Nespresso machine, La Maison de Blanc linens Square footage | 12,163 Number of rooms in suite | Three Number of bathrooms | Two and one half-bath Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 39, including 32 pavilions, six maisons and the Al-Hamra Maison Whos slept here? | Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Sienna Miller, David and Victoria Beckham Nightly rate | From $3,550 Location | Route de Ouarzazate, km 12, Marrakech Contact | General Manager Miguel De Sousa, 212-524-399-000; mguedesdesousa@amanresorts.com; www.amanresorts.com

VILLA DES ORANGERS

PRIVATE RIAD Key selling points | Hidden within a cluster of converted riads, this boutique hotels top offering delivers intimacy and true medina character with two second-floor suites, living area with fireplace, solarium and seductive patio and pool. Standout service | Hotel staff can arrange a day trip to the Moroccan desert by private plane, complete with a champagne luncheon under a Berber tent. Style | Contemporary Moroccan, by owners Pascal and Veronique Beherec, 2008 Special amenities | Complimentary 4x4 airport transfers, Les Sens de Marrakech bath amenities, African artifacts and art, butler service, Chez Zoe linens, Samsung TVs and DVD player, Bose iPod docking station Square footage | 1,500 Number of rooms in suite | Four Number of bathrooms | Two Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 27, including 21 suites Whos slept here? | A-list actresses and European CEOs Nightly rate | From $1,935 Location | 6 rue Sidi Mimoun, Marrakech Contact | General Manager Jean Paul Compagnon, 212-524-384-638; jpcompagnon@villadesorangers.com; www.villadesorangers.com

TOP SUITES

BEDROOM / THE KSARS APARTMENT

LIVING AREA / CHEMS ROYAL SUITE

TERRACE / THE KSARS APARTMENT

LIVING AREA / CHEMS ROYAL SUITE

KSAR CHAR-BAGH
THE KSARS APARTMENT Key selling points | This Harim suite, situated high up in the castles turret, boasts a spacious bathroom with a massive marble bath and fireplace. Private stairs lead to a rooftop terrace with heated pool and a Moroccan tent with views of the surrounding palm grove. Standout service | One guest requested seating for 16 guests in the hotels swimming pool for a formal dinner. Style | 14th century Moorish architecture, by owners Nicole and Patrick LeVillair, 2003 Special amenities | Embroidered Venetian linens, Bang & Olufsen TV and DVD player, iPod docking station, traditional oriental hooded bathrobes, personal library Square footage | 1,050 Number of rooms in suite | Three Number of bathrooms | One Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 14 suites Whos slept here? | Kylie Minogue, Sean Connery, Jeremy Irons, Queen Sofia of Spain Nightly rate | From $1,230 Location | Djnan Abiad, La Palmeraie, Marrakech Contact | General Manager Nicole Grandsire-LeVillair, 212-524-329-244; nicole@ksarcharbagh.com; www.ksarcharbagh.com

LA MAISON ARABE
CHEMS AND NAHAR (ROYAL SUITES) Key selling points | These two triplex suites in the heart of the medina can be connected by a private hallway and offer rooftop terraces with Jacuzzis. Guests gain private access to the owners country annex and pool, set in luxuriant gardens adjoining the royal nursery. Standout service | Hotel staff arranged a dinner under a rooftop tent where Moroccan flautist Sad Chrabi serenaded guests. Style | Timeless oriental elegance, by owner Prince Fabrizio Ruspoli, 2009 Special amenities | La Maison de Blanc Egyptian cotton linens and bathrobes, two plasma screen TVs, DVD player, Nectarome bath amenities Square footage | 950 Number of rooms in suite | Two Number of bathrooms | Two Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 26, including 14 suites Whos slept here? | Fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier, U.S. ambassadors Nightly rate | From $709 Location | 1 Derb Assehbe, Bab Doukkala, Marrakech Contact | General Managers Taoufik Ghaffouli and Nabila Dakir, 212-524-387-010; direction@lamaisonarabe.com; www.lamaisonarabe.com

