"Why book? Imagine relaxing in a four-poster bed set within lush manicured gardens with meandering peacocks, in perfect seclusion. This is a must-stay Moroccan hotel. After spending the day amid the hustle and bustle of the Marrakech medina, shops, and bars, unwind every essence of your mind and soul with a spa treatment in the traditional hammam, or by sipping cocktails poolside. This place perfects the art of wellness and tranquility. Set the scene Marrakech’s magic lies beyond closed doors; in the medina's lesser-known pockets and surrounding areas like this one, the Palmeraie. Le Deux Tours is one of those hidden gems; a retreat 15 minutes from the shopping hub, it's an oasis of stunning traditional Moroccan-style buildings and private villas, sculptured tropical gardens, and a huge heated pool. It’s hard to imagine a place that is romantic and family friendly, but this is. The grounds cover three hectares of privacy and tranquility. Guests exude Yves Saint Laurent kaftan vibes; a fashion-forward, 1960s-era, quiet hedonism that allows creatives, families, and business executives to effortlessly mix. Villas are private, so you can craft an experience that suits your needs and desires during your stay. Instantly you feel at home, in a luxury experience styled with eclectic designer features. The true delight of this hotel is the concept that its indoor existence is also gloriously outdoor; the never ending labyrinthine gardens, palms, orange trees, scented flowers, small canals, fountains, and lily ponds are littered with lounging beds where you can wile away the afternoon blissfully listening to birdsong and trees that whisper. Organize a private picnic or a candlelit dinner in one of the many secluded spots, just for two. Such simple concepts that create effortless grace and something a little bit different. The backstory The elegant, old-world style here was imagined and designed in the 1990s as a small village of private homes and villas. Over time Les Deux Tours was converted to rental accommodation, then to an enclosed boutique hotel, which is why the experience feels private yet swimming in community. The villas feel like homes where you close the door and relax on your own or with family, or wander out to the gardens and meet friends old and new by the communal bar, pool, or in the restaurant for aperitivo and dinner over local music. Designed by one of the most influential architects in Morocco, Charles Boccara, of Tunisia, this is an eclectic blend of modern Maroc Tadelakt architecture, moorish tones finessed with Andalusian touches, and European vintage furnishings. The mix of styles and global inspirations from classic, vintage to modern could have felt disconnected if not embedded in the core essence of Moroccan heritage style and simplicity. Every essence catered for. The rooms This is a collection of architecturally designed private villas, suites, and rooms within vaulted or carved ceilings, arches, and terraces. Each room, often behind a hidden alcove, has earthen walls and original features like Tataoui ceilings. Bathrooms are bejmat tile with zelliges or marble, adding local stone textures. What makes this so delightful is the interior and exterior styling—restored antique Moroccan furnishing, local artisan crafts on the walls, old Marrakech photography, vintage art-deco and murano glass chandeliers. It’s this mix of all of Morocco's past, present and future. If you can afford a suite or private villa, this is a place to splash out. All rooms are amazing and suit a variety of budgets. There are 40 rooms and suites; nine are private residences with heated pools, 11 Classic Rooms, 13 Junior Suites, five Premium Suites, seven Pool Suites, and five Suites d’exception. All have free WiFi, televisions, and air conditioning. Rates start at $250 per night. Food and drink The hotel has three restaurants; there's a globally inspired (with French, Thai, and Moroccan fusions) menu at Salammbô, and Yoshi Bar serving delicious sushi and Japanese, for the two main dining options. The hotel grows many of its produce within the grounds and is committed to locally sourced ingredients. Lastly, La Pergola is the poolside restaurant bar serving the kind of poolside cuisine you would expect from a boutique hotel: The cocktail bar serves a variety of wines, cocktails as well as top class cigars. Signature cocktails Rock the Kasbah and Live Irresistible are standouts. Room service is also available, and you can organize a private dinner within the grounds. Breakfast every morning overlooking the gardens with freshly baked french pastries, local breads, yogurt, fruits, coffee and hot meals. The spa, pool + gym Les Bains, the hotel spa and hammam, offers a range of traditional therapies to choose from. It has a two-room traditional steam bath, to experience a central part of Moroccan bath house tradition. (Booking ahead is essential.) Treatments use Nectarome products, a range of cosmetics made from medicinal and aromatic plants grown on the steep slopes of the Atlas mountains respecting both the environment and Morocco’s traditions. The traditional hammam’s scrub and massage will leave you floating on the clouds. A 28-meter heated pool surrounded by lounge chairs and terrace is open daily, and snacks, drinks and meals are available from the pergola-shaded poolside bar. There are two other plunge pools located in different parts of the property. There’s also a well equipped gym. The neighborhood/area Driving through the Palmeraie, full of palm groves and estates, this is just close enough to the souk—and yet far enough away from the buzz to relax. Guests do need a car to get to the souk and back which can be organized by the hotel. There’s not much to do outside the hotel’s immediate surroundings, but everything you need is inside the grounds, or can be arranged for you. The service Impeccable. If you stay a few days, the staff will know your name and your preferred order, special dietary needs, and favorite cocktail. The attention to detail and care just means you can relax and enjoy. If you have a special request, they are more than happy to organize excursions and special experiences for you. For families The hotel caters well to families of all ages. Eco effort The team at Les Deux Tours continuously work to create an environmentally friendly hotel experience. From organic produce with plentiful vegan and vegetarian options to sustainable water practices to keep the gardens lush and efficient electricity and gas to keep the hotel running. Accessibility Not all rooms are accessible due to stairs, so it’s worth speaking to the hotel in advance about any mobility requirements." - Mel McVeigh
