No trip to Marrakech would be complete without a visit to the souk. Whether you have romantic visions of a shoe shopping experience a la Sarah Jessica Parker in SATC2 or an explorer’s dream of discovering unknown treasures off the well beaten tourist track, the souk offers a heady mix of sights, sounds and smells that tease the senses to create truly Moroccan memories.

After just 24 hours at Royal Mansour Marrakech in total awe of the exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail, while enjoying another level of service and relaxation, the thought of leaving this sanctuary to explore the souk seemed slightly daunting. But as a natural explorer and before being lulled into the luxury traveller role, I headed out to Djamaa El Fna, the city’s main square with my guide.

The walk to the square was filled with interesting titbits of information by my very knowledgeable guide, who provided the perfect mix of historical, cultural and anecdotal stories. As we approached Djamaa El Fna there was a real buzz in the air and the sights we saw on arrival, from snake charmers and henna artists, to the rather more unusual dentist stall (which consisted of a table piled high with individual teeth!) were a real visual treat.

Making my way into the souk my guide adeptly led me through the twists and turns of the never-ending passages, which unfold into different themed areas including: leather, ironwork, spices, cosmetics and textiles.

A stop at a local pharmacy, which included an introduction to some of the country’s natural remedies, led to a slightly frivolous purchase of two bottles of Argan Oil on the rather optimistic understanding that this oil is something of a youth serum! Having learnt from my first bartering experience and having spent some time observing the shopping skills of other tourists, I felt ready to bag a serious bargain – and a bag stall was exactly where I went! With an air of disinterest I approached the handbags but soon got down to the nitty gritty, which resulted in a beautiful black studded clutch bag and a tan embossed shoulder bag, all for a very good price.

Feeling rather satisfied with my purchases and pleased to have dipped my toe into the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, I returned to the completely contrasting calm atmosphere of Royal Mansour Marrakech. Back at my riad, my private plunge pool and the shaded day bed on the roof terrace was calling and as Rupert, my charming butler brought me a fresh fruit juice cocktail, I was once again reminded that a stay at Royal Mansour is a truly luxurious experience.

By Caroline Peers, PR Account Manager

The last time I was ‘treated’ to a traditional spa treatment, I almost passed out in a devilishly hot sauna, was whipped with willow twigs (ouch!) and then asked to jump into an ice cold pool of water. That was in Moscow and if I’m being honest I can’t describe it as a particularly pleasant experience. 

So, when I was told that an appointment had been made for me to experience a traditional Moroccan hammam during my stay at the simply stunning La Mamounia in Marrakech, it wasn’t without some trepidation that I headed to its divine spa for traditional spa treatment number two.

Described as a symbol of traditional Moroccan hospitality for more than 85 years, my hammam had a lot to live up to, and it didn’t disappoint.

First stop was the heavenly scented steam room, where I sweated out all of the nasties my body had been storing up after countless journeys on the tube. My wonderful therapist kept me cool with ice cold bottles of water.

Next I was led to a treatment room for head to toe exfoliation, which left my skin soft and silky smooth. All followed by a delicious mix of mud and traditional Moroccan argan oil. Finally a blast with shower and I was done.

Wrapped in my fluffy white robe, I was led to a cosy relaxation room, where I was slathered in moisturiser. To finish, glass after glass of refreshing Moroccan mint tea.

Cleansed, buffed, polished and moisturised, I was finally ready to lounge by the super glamorous outdoor swimming pool…

By Nadia Kassas, PR Account Manager

In the world of luxury travel, we are often in search of identifying those essential elements that create a true five star hotel and in this month’s Rose Report we’d like to hail the humble hotel bar as a vital piece of the luxury puzzle. Playing varied roles, from intimate romantic retreat to major business deal meeting place, hotel bars and their staff must be flexible to a wide range of requirements from the discerning traveller. We’ve picked just a few of our favourites that fly the flag for best hotel bars around the world.

La Mamounia – Le Bar Churchill
If you’re looking for the perfect blend of style and elegance, La Mamounia’s Le Bar Churchill, named after its most famous guest, captures all elements of a timeless hotel bar. With its leather and fine wood panelling, opulent leopard print furnishings and unique seating around the grand piano, the bar is the ideal location for after dinner drinks accompanied by the captivating sounds of its international vocal and piano, jazz and soul duo.

Hotel D’Inghilterra – Bar d’Italia
The ultimate cocktail selection is the order of the evening at Hotel d’Inghilterra’s Bar d’Italia in Rome. Famed for its cocktails, and high profile guests, this classic gentleman’s club style bar is one of 12 Italian members of the exclusive club of Bond Bars, all serving a choice of James Bond’s 20 favourite drinks.

