Selman

Located ten minutes south of Marrakech’s vibrant Medina, the Selman is contemporary take on an Oriental palace.

• Each room has its own large terrace equipped with a comfortable day bed for lounging
• The hotel’s incredibly comfortable signature bedding and linens
• The Spa’s biolight menu, consisting of light and healthy foods prepared using methods that optimize nutritional benefits

The Selman, which opened in 2012, is the passion project of a wealthy local couple, Saida and Abdeslam Bennani Smires. The hip hotel is situated on a sprawling fifteen acres, and its heart and highlight is the 260-foot outdoor pool, which is surrounded by extensive, perfectly manicured Andalusian gardens. Fenced off areas throughout the gardens showcase the owner’s collection of thoroughbred Arabian horses, adding to the majestic and regal atmosphere. This is a true enclave of serenity, close to the city yet seemingly miles removed.

While the exterior façade references Moorish architecture, the interiors and guestrooms are contemporary yet opulent—the signature style of its designer, Jacques Garcia. The French mastermind, who also oversaw the refurbishment of La Mamounia to great acclaim, uses a rich color palette, with deep purples and gold. Enormous and flashy chandeliers throughout the reception areas verge on Las Vegas glitz. On the upper floors, long hallways are decorated with black-and-white photos of the owner's celebrated Arabian horses. They lead to the 56 spacious and comfortable guestrooms (the smallest rooms measure 600 square-feet). More understated than the common spaces on the ground floor, the guest rooms feature a Moroccan-inspired, black-and-white color scheme, with geometric tiling, that’s accented by such modern touches as studded bedframes and armchairs. The bathrooms are sleek and spacious, and all feature separate showers and soaking tubs. The five riads, located in a separate area of the hotel, each have their own private gardens, heated pools (the main pool is unheated) and 24-hour butler service.

Spa enthusiasts are drawn to the hotel’s Espace Vitalité Chenot, offering the same exclusive cures and treatments used at the Chenot Center at Palace Merano in the Alps. Focused on the principles of Biontology, or “the study of the essence of life and its evolution,” Chenot’s methods seek to balance the mind, unconscious, and body in order to combat aging and fatigue.

Couples who have been to Marrakech before and are looking for a relaxing getaway rather than a hotel with a sense of place. Or, travelers seeking an opulent spa experience.