TOP SUITES

LIVING AREA / LION SUITE

LIVING AREA / RIAD

LA SULTANA MARRAKECH
LION SUITE Key selling points | Cedar wood carvings cover the walls, doors and windows of this majestic suite, which includes an enormous sitting room fireplace flanked by two stone lions, an opulent bathroom with Jacuzzi, marble columns and crystal chandeliers and an outdoor covered terrace with ornate plasterwork. Standout service | One famous football player had monkeys, henna painters, fire breathers and jugglers perform on the private terrace for a special proposal. Style | Moroccan fantasy, by La Sultana concept design, 2009 Special amenities | La Maison du Blanc Egyptian cotton linens, Pioneer iPad station, two 42-inch Samsung LCD TVs, artwork by Denis Wirth-Miller Square footage | 1,000 Number of rooms in suite | Three Number of bathrooms | Two Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 28, including 15 suites Whos slept here? | Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, the cast of The Real Housewives of New York City Nightly rate | From $1,000 Location | 403 Rue de la Kasbah, Marrakech Contact | VIP Hostess Imane Zkhiri, 212-524-388-008; rp@lasultanahotels.com; www.lasultanahotels.com

LA MAMOUNIA
RIAD Key selling points | Located in the gardens of this regally restored property, the three Riads offer a respite from the hotels legendary see-and-be-seen atmosphere. Discreet Moorish opulence defines the three bedrooms, dining room and living area, while a rooftop terrace wraps around the courtyard with private pool. Standout service | Staff accommodated the special, ultraspecific dietary needs of a guests beloved dog. Style | Modern Moroccan glamour, by Jacques Garcia, 2009 Special amenities | Ozone swimming pool, VIP entrance and in-riad check-in, open fireplace, Duravit sinks, Jacob Delafon bath tubs, D. Porthault linens Square footage | 7,534 Number of rooms in suite | Six Number of bathrooms | Three Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 210, including 71 suites and three Riads Whos slept here? | Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow, Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr Nightly rate | $12,500 Location | Avenue Bab Jdid, Marrakech Contact | General Manager Didier Picquot, 212-524-388-600; dpicquot@mamounia.com; www.mamounia.com

TOP SUITES

LIVING AREA / BERBER TENTED SUITE

LIVING AREA / ROYAL SUITE

POOL DECK / BERBER TENTED SUITE

TAJ PALACE MARRAKECH

ROYAL SUITE Key selling points | Spanning the top floor of the palace wing and offering panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains and the lush gardens of the Palmeraie district, this regal suite (to be unveiled, along with the rest of the hotel, this October) boasts three bedrooms with private baths, a large salon, terrace, lounge and meeting room. Interiors draw on a mix of influences, from the noble Berber kasbahs of Morocco to Ottoman architecture. Standout service | The hotel will be home to a 40,000-square-foot ayurvedic Jiva Grande Spa. Style | Exotic oriental splendor, by Stuart Church, 2011 Special amenities | Best-in-class Simmons mattresses, Ploh bathrobes, 45-inch Samsung TV, DVD player Square footage | 5,381 Number of rooms in suite | Five Number of bathrooms | Three Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 161, including 26 suites Whos slept here? | Long before opening, the suite welcomed the cast of Sex in the City 2 as the set of the ladies hotel in Abu Dhabi Nightly rate | Price available upon request Location | Bab Atlas, Palmeraie, Marrakech Contact | Reservations, (866) 969-1825; www.tajhotels.com

KASBAH TAMADOT
BERBER TENTED SUITES Key selling points | These six tented suites, nestled in the Atlas Mountains and just five minutes from the main kasbah, offer unmatched exclusivity. Desert touches blend with modern accents to cast a seductive air, from the private heated plunge pool to the white marble and mosaic bathroom. Standout service | The F&B Manager sourced a 1998 Chteau Margaux wine from King Mohammed VIs wine cellar for a guest. Style | Romantic escape, by Real Studios, 2008 Special amenities | Flat-screen LG TV, DVD player, Bose sound system with iPod docking station, Nespresso machine, Nectarome bath amenities Square footage | 700 Number of rooms in suite | Two Number of bathrooms | One Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 24, including six Berber Tented Suites Whos slept here? | Owner Sir Richard Branson and family, as well as many of Bransons high-profile friends Nightly rate | From $1,300 Location | BP 67, Asni Contact | General Manager Camilla Guyatt, 212-524-368-200; camilla.guyatt@kasbahtamadot.virgin.com; www.kasbahtamadot.virgin.com

