Inspired by the rose-hued buildings that characterise the Medina of Marrakesh, Amanjena is an ode to its surroundings. It is at once grand, yet in keeping with its environment with views stretching to the Atlas Mountains.
Amanjena is the first AMAN resort to open on the African continent – its name meaning ‘peaceful paradise’, and it is just that. Just a four-hour flight from London, with a one-hour time difference and sunshine almost all year round, you’re going to want to add this to your travel bucketlist.
The sprawling Amanjena property is made up of a beautiful expanse of gardens, pools, private Pavilions and Maisons, you can walk thousands of steps just exploring the grounds. There’s a calming theme of symmetry throughout the property with towering arches and a giant central pond – it feels as though you should only swim lengths down the middle of the pool so as not to be out of place. As with all AMAN properties, nothing is too much to ask and there is a sense of gratitude between guests and staff. You’ll spend much of your trip in a state of awe and wonder, the scale and attention to detail is breathtaking.
The Vibe
Positioned as an ultra-luxury resort, this is a haven for honeymooners and those wanting a special trip. When you arrive at the hotel it almost looks like a green screen – it’s hard to fathom that something of such boundless beauty is before you. You are greeted with traditional mint tea and dates and immediately feel a sense of peace. This feeling of zen will punctuate your stay as you float from Pavilion to pool. This is the perfect place to relax, rejuvenate and refresh. Everywhere you look there is a new vignette at which to marvel. You’ll notice the light dancing from the many bodies of water onto the peachy-pink walls as you are taken to your room. Service characterises the Aman properties and all requests are met with a smile.
The Rooms
Rather than traditional hotel rooms, the Amanjena Pavilions comprise a luxurious master suite, living area, double bathroom, walk-in wardrobes and a large private courtyard with a traditional outdoor gazebo across the 1,900 square foot expanse, some with private pools (rates starting from €800 per night). There are also Mansions, which feature multiple suites and storeys (rates starting from €2000 per night). The suites feature huge domed ceilings that add to the sense of grandeur and space.
The decor is quietly luxurious in earthy tones with nods to Moroccan crafts featuring checked rugs, straw hats and bags to enjoy during the trip. The bathrooms feature double sinks, a large bathtub and a shower with large windows that open out onto the other side of the private courtyard for an indoor-outdoor feeling. The bathrooms are stocked with AMAN Essentials – the luxury skincare products designed by the group. There is an abundance of space for two guests with separate wardrobe and dressing areas and multiple seating options across the Pavilions.
The Little Extras
As you would hope with an AMAN property, there are plenty of details that will surprise and delight throughout your stay. There’s daily afternoon tea served with a rotation of exquisite cakes and treats. When lounging by the pool you’ll be offered ice cream towards the end of the day in innovative flavours such as black sesame and chilli. Each night you’ll find a little something by your pillow. And a plethora of other details that make your stay as seamless and joyful as possible.
There is also the incredible AMAN Spa which features workout facilities, treatment rooms and a private jacuzzi and steam room. As well as an extensive treatment menu, guests can book personalised spa journeys or wellness retreats. The fitness offering includes a small gym, outdoor training area and tennis court with lessons and clinics available. There are also bookable yoga classes and personal trainers as well as wellbeing experts that AMAN invites throughout the year to offer guests exclusive treatments and therapies.
The Food + Drink
There are three restaurants at Amanjena as well as The Bar and in-room dining. The Moroccan Restaurant is staggeringly beautiful with high ceilings, surrounded by boothed seating under grand arches and a central courtyard dining area nestled amongst trees. Alongside traditional Moroccan dishes, there is also an Italian menu available from AMAN’s signature Arva restaurant, the fish tagine a particular highlight on the menu, to enjoy whilst local musicians provide the background music to accompany diners.
Overlooking the serenity of the swimming pool, there is Japanese restaurant Nama open for dinner Wednesday-Sunday. Fresh seafood is delivered daily from Essaouira on the Moroccan coastline, which is artfully plated as sushi and sashimi; and the robata grill, creating an expansive menu of delicious dishes.
Throughout the day, enjoy an all-day dining menu of light meals, grilled meats and seafood and freshly made pizzas from their wood oven in the open-air Pool Terrace and Olive Grove. Bountiful breakfasts are also served here, with multiple options from cold to hot plates alongside fresh juices, teas and coffees.
The To-Do List
While Amanjena provides a world within itself, you may wish to leave the hotel grounds. For those wanting to explore, there is a rich offering of experiences surrounding Marrakesh and beyond. From adventures in the desert and the mountains, to golfing, hot air balloon rides and Berber cooking classes, there is something for everyone to enjoy. One to highlight is the Agafay Desert Dining experience which features a sunset camel ride across the lunar-landscaped desert to a secret destination where the private Amangjena tent awaits. You then enjoy a traditional Berber dinner under the stars.
We’d also recommend a trip to LRNCE Studio – the Marrakesh-based lifestyle brand focusing on interior decor and accessories. They’re famed for their colourful hand-painted ceramics, we guarantee you won’t leave empty-handed!
We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.
Any Questions or Tips to add?