La Maddalena Hotel & Yacht Club – Mood Bar
For the Mediterranean’s most stunning panoramas at any time of the day, lose yourself on the wonderful terrace of La Maddalena Hotel & Yacht Club’s Mood Bar. Admire the crystal clear waters of the Maddalena Archipelago in the mornings and indulge in romantic evenings, when the fiery red sunsets light up the islands of Santo Stefano and Caprera.

The Nam Hai – cocktails on the terrace
And for a fragrant taste of the exotic, head further afield to the new terrace at The Nam Hai in Hoi An, Vietnam. There you can enjoy specially created cocktails that infuse Vietnamese flavours from the resort’s organic farm with cocktail classics while enjoying panoramic views of the South China Sea and resort pools. Why not try recreating some tropical tastes at home with this cocktail recipe from The Nam Hai?

Vietnam Cooler
Muddle some sprigs of fresh basil and mint
Add 60ml of Pimms and 15ml of Bacardi and mix
Top with orange juice and lemonade
Serve over ice in a tall glass and garnish with a wedge of orange

For further information, please contact Mason Rose on +44 (0)20 7201 8050

From wine and cheese accompanied by a stunning sunset at Ayada Maldives to British ingredients meticulously prepared by a Michelin Star chef at St James’s Hotel and Club, the Mason Rose collection has everything that your taste buds desire.

Ayada Maldives
Whether sampling tantalising cuisines, dining al fresco under the stars or joining a wine tasting, you will experience innovative international cuisine with unparalleled service in a stylish yet casual atmosphere at Ayada Maldives. One of seven culinary hotspots at the resort is its unique Wine and Cheese Island. Located over clear waters, it seats up to 27 diners and is the perfect spot to admire the sunset amongst the ocean villas. Guests can sample an extensive selection of quality wines from the old and new worlds and take their pick from the humidor stocked with some of the finest Havana cigars.

Eleganzia Hotels and Spa
As part of Eleganzia Hotels and Spa, both Forte Village in Sardinia and Castel Monastero in Tuscany are home to Gordon Ramsay’s signature restaurants. In tailor-made settings each restaurant boasts menus that feature revived traditional French cuisine, with Asian and Mediterranean influences. Ramsay, who holds an impressive 12 Michelin stars, plays a crucial role working with the hotels’ teams to create each menu using a selection of the very best, fresh, local ingredients.

The Saxon Boutique Hotel, Villas and Spa
The Saxon Boutique Hotel, Villas and Spa recently appointed Nancy Kinchela to the position of Executive Chef. Australian-born Nancy boasts a wealth of culinary experience, having held positions at internationally renowned and acclaimed eating establishments, including: The Savoy Hotel in London, Richard Corrigan’s Michelin-Star restaurant at Lindsay House (now Corrigan’s Mayfair), Emirates Towers Hotel in Dubai and most recently The Club at the Saujana in Kuala Lumpur.

Nancy has secured a number of international awards over the course of her culinary career, including a Gold Medal, Best in Class for ‘British Cuisine’ at London Olympia and winner of the ‘Moreau and Fils’ Chablis competition in Dubai. Talking about the prospect of working at The Saxon, Nancy commented: “I find myself in the very fortunate position to have the opportunity to share everything I’ve learned from all over the world with Saxon’s clientele.”

Vila Vita Parc
With seven restaurants, five bars and a wine cellar located 26 feet below ground you are guaranteed an unforgettable gourmet experience at Vila Vita Parc. If you’re a lover of fine dining head to Ocean. Headed up by Austrian Executive Chef Hans Neunerand his team, this restaurant boasts a Michelin Star and is renowned for outstanding service and weekly changing gourmet menus.

The Dylan
Amsterdam’s leading boutique hotel, The Dylan has launched a completely unique Michelin dining concept aboard a specially built canal boat. Vinkeles on the Water offers guests the opportunity to experience the exquisite dishes of the hotel’s Michelin star restaurant Vinkeles while seeing Amsterdam from its canals. Parties of four – six guests can enjoy lunch or dinner prepared on board in a live cooking session by executive chef Dennis Kuipers and served at the Chef’s table on the completely renovated 19th century wooden salon boat, named The Muze.