TOP SUITES

BEDROOM / VILLA PRESTIGE

BEDROOM / SENIOR SUITE

SOFITEL ESSAOUIRA MOGADOR GOLF & SPA

VILLA PRESTIGE Key selling points | Golf fanatics and beachgoers alike will enjoy this all-new two-bedroom suite, which offers a contemporary twist on Moorish motifs with an airy, open feel, bright colors and modern furniture made from exotic woods. Standout service | Staffers arranged a five-course dinner, accompanied by live music, for a very special proposal. Style | Modern Moorish, by Didier Gomez, 2011 Special amenities | Private garden and pool, king-size MyBed, en suite Jacuzzi and hammam,Bose Wave sound system, Nespresso machine, Herms bath amenities Square footage | 1,432 Number of rooms in suite | Three Number of bathrooms | Two Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 175, including 14 suites and 28 villas Whos slept here? | This newly-opened property is sure to draw international VIPs Nightly rate | $1,500 Location | Domaine de Mogador Diabat, Essaouira Contact | Guest Relations Manager Izabela Kwasna, 212-524-479-400; h7145-gr@sofitel.com; www.sofitel.com

HEURE BLEUE PALAIS

SENIOR SUITES Key selling points | Built into the medina walls of coastal Essaouira, Heure Bleues Senior Suites celebrate the citys past as the crossroads of African, European and Arab trading routes. These oriental-inspired accommodations are rich with sensual fabrics, marble bathrooms and fireplaces that separate the bedrooms from the sitting areas. Standout service | Staff transformed the rooftop into a desert setting, complete with a Bedouin tent, large quantities of imported sand and a baby camel for a surprise birthday party. Style | Ocean liner elegance, by Karl and Olivier, 2004 Special amenities | Flat-screen TV, DVD player, Val dArgan wine, Les Sens de Marrakech bath amenities Square footage | 645 Number of rooms in suite | One Number of bathrooms | One Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 33, including 15 suites Whos slept here? | Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley Nightly rate | From $300 Location | Bab Marrakech Gate, Essaouira Contact | General Manager Franois Laustriat; 212-524-783-434; f.laustriat@heure-bleue.com; www.heure-bleue.com

TOP SUITES

BEDROOM / ROYAL VILLA

BEDROOM / ROYAL VILLA

LIVING AREA / ROYAL VILLA

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL MARRAKECH

ROYAL VILLA Key selling points | The expansive four-bedroom Royal Villa offers the ultimate in luxury, from its indoor and outdoor dining areas to its private movie theater and garden with lap pool, whirlpool, fireplace and gazebo. Standout service | The first couple to check in had the resort to themselves and enjoyed a special anniversary dinner. Style | Contemporary design with Moroccan touches, by GA Design International, 2011 Special amenities | Rivolta Carmignani linens, 42-inch flatscreen LCD TVs, DVD player, Bose surround sound system, Bulgari bath amenities, Kohler bath fixtures, airport transfer in a Rolls-Royce Ghost Square footage | 3,770 Number of rooms in suite | Eight Number of bathrooms | Four and one half-bath Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 141, including 27 suites Whos slept here? | A-list celebs are sure to flock to Marrakechs newest hotspot Nightly rate | $14,980 Location | 1 Boulevard de la Menara, Marrakech Contact | General Manager Jean Claude Wietzel, 212-524-359-200; jeanclaude.wietzel@fourseasons.com; www.fourseasons.com/marrakech

COORDINATE YOUR STAY: COX & KINGS

Morocco isnt the easiest country to navigate on your own, although it helps if you can speak French. Fortunately Cox & Kings has the resources to provide the best local guides, whether your trips focus is relaxation, history, shopping or haute cuisine. Local drivers (request Hicham Baghar) can make a multi-city journey an entertaining, educational and hassle-free experience: They know the best routes, have ins with top hotels to secure the most coveted suites and can arrange special excursions along the way to make for an unforgettable adventure. Contact | Destination Manager, India, Arabia & North Africa, Nicole Beattie, (323) 655-1758; nicole.beattie@coxandkingsusa.com; www.coxandkingsusa.com