Hotel Les Borjs De La Kasbah (Marrakech, Morocco)

In the Kasbah quarter of the Marrakech médina, easily accessible by taxi, minibus and horse-drawn calèche and only yards from the Royal Palace, Les Borjs de la Kasbah is a recently-created boutique hotel (4 star) developed over a period of four years from a complex of six small town houses and one riad by its Franco-British owners and their young Moroccan architect. An interesting 20 minute walk from the famous Place Jemaa el Fna and just 400m from the celebrated Tombeaux Saadiens, the hotel opened in December 2006 and the Spa in July 2007. On entering this haven of calm you will be struck by the atmosphere of contemporary refinement and arabo-moorish charm, a peaceful haven contrasting sharply with the frenetic activity of the thronged medina beyond its walls. Created entirely by local craftsmen, this charming small hotel has been designed to reflect the traditional architectural style of a Moroccan riad in which geometric symmetry, intricate plaster decoration, wrought ironwork, colourful floor tiles (bejmat) and tadelakt wall coatings (polished lime-based plaster tinted in warm shades) feature prominently. All rooms are disposed around, and look out on, one of the four original patios, each planted with flowering shrubs or orange trees, a couple of them echoing to the sound of water spilling from ornamental fountains. The highest level of modern comforts is also assured, traditional features throughout being combined with contemporary overtones in the stylish furnishing and décor. A few yards away, at the foot of a renovated borj (one of the defensive towers built into the ancient walls of the Kasbah), a separate leisure area has been created with a 10m swimming pool and a spa with marbled hammam, sauna and massage rooms. Other facilities include an excellent restaurant with Moroccan and French inspired cuisine, a licensed bar, meeting room and two lounges.