St James’s Hotel and Club
‘Seven Park Place’ by William Drabble, located at the St. James’s Hotel and Club has received a prestigious Michelin-star in the 100th edition of the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland and 3AA Rosettes. Executive Chef, William Drabble’s dishes are modern-French in style but are made up of primarily British ingredients. Menus change regularly to reflect the seasons whether it be asparagus in May, sea bass in July or white truffles in December. The stylish yet intimate surroundings of Seven Park Place and the private dining rooms provide the perfect backdrop for William’s exquisite dishes.

For further information, please contact Mason Rose on +44 (0) 20 7201 8050

Can you hear the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean calling? With a new twice weekly flight by Aegean between London Heathrow and Crete (Heraklion) launched earlier this summer season, now is the perfect time to get out and explore the breath-taking Greek Islands.

For relaxation partnered with sophistication, the elegant beachfront resort of Grecotel Amirandes located on the island of Crete offers the highest standards of Mediterranean luxury and refinement. The resort’s architecture, which draws on the opulent palaces of Minoan kings and Venetian nobles, sets off the beauty of the southern Mediterranean landscape of silver-flecked olive trees and tropical palms against brilliant blue skies and sparkling teal waters.

The resort has 212 rooms, suites and villas, 60 of which have their own pools for ultimate privacy as well as indulgent details such as private gyms, home cinema and state-of-the-art bathrooms with colour-therapy and aromatherapy Jacuzzi bathtubs. For ultimate luxury choose the Royal Residence, which sleeps six and has two heated infinity pools, terraces with lounging areas and a large garden, overhanging the sea. The resort comprises six restaurants, private beaches, Elixir Spa with indoor pool, outdoor Olympic-size seawater pool, and extensive children’s facilities.

For a real taste of Cretan life, guests at Amirandes can take a trip to Agreco, the resort’s traditional farm located around 30 minutes from the hotel.  The farm, a replica of a 17th century lodge, which features a traditional olive press, a flour water mill, a wine press and a giant vat for grape crushing, has revived centuries-old organic farming practices. The complex also includes a church, a village square, store and a mini-zoo. Guests can experience traditional Cretan life by participating in farm activities or just enjoy a guided farm tour around the estate.

Just a short island hop away is one of the most popular Greek islands with its iconic white-washed buildings and picturesque fishing villages. Nestled in the cosmopolitan island are the bungalows and private villas of Mykonos Blu, thoughtfully designed to reflect the cubist lines of the Cyclades. Set on a low bluff overlooking the world-famous beach at Psarou, Mykonos Blu is perfectly located for the island’s dazzling beaches, vigorous nightlife, renowned restaurants and inspiring architecture. The hotel has two restaurants including Aegean Poets, one of the finest restaurants on the island, two bars, Elixir Spa, fitness gallery and plenty of water sports on offer including a yacht hiring service, fishing and midnight cruises.

For further information, please contact Mason Rose on +44 (0)20 7201 8050

When it launched in 2010, Royal Mansour Marrakech redefined the gold standard of luxury hotels. One year on, the property is still taking exclusivity, luxury and privacy to a level not seen before, offering an extraordinary array of spacious, opulent riads in the heart of one of the world’s most exotic cities.

Royal Mansour Marrakech was born from a vision to create a spectacular masterpiece exceeding the demands of today’s discerning traveller while reflecting the true essence of Moroccan tradition.  It emulates the radiant Moroccan lifestyle and is a true testimony to Moroccan architecture and craftsmanship, which is evident throughout the property.

The meticulous design authentically replicates the classic forms of the traditional medina, with buildings, squares and gardens interspersed with intricate winding paths covering 3.5 hectares, completely surrounded by its own five-metre wall, one side being the existing ancient city wall.

Two stunning restaurants and the magnificent main reception building with its fabulous lobby, bar, lounges and library are truly enticing.  The ground breaking, distinctive and ingenious design is exemplified by an intricate series of underground tunnels to each of the property’s 53 riads, accessed only by staff and thus guaranteeing the utmost privacy and discretion.

Le Spa at Royal Mansour Marrakech is a true paradise which promises to stimulate the senses, encourage relaxation and offer a unique spa experience. At the heart of the building is an impressive white wrought iron atrium, evoking an elaborate bird’s cage.   It is in the cool alcoves of this magnificent structure where spa guests receive their initial consultation with one of the spa experts.

Experience a stay at Royal Mansour Marrakech from 18,000 MAD (£1,405) per night, based on accommodation in a One Bedroom Riad. Rates are commissionable to travel agents at a rate of 10%.

For further information, please contact Mason Rose on +44 (0)20 7201 8050