I’ve been saving all my money just to take you there, I smell the garden in your hair. It’s the Marrakech Express… or what I like to call The Riad to Marrakech.
With apologies to those Sixties hipsters Crosby, Stills and Nash (and sometimes Young) who were, of course, far more lyrical about the Red City.
We dare say that they would have stayed at some hippy hang-out.
But I suspect that Stephen and Graham, and RIP to David, would now frequent the Royal Mansour Marrakech.
Situated at the foot of Marrakech’s ramparts, in the western part of the medina are the lush, landscaped gardens at Royal Mansour Marrakech.
Spanning four acres, it is the vision of award-winning Spanish landscape designer and Bonsai curator Luis Vallejo, drawing on Arab-Andalusian tradition into play.
And going off on a tangent, my green-fingered pal here is doing so well with her bonsai garden that she’s thinking of downsizing.
Festival of flowers
Back to Souk City and the The Jardin’art Festival over the spring unfolds in the city’s Jardin des Arts.
To offer a variety of botanical events, concerts, and gorgeous floral displays for all to enjoy.
And thanks to our friends in Marrakech, and believe me you need all the pals you can get in this bustling city with false guides round some of the souk corners, we have these gardening tips to share.
Straight from Luis’s mouth.
Incorporate a water feature (or several –as is the case at Royal Mansour Marrakech, home to 150 water fountains)
‘Like constant background music, a small stream of water in movement’.
Plant fruit trees and aromatic plants, to elevate the senses. At Royal Mansour Marrakech, the garden features several species of palm tree, citrus fruits (spanning lemon, sweet and bitter orange).
As well as various fruit trees (inclusive of olive, pomegranate, fig, persimmon, carob, quince, guava, medlar and more).
Various aromatic herbs are also grown for use in the spa, from marjoram to rosemary.
Choose plants of varied colour, texture, and volume – select seasonal plants that inspire your imagination and offer a link to Morocco.
Vallejo chose multiple species of trees, from conifers and coral trees to tamarisk and mahogany trees, offering a textural variety.
Choose from decorative foliage, ground cover plants and climbers to create dimensional levels.
In addition, he intentionally selected native and naturalised flora allowing for year-round flowering – meaning vibrant colour all year round!
Add a coloured rug or cushions into a cosy corner, and sip a Moorish tea, for an authentic Moroccan experience.
Mansour manor
Royal Mansour is a palatial oasis exquisitely crafted by over 1,500 local artisans.
As an ode to traditional Moroccan architecture and craftsmanship.
It’s a perfectly peaceful, private retreat just steps from the Medina.
Showcasing an open-air courtyard and nearly four acres of lush gardens.
These have recently been extended to incorporate a beautiful kitchen garden Atelier d’Artiste and an elevated, private dining space.
Stay in private multi-story riads dotted along pink pathways. No carts; no rooms; no crowds.
One–bedroom riads start from £1,200 (includes breakfast, Immigration Fast Track service + airport transfers in Marrakech).
And we found sample flights for a three-night return for next month from £356.21.
Get on that riad to Marrakech then.
