Heart & Lands

A resplendent show of colours, a heady mix of strong spices and the sound of the North African instrumental beat intertwined with the melodic call to prayer, Marrakech is indeed intriguing and bewildering. Yet my excitement for this city is somewhat held-back by the fear that the hustle and bustle of the spiralling Medina might be just too much, after all aren’t holidays meant to be relaxing too?

VeryChic qualms my fears however with this Moroccan combo of Riad Talaa 12 and Palais Paysan, the first nestled in Marrakech’s rich medina and the latter spying over the Atlas Mountains. We depart for a splendid three nights in central Marrakech and, four nights of relaxation at the Palais Paysan, all transfers included, which was a weight off our minds! It was going to be one week of splendid discovery and quality together time for me and my husband. Our hotel, or should I say cosy ryad is opposite the beautiful and intricate Ben Youssef mosque; we spot its patterned dome against the clear blue sky as we arrive and it welcomes us to this eclectic and buzzing medina. I breathe in the spicy aromas and sigh a satisfied sight, what a fantastic location in the heart of it all.

The ryad is a sharp contrast to the winding souks that surround it, a peaceful, newly renovated space of 600m² with a plethora of open spaces and terraces that bring ryad living to life. The setting was exclusive and excellently decorated, where regal golds, deep reds and sconces reign backed by smooth coloured walls and contrasted by embroidered carpets. I feel my head turning in all directions spotting the characteristic Moroccan lounges with dim lighting and large stone bowls of water creating manmade lagoons that gave an air of freshness to the North African heat. Romance and serenity seems to be the main theme, at least for us and I particularly appreciate the silvery white light that the lofty, pale décor creates. I’m happy to find that same quality in our sumptuous, spacious bedroom. Its exquisite simplicity is brightened by splashes of warm reds that give the feel of being in a luxury, romantic boudoir.

After setting down our bags we go for a refreshing drink on the stunning roof terrace that boasts 360° panoramic views over the entire city and beyond to the snow-capped Atlas mountains. We lounge in the stylish Moroccan seating area in the shade of the canopy and breathe in the sweet, spicy air. Our next day was spent in the city that we had observed from on high, and after, we retired exhausted back to the ryad, it was straight to the onsite hammam…

Our three nights pass quickly and it is now time for the Palais Paysan, the transfer is so easy with everything being organised for us, all we have to do is put ourselves and bags into the vehicle and watch the Moroccan countryside go past until  we arrive at our tranquil haven. And do we need it! After all the walking, haggling, striking visions, smells and sounds I am overwhelmed and I need a few days of just hearing the birds sing sweet songs. 

The Palais Paysan stands out from hilled countryside with its cubist form and geometric design. Although it carries hints of ryad design, echoing a similar feel to the Talaa 12, the Palais takes a contemporary and modern approach. Its backdrop are the mysterious Atlas Mountains that are lightly dusted with snow, the vision of such is like a dream. Are we really here? It all feels like a whirlwind of sensory experiences, of visions that are hard to believe are true, as we wander in a relaxed and bewitched state. We lounge on low-slung couches, swim in the pristine pool lined by thatched parasols, take trips to spa, gaze through cubed windows that frame the Atlas Mountains and eat Moroccan servings on candlelit tables.

But this country boasts such vibrancy and it’s not long before we realise that we do know it is all really happening; we can feel it with each one of our senses.