Prospect “The Sanssouci Collection, Marrakech”

. . . Tr a v e l . . .
The SanSsouci
Collection,
Marrakech
R E L A X AT I O N A N D C U L I N A R Y E X C E L L E N C E
AT T H E S E S T U N N I N G B O U T I Q U E M O R O C C A N R I A D S
Marrakech, Morocco’s capital of chic,
is an enchanting city that has always
welcomed visitors from all corners of the
earth. The intoxicating souks, blushing
pink stoned architecture and centuries
old landmarks create an overwhelming
sense of history at every turn. Combine
this with the world leading cuisine, a
vibrant art and music scene and a vast
number of luxury boutique lodgings
and it’s not hard to see why it is the
destination of choice for discerning
travellers all year round.
Whilst there are a wide variety of
types of accommodation available
it is the riads, traditional courtyard
guesthouse, that really make a trip to
Marrakech truly unique. They can be
found across the city and a stay at one of
the many beautiful, boutique, dwellings
on offer can transform a short break or
holiday in to something that will live long
in the memory.
The Sanssouci Collection has 2 such
riads that are considered among the best
in the whole city. The Dar Les Cigognes
and Riad Kaiss are elegant, 5 star
boutique riads that provide guests with
the highest standards of service and
comfort. Located in the Palace Quarter,
both hotels are within easy reach of the
major tourist attractions in Marrakech
and boast bedrooms, cuisine and
relaxation of unrivalled quality.
35
The Dar Les Cigognes, or ‘House of
Storks’ after the graceful birds that perch
on the ramparts of the Royal Palace of
Hassan II directly opposite the hotel,
opened in 2001 and offers 11 bedrooms,
including 1 suite. It is a luxurious
retreat that has been shortlisted as
the best boutique hotel in Africa on
four occasions, combining rich cultural
traditions of Moorish art and architecture
with a careful attention to privacy.
Moorish decorative techniques can
be found throughout the hotel; walls
are decked in varying hues of tadelakt,
a time-consuming plastering technique
that leaves a marble-like, shiny surface
and flooring materials are either
handmade tiles or das, a material similar
to tadelakt. The huge carved wooden
doors, roof terrace views of the Atlas
Mountains and a magnificent open
courtyard create an awe inspiring yet
utterly relaxing environment for guests.
The emphasis on relaxation and
wellness is evident with the red marble
hammam and beauty spa in the hotel.
The traditional Moroccan hammam
offers a wide range of spa services
using Sanssouci’s in-house developed
range of organic spa products based
on Argan oil, a Moroccan beauty secret
for millenia. The stunning beauty salon
has high, arching ceilings bejewelled
with coloured glass and is a spectacular
setting for the massages and local
essential oil treatments available.
Morocco’s world famous cuisine is
well represented at The Dar Les Cigognes.
The organic menu changes daily and
is dependent on what is at its fresh
and seasonal best. Guests can dive in
to traditional Tangia or the incredible
signature dish, Trid, with its tasty layers
of light, buttery pancakes with quail or
poussin and a delicious lemon onion
sauce. The kitchen is open for guests
to enter as they please and there is the
opportunity to learn how to prepare some
of the many delicacies served throughout
the day with the renowned cooking
classes. These classes are so good that
the Dar Les Cigognes has been voted best
Moroccan cooking school in the world.
36
World class cooking classes which
cater for all levels of culinary skill are
also available at the other jewel in the
Sanssouci crown, Riad Kaiss. Originally
built by internationally renowned hotel
designer, Christian Ferre, the elegant
architecture and layout make Riad Kaiss
a class above most riads in the city and
have led to it becoming a member of ‘Hip
Hotels’ group.
The 9 bedrooms and suites, all with
en-suite bathrooms and inroom climate control, have
been painstakingly finished to
the highest level and are rich in
Moroccan tradition. Each room
or suite is uniquely decorated and
comes with either courtyard views
or private roof terraces. The roof
terraces offer stunning views of the
city and beyond and are the ideal
place to enjoy some al fresco dining.
As with The Dar Les Cigognes,
relaxation is a key part of the Riad
Kaiss’ offering. Guests can unwind
in the on-site hamman or spa where
a variety of traditional treatments
are available. The highlight,
however, is a traditional hammam
and gommage, which is a cleansing
and highly relaxing experience.
Added to this is a rooftop pool which
is open to all guests who want to
soak up a bit of Moroccan sun.
The Sanssouci Collection is a
hotel brand dedicated to serving
the globetrotting traveller in search
of bespoke and local experiences.
It’s unique and historic hotels are
characterised by their understated
luxury and emphasis on service and
the facilities and services are designed
to ensure guests get the most of every
moment. The emphasis on relaxation and
wellness is evident throughout the hotels
and a stay at either the Riad Kaiss or
The Dar Les Cigognes will leave every
guest with a memorable experience of
Marrakech at its finest.
Contact +212 524 38 27 40 or
info@sanssoucicollection.com or visit
www.sanssoucicollection.com for
more information.
37