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18 August, 2022

Review: Le Farnatchi is a truly boutique beauty in the heart of Marrakech

If you haven’t been to Marrakech, be prepared to have your senses assaulted in the best possible way.

The beating heart of this bustling city is the Medina; the city’s original fortified citadel, crammed with everything from exotic arts and craft to hammam bath houses and all manner of street food.

Even the most intrepid traveller is likely to get lost within this electric clash of sights, sound and smell, where theatrical hustlers reign supreme.

Travel Weekly was treated to an overnight stay inside the Medina, but our lodgings were a far cry from the busy streets of Marrakech’s old city.

Hidden in plain sight in the middle of the Medina, Le Farnatchi is a truly boutique beauty with only 10 suites offering a quiet and peaceful reprieve.

“Right from the beginning, we’ve tried to take out all the things that annoy us about big hotels,” said James Wix, owner of Le Farnatchi.

“Breakfast, for example, is whenever you want, wherever you want, any time of day. It’s your holiday”

(Alan Keohane)

First Impression

Usually, getting to a hotel located in the ‘old town’ region of a city is an epic struggle of carting luggage across cobblestones and up uneven staircases. Not so for Le Farnatchi, where you’re greeted at the point where cars can’t go in any further.

The hotel itself has a spacious feel and is strikingly beautiful. We were warmly welcomed by the owner who showed us the property’s recent restorations and added luxuries.

(Alan Keohane)

The room

All the suites are spacious and comfortable with a distinctly Moroccan aesthetic; it’s a visual feast no matter where you look.

All of the rooms have large sitting rooms with a writing desk, fireplaces and either a balcony or a patio. The beds are king-sized and absurdly comfortable.

(Alan Keohane)

Service

Warm, generous and helpful, Le Farnatchi staff were all superb and nothing was too much trouble. The genuine sincerity and kindness left a lasting impression on us; it’s no wonder the hotel boasts such a high return rate after experiencing the elevated level of hospitality.

Food

We dined at Le Trou au Mur, which is one of the best restaurants in the Medina, and part of the Farnatchi family.

Open for lunch and dinner with breathtaking décor, the terrace is a lovely spot to enjoy a meal and bask in the heat of Marrakech summer. The menu was showcases an eclectic selection of Moroccan and European cuisine and it was only a hop skip and jump back to our rooms.

Facilities, events and experiences

What was unique about Le Farnatchi is that guests can book out the whole hotel and turn it into a private party, or event space.

With just 10 suites, management told us anything can be done. During previous parties, they turned the pool into a dance floor and converted a courtyard into a nightclub.

At one wedding, the hotel turned the various courtyards into souk spaces with food stalls and different culinary options for the guests.

(Alan Keohane)

The spa is an exquisite experience and not to be missed while in Morocco is the traditional Hammam.

A Moroccan Hammam typically consists of a bathhouse for cleaning the body and soul; a ritual which starts by applying a thin layer of black soap all over your body which is left for about 10 minutes followed by rinsing thoroughly.

The therapist then scrapes all the dead skin with a glove. The feeling afterwards can only be described as bliss.

There are two marble hammams within the hotel and a range of treatments on offer in addition to the hammam including manicures, pedicures, massages and facials, all with organic products from Nectarome and ila Spa.

Overall Experience

Farnatchi is in the perfect location for exploring the souks and local surrounds of the famous Medina of Marrakech.

With exceptional hospitality and luscious rooms, Farnatchi ticks all the boxes.

Details

2, Derb El Farnatchi, Marrakech 40000, Morocco.

00 2 12 524 384 910

lefarnatchi.com

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

James Wix Le Farnatchi Marrakech Medina