Club Med is an obvious choice for families visiting the Red City, but this excellent all-inclusive, village-style resort nestled in a palm grove north of the city centre also draws a whole host of other travellers thanks to its fun atmosphere, impressive facilities and fabulous food
In the exclusive Palmeraie suburb, 20 minutes’ drive north of the Jemaa el-Fna. Frequent, free hotel shuttles ferry guests back-and-forth to the Medina.
This 60-acre property with its sunny swimming pools, frilly clumps of bougainvillea and tasteful, low-level, cubist structures is an oasis of well-designed fun that feels anything but holiday campish. The deployment of local materials (brick, tadelakt and pise) and natural colours situates it nicely in the gorgeously landscaped gardens which are filled with olive trees, hot-red hibiscus flowers and roses. Four two-storey accommodation blocks centred around flower-fringed fountains sit around a main hub where all the restaurants and bars are located.
The list of all-inclusive activities is so long it’s impossible to enumerate although to give you a sample they include: golf, archery, circus school, tennis, aquagym, basketball, mountain biking school, all manner of fitness programmes and a full-service spa. There are two large swimming pools, one of which is designated a ‘Quiet Zone’, and the various, age-specific kids’ clubs are probably the best in Marrakech. With 45 years of top-quality service under their belt, the army of delightful and professional staff know how to take care of guests.
The 300 Club and Deluxe bungalow rooms are tasteful and functional although not that jazzy. There isn’t much to choose between them, although the Deluxe is ssubtlely larger with a small sitting room. They all have garden-facing terraces or balconies and contemporary, Moroccan-style bathrooms with showers only. TVs, ironing kits and tea-and-coffee making facilities are all provided. Le Riad suites are a cut above and offer more spacious décor and space, and a delightful secluded walled garden with loungers. An indulgent breakfast room service is also included at the suites.
As Club Med is French, breakfast has a distinctly Gallic flavour with mountains of crunchy fresh bread, croissant and pain au chocolat. It is served at the main La Palmeraie restaurant beside the pool. Throughout the day La Palmeraie continues to offer high-class buffet fare. Plenty of fresh produce and child-friendly options (there’s even a baby station with a blender). Alternatively El Kebir specialises in local cuisine, while guests at Le Riad have more sophisticated set menus, including the likes of grilled langoustine and oysters. Good house wine, cocktails and gentle drinks are included.
Yes, the hotel has disability-adapted ground floor rooms and public spaces.
A paradise for children with kids’ clubs targeted at specific age groups (2-3, 4-10 and 11-17 year olds) offering age-appropriate activities from arts and crafts and outdoor play to pool games, horse riding, tennis, golf and even trapeze. Baby sitting and pyjamas clubs are offered day and night, and the children’s menu is healthy, varied and delicious.
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