Spas in the News
Marrakech's
Iconic Hotel, 'La Mamounia' Re-Opens Following a Three-Year Restoration
MARRAKECH, MOROCCO (June 8, 2009) - La
Mamounia, Marrakech’s iconic hotel will re-open its doors on September 29,
2009 following an extensive restoration project led by internationally acclaimed
interior designer, Jacques Garcia. This legendary hotel, which has hosted the
“who’s who” of international royalty, politicians, celebrities
and the jet set, has expanded with 136 stylish guest rooms, 71 Suites including
seven Signature Suites, and three Riads each with three bedrooms, private terraces,
Moroccan salons and a private swimming pool.
Globally regarded
as one of the most desirable hotels in the world, the new La Mamounia, under the
expert management of Didier Picquot, will feature: a 27,000 sq foot La Mamounia
Spa; three signature restaurants headed by two Michelin Star chef’s,
Alfonso Iaccarino of the famed Don Alfonso 1890 in Sant’ Agata, Italy and
Jean-Pierre Vigato, Owner of Apicius in Paris, France, as well as Fabrice Lasnon,
Executive Chef of La Mamounia; a pool restaurant; five bars; and 20 acres of historic
gardens noted for its ancient olive groves and wide array of flora. For more information
and reservations visit: www.mamounia.com
The Design
“Reminiscent
of a far away time and place, La Mamounia evokes a modern day fairytale. Such
a haven is often sought after but rarely found. Combining the best the modern
world has to offer with traditional values, La Mamounia provides an experience
so unique, it becomes an integral part of the myth that defines it”. Jacques
Garcia.
Internationally acclaimed interior designer, Jacques
Garcia has perfected La Mamounia as a tranquil haven in the heart of the imperial
city. By recreating the luxurious mood of the oriental palaces, Garcia’s
trademark style offers the perfect accompaniment to the impressive and powerful
Moorish architecture, abundant at La Mamounia. Strong use of light and color,
combined with beautiful and theatrical perspectives, adds a wonderful level of
modernity to Garcia’s creation at La Mamounia. Marble columns, fine materials,
vivid fabrics, soft furnishings and colorful wood, add the final touch to this
harmonious picture.
Restaurants & Bars
La
Mamounia is delighted to have appointed two 2-Michelin Star chefs, Alfonso Iaccarino
and Jean-Pierre Vigato to headline two of its signature restaurants. L’Italien
by Alfonso Iaccarino features modern Italian specialties, whilst Le Francais by
Jean-Pierre Vigato specializes in French contemporary cuisine. In addition, Le
Marocain is located in a modern Moroccan pavilion in the Park and offers fine
Moroccan cuisine, fusing both traditional and modern ingredients to perfection.
The less formal Le Pavillon de la Piscine will serve light
Mediterranean cuisine. Additionally, five exquisite bar experiences await the
guest at La Mamounia including Le Bar Marocain, located on the second floor of
Le Marocain; Le Bar Italien, located in the Majorelle Gallery; Le Bar Churchill
in the Mamounia Gallery; Le Bar de la Piscine; as well as the esteemed Le Menzeh
‘Glacier & Pâtissier’ located in the gardens. La Mamounia’s
own Vegetable Garden ensures that guests are catered for using only the freshest
ingredients.
Spa & Wellness at La Mamounia
Inspired
by the perfect blend of Moroccan and Eastern culture, the 27,000 sq ft La Mamounia
Spa beautifully fuses the traditional with the very modern. Over 80 treatments
are available at La Mamounia Spa ranging from traditional Moroccan hammam treatments
with marocMaroc to a full line of face and body treatments by SHISEIDO; manicures
and pedicures by La Ric; and hair styling by Jean Michel Faretra Paris. Two traditional
hammams, a private hammam, eight treatment rooms (including two double), six outdoor
massage cabins, an indoor, ozone-treated swimming pool, Jacuzzi, relaxation room,
Spa Suite, fitness studio and sauna complete the experience.
Additionally,
the Fitness Pavilion in the gardens houses a fitness studio with aerobics, Pilates,
spinning and yoga classes, a weights and cardio room, an outdoor heated swimming
pool, as well as two clay tennis courts and ping pong tables for guests to enjoy
at their leisure.
Background
Situated
on the edge of the walls of the old city of Marrakech, La Mamounia is named after
its legendary 200-year-old gardens, originally given as an 18th century wedding
gift to Prince Moulay Mamoun by his father, King Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah. Today
the gardens at La Mamounia cover almost 20 acres with an enviable variety of flora
and fauna. Since the hotel originally opened in 1923, La Mamounia has been symbolic
of traditional Moroccan hospitality and a classic example of the great age of
grand hotels.
For over 85 years, La Mamounia has been a beloved
destination for travelers from around the globe, including royals, heads of state,
film makers, musicians, actors and fashion designers alike. Sir Winston Churchill
recalled La Mamounia as, “the most lovely spot in the whole world” when
inviting Franklin D. Roosevelt to visit him in his favorite place, and Alfred
Hitchcock chose La Mamounia as the site to film The Man Who Knew Too Much with
James Stewart and Doris Day. Others that have followed include luminaries, such
as Charlie Chaplin, Marlene Dietrich, Kirk Douglas, Charlton Heston, Princess
Caroline of Monaco Nelson Mandela, Jacques Chirac, The Rolling Stones, Elton John,
Nicole Kidman, Kate Winslet, Tom Cruise, Yves Saint Laurent and Julio Iglesias.
The list is long and inside the hotel lives a prized guestbook, chronicling the
guests’ emotional reactions to the magic of La Mamounia and their love of
Marrakech.
For reservations, rates and
further information, please visit www.mamounia.com.
