From olive harvesting to eco-friendly golf, the Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech is an oasis for pleasure and rejuvenation outside the bustling city. Sam Bradley reports

Marrakech may only be a short flight away from the UK and yet it’s vastly foreign, differing in everything from climate to cuisine. For this reason the city (and more specifically, it’s iconic Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech hotel) has long been an attraction for British travellers, promising an escape that’s easy to get to and yet still culturally unique. Now in its 11th year of operation, the hotel continues to impress with delicious food offerings and a wide array of leisure activities.

LOCATION

A spacious hotel with villas and a golf course sprawled over 231 hectares on the outskirts of Marrakech. It’s a breezy 20 minutes from the city centre and Old Town, as well as 20 minutes from the airport.

ETHOS

The  Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech bills itself as a destination within a destination. For those wanting to explore the city there are regular free shuttles into the city centre with its gardens, palaces and bustling markets. However, many guests will already have experienced Marrakech and be attracted to the hotel for its calm ambience, world class restaurants and plentiful attractions – it’s not uncommon for guests to remain in the hotel for their entire stay.

GUEST PERSONAS

Due to the wide variety of facilities and activities it’s fair to say there are many types of visitors attracted to the hotel. Families will love the spacious grounds and large swimming pools, as well as the genuinely enticing kid’s clubs (children can get involved in cooking classes, crafts, pottery and even olive harvesting). Sports enthusiasts can play tennis and padel, there is a gym and a challenging 18-hole golf course (the only one attached to a luxury hotel in Marrakech).

Adventurous groups can sign up for offsite quad bikes and camel rides, while the hotel also caters well to large groups, such as weddings parties or corporate events, in its elegant private ballroom. And last but not least, the "fly and flop" holidaymakers will love the spa and hammam facilities, as well as lounging by the pool enjoying the all-year-round sunny climate.

INTERIOR DESIGN

The interiors are modern and understated. Expect lots of elegant fabric and classical leather, typical of Moroccan households.

ROOMS

The rooms and villas are all large and spacious, with a deluxe room at the hotel easily passing for a suite in most others. The buildings are laid out in a U-shape so as to each have views of the lush gardens and golf course, framed by the picturesque snowy Atlas Mountains on the horizon. The style is similar to the local riads of Morocco: perfectly symmetrical, and with lots of open archways to allow natural light and a refreshing breeze.

RESTAURANTS: WHAT TO EAT

The Al Ain restaurant serves a fusion of Moroccan, Lebanese and Oriental deliciousness, boasting plentiful sharing dishes perfect for those wanting to sample many flavours. Guests are truly spoilt for choice: Capricci (under its new chef Modestino Pescatore) serves delightful Italian cuisine, the recently renovated L’Olivier is about to introduce its new menu of Mediterranean food, and Le Sabra (to be found at the golf course clubhouse) is great for more casual dining. All the food is mesmerising, but it’s the Moroccan dishes in particular that make the biggest impression, such as the Tagine Dyal Lhoot (fish tagine) and the Tangia Marrakchia (beef shank).

BARS: WHAT TO DRINK

The signature drink at "Le Bar" is a strong lemonade (with ginger and honey for those wanting the health benefits, or a splash of vodka for those kicking back on holiday). The locally produced "Bahja" house wines (red, white and rose) are all easy on the palette and very enjoyable, while the Capricci restaurant has an enviable wine cellar for those seeking a wider choice.

WELLNESS FACILITIES

There’s something about a warm, sunny climate that encourages good living; meals are lighter and exercising seems easier. That healthy lifestyle becomes even more accessible at the Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech thanks to the welcoming fitness facilities, yoga studio, and range of padel and tennis courts.

However, the highlight is the Fairmont spa, which alone makes the journey worthwhile. The traditional Moroccan hammam baths are wonderfully relaxing and cleansing, as are the facial treatments and hot stone therapies. The spa staff are excellent, likewise the wide range of marocMaroc and Natura Bissé spa products they use for treatments.

WHERE TO WORK

All rooms are large and helpfully equipped with a desk, good lighting, and fast wifi. There’s also a secluded library, or for those looking to combine work with suntanning there are tables on many of the terraces overlooking the pool.

STANDOUT INNOVATIONS

The hotel is best known for its unique experiences. Every few months there are signature garden parties (“Arabian Nights”), complete with DJs, dancers and even a tethered hot air balloon for short "captive" rides. There are also experiences offered for those not partying – in the right season guests can help harvest olives from the many trees on the property, or give beekeeping or cooking classes a try.

ECO CREDENTIALS

Lush golf courses set in desert climates are not normally good for the environment, so it’s reassuring to know all the water used to keep the gardens and golf course green has been recycled from the hotel. Solar panels are used to heat water, single use plastics are out, and staff on site use electric golf carts rather than vehicles. The hotel has a small organic farm to grow herbs, and chickens to lay eggs.

INSIDER TIP

Ilham Berrada, director of marketing for the hotel, advises guests to make use of the many experiences on offer. There are pottery classes from a full time potter, sports camps and even cosmetic classes at its farm, teaching participants how to make lipsticks and moisturisers from natural ingredients.

SERVICE

Service is occasionally a touch on the slow side, but all the staff are so genuinely warm and friendly it’s quickly forgotten. Abdessamad at the golf centre is particularly helpful, while Mehdi the tennis and padel coach runs fun and stimulating lessons for both children and adults. And last but not least, Ayoub (in-room dining manager) is a great person to know if you’d like to plan a wedding proposal or special celebration.

VERDICT

Everything is as well maintained and well equipped as you’d expect from a five-star hotel. The food is delicious, the staff are friendly and the pool is never more than a hop and a skip away. With Morocco enjoying about 300 days of sun per year you’re almost guaranteed a sunny and stress-free holiday.

PRICE

Rates are competitive when compared to a similar level of hotel in the UK. Deluxe rooms start from £360 per couple per night (on a bed and breakfast basis during low season) and typically rise to a starting price of £800 during high season (October to March).