The Hotel Spa Review: Riad Farnatchi Spa, Marrakesh, Morocco

 

Riad Farnatchi Spa, Marrakech. Photo by Alan Keohane www.still-images.net

Review: Georgie Bentley-Buckle

Having just opened in March this year and away from the mayhem of the winding streets of Marrakech, The Farnatchi Spa describe themselves as a place for those serious about health and wellbeing. With white washed walls saturated with natural light, the spacious spa lies discreetly within the historic centre of Marrakech and has an open door policy to both hotel guests and non-residents alike. The impressive spa is made up of two magnificent, traditional private marble hammams with vaulted ceilings and four serene treatment rooms. Adding to these facilities the spa has also teamed up with internationally acclaimed, luxury organic spa brand ila and wholesome, local natural Moroccan specialist producer Nectorome to offer a balanced range of treatments for all. These vary from effective shoulder massages, nourishing wraps and scrubs, indulgent full body treatments to the more cutting-edge treatments. Additionally a defining feature of this new spa is that they are the first outside the UK to offer the ila Gold Cellular Age Restore Range collection.

From the lengthy spa menu I chose their deep tissue, Tonic Massage which incorporated hot stones and slightly more pressure to the muscles after a friend (who also happens to be a trained masseuse) recently informed me that the knots in my back needed some attention. This treatment was holistic but also firm enough to loosen any problems surrounding my shoulders. Following our treatments and agreeing how suitably ‘zen’ and mindful we both felt, I cannot recommend this spa enough; it was just a shame we didn’t have enough time to indulge further. The therapists are professional but polite and served us the best Moroccan tea of our trip. With high ceilings and pearly white walls and glass roof above, is a sanctuary just a step or two from the dusty, orange streets beyond.

Riad Farnatchi Spa, Marrakech. Photo by Alan Keohane www.still-images.net
Riad Farnatchi Spa, Marrakech. Photo by Alan Keohane www.still-images.net

Since visiting, but sadly not staying, I’ve only heard great things surrounding this humble gem and after discovering the elegant and spacious roof terrace comprised with a light lunch menu, we returned to spend our last few hours of sunshine there which graces views over the city and to the snowy peaks of the Atlas Mountains beyond. This Moroccan retreat is flowing with positives to return for such as the welcoming service and a dynamic but thoughtful spa menu; and with polished surroundings it marks itself as one of the Marrakech’s finest new spas.

Riad Farnatchi | Derb el Farnatchi | Rue Souk el Fassis | Marrakesh, Morocco,

+212 5243-84910,

www.riadfarnatchi.com