Reviews of Holidays and Hotels in Morocco - Truly Sumptuous
The Sunday Times, 25 Jan 2004
Truly Sumptuous
Tom Neale reports
Introduction
One of them gazes on the Great Pyramid, another the Grand Canal. But it's what is inside the world's swishest hotel suites that is really jaw-dropping There are two schools of thought when it comes to hotel rooms. Some believe the size and appointment matter not one jot, because they intend to spend as little time in them as possible. A second group feels that the room should be a destination in its own right, the perfect overture to any holiday. I throw my cap firmly into the ring with the latter.
To my mind, a trip can suffer irreparable damage from those first few moments you are shown into your sleeping quarters and realise you have a view of the airshaft, a chorus of grumbles from the lift shaft, a mean bathroom or even twin beds. That's when you find yourself trying to make the best of it or calling the front desk and demanding to be moved. Not an auspicious beginning.
Of course, those who insist on the finest room in the house rarely find themselves in that position. A suite is still seen as a terrible extravagance (as indeed it is sometimes . the new Four Seasons New York Penthouse opening later this year will cost $19,000 a night), but there is something about having the very best on offer that lifts the spirits even while it depresses the bank balance.
Nothing beats the combination of a great view, lovely bed, decadent bathroom (if it isn't better than your one at home, then move) and excellent facilities . from state-of-the art hi-fis and plasma TVs to Jacuzzis in turrets (see the Palace hotel, Gstaad). Here are 13 of the rich list's favourite bed and breakfasts, or boltholes, designed to make you smile the moment you step over the threshold.
Tigmi, Marrakech
Tigmi is a fusion of several warren-like Berber houses situated on the edge of an isolated (no phone lines) sleepy village, around 15 miles from downtown Marrakech. It is beautifully decorated in riad style (you'll have seen it in any number of ethnic-chic magazine shoots), with white curved walls and eucalyptus ceilings, vivid fabrics and Moroccan antiques. Room five scores because it has one of the best glad-to-be-alive views in Morocco . over to the snow-tipped Atlas mountains. Yet should you tire of torpor, the carnival madness of Marrakech's medina is only a short drive away. There is a large pool that is heated in winter and a hammam for massage and gommage (exfoliation with exotic ingredients) treatments.
Who: supermodels and celebrity photographers.
From: The Best of Morocco
Other hotels featured in the article
- Hotel Cipriani, Venice
- Hôtel de Crillon, Paris
- La Residencia, Majorca
- The Tsitouras Collection, Santorini, Greece
- The Martinez, Cannes
- Palace Hotel, Gstaad, Switzerland
- Portmeirion Hotel, Snowdonia, Wales
- The Samling, Lake District
- Palazzo Sasso, Amalfi coast, Italy
- Mena House, Oberoi, Cairo, Egypt
- Adlon Kempinski, Berlin
