During our last stay in Marrakech, we were able to try out one of Marrakech’s most prestigious establishments, the Amanjena.
This establishment is a haven of peace, a cocoon of happiness where discretion and service are the ultimate values.
Opened in February 2000 on the outskirts of the ancient city of Marrakech, Amanjena (“peaceful paradise”) is the only Amanresorts address on the African continent.
Inspired by Marrakech’s Menara gardens (12th century), the heart of the resort is enlivened by a large pond, a former irrigation reservoir.
From Amanjena’s main square, water flows along two canals, irrigating the estate’s gardens, planted with olive, lemon, climbing date, orange bougainvillea, hibiscus and pomegranate trees.
Suites
The suites are arranged around the central pool: 18 Pavilions, 6 Pool Pavilions, 8 Pool Pavilions, 6 Houses and duplex Garden Houses, and the two-bedroom Al-Hamra Maison. Each Pavillon opens onto a large cupola overlooking the bedroom. Berber carpets, copper-colored lanterns, a fireplace to warm winter nights, a daybed, a desk upholstered in Moroccan leather and cherry wood furniture create a warm atmosphere.
In the bathrooms, the green Ouarzazate marble bathtub invites you to relax. A separate shower, double dressing room and toilet complete the space. Cedar doors open onto the private garden, overlooking the golf course and an olive grove. Each pavilion features a columned minzah.
The Bassin Pavilions offer a wide view of the central pool, while the Piscine Pavilions feature a private, heated 25 m2 swimming pool, as well as a large, private garden in which to bask. Zellij fountain, deep black sofa, lantern lighting, terracotta-tiled floor… Everything here invites total relaxation. Families traveling together can take advantage of access to neighboring pavilions.
Inspired by Moroccan urban dwellings, the six 2-bedroom duplex houses feature a living room with fireplace and zellij fountain, and a guest bathroom. For added privacy, the master bedroom has a separate entrance.
Each House has a private heated swimming pool, most with a direct view of the pond, and two have their own private garden.
The Houses and Garden Houses can be booked with a Pavillon Bassin.
The Al-Hamra Maison, the largest of the Amanjena, features a pavilion with a large indoor living and dining area with an open fireplace and private butler service. Two bedrooms open onto the garden, its two minzahs (gazebos) and a 36 m2 private heated pool.
GASTRONOMY
At dinnertime, the Restaurant reinterprets Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine. Bright and welcoming, the dining room features a central onyx fountain surrounded by olive trees. Moucharabiehs create a magnificent play of light. Decorated with antique Berber motifs, the walls are tinted in a soft, honeyed eggshell hue. Moroccans call this the best restaurant in Marrakech. The cuisine is delicious.
The Thai Restaurant, next to the pool, is open from morning to night. Authentic Thai cuisine is served for lunch and dinner. Products are imported directly from Thailand. The food is tasty.
The Pool Terrace is open for breakfast and lunch, and offers superb views of the pool and nearby golf course.
Guests can also dine in their Pavillion or Maison.
L’Amanjena organizes special dinners or buffets to celebrate a unique occasion. For romantic evenings, a private dinner with local music takes place under a Moroccan tent, in the heart of an olive grove.
The Bar/Smoking Room is located at the entrance to the Amanjena. Smoked glasses, antique Berber daggers, Arab swords, camel bones and olive branches decorate the walls.
The library has a six-metre high ceiling. Arab lanterns and carpets color the two-story room, with light filtering in from a dozen windows set along the tadelakt walls. Glass shelves hold books, magazines, newspapers, CDs, DVDs and the typical green pottery of Tamegroute, in the Moroccan Sahara. There’s also a selection of travel books and board games. The tables are made of inlaid cherry wood and lacquered in ebony. The upper level is decorated with a grid of moucharabieh panels that surround almost the entire room. The fireplace is framed by masria (Moroccan daybeds).
The Boutique offers a vast selection of Moroccan arts and crafts, jewelry, copper lanterns, pottery and antiques.
Linen products (tablecloths, shawls, Moroccan caftans and djellabas), are hand-woven. Some items are created exclusively for the Amanjena.
Tennis
The Amanjena has two clay tennis courts, lit up at night. Rackets and balls are provided free of charge. A clubhouse serves drinks and buffets during breaks.
The Spa
Like mint tea, the hammam is a fundamental part of Moroccan life.
At the Amanjena, the two hammams (one for men, one for women) – complete with showers, toilets, checkroom and glazed Jacuzzi – open onto a garden with fountain, bordered by a two-metre-high adobe wall. Featuring Moorish arches and vaulted ceilings, the hammam rooms invite indolence.
The treatment menu features massages, facial and body treatments, manicures and pedicures.
The fitness room houses the latest Technogym equipment.
Treatment menu on request.
The pool
Heated, the outdoor pool is lined with bright green zellij-style “fish scale” tiles. Surrounded by hibiscus, the pool area includes sun loungers and a separate, shallow pool.
A paradise on earth where every detail has been taken care of, the gastronomy is exceptional and the setting is sublime.
L’Amanjena is a 20-minute drive from Marrakech’s Menara airport and 15 minutes from the Medina, the authentic heart of Marrakech.
This nugget was brought to us by Voyages Confidentiels, specialists in tailor-made luxury travel. At Voyages Confidentiels, there are no brochures: your trip is custom-designed and programmed according to your expectations. Honeymoons, exceptional travel experiences all over the world. Let yourself be tempted. http://www.voyagesconfidentiels.fr or 09 70 17 00 04.
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