Getaway to the rooftop of riad, La Sultana Marrakech

A Timeless Oasis

Ever After Honeymoons plans the best trips, and this getaway to La Sultana Marrakech was no exception. Time disappears at La Sultana Marrakech in more ways than one. The powerful yet cozy hotel’s build keeps its proud historical traits alongside stylish contemporary fixtures. Tucked away on the outskirts, like a secret of the city, the hotel rests just a half mile from Jemaa El Fna square and its many souks. Splendid palaces, glorious ruins, and stunning monuments are definite worthwhile and not far away. When exploring, something to keep in mind is that while the hotel makes for good people watching, the area remains fairly conservative. Approach activities and behavior, such as PDA, with a level of respect.

 

The Rooftop is the Place To Be

Rooftop events are very common in the area, and it’s no surprise why. Buildings of the city don’t just kick up giant air-conditioning units atop their roof like they may in the western world. Instead, the silhouettes of peaks and spires rest against the late afternoon sky like confident nomads. And then once the sun sets, spots of soft, warm gold pop from lanterns. The La Sultana rooftop makes for a gorgeous, intimate wedding space for 30 guests or less.

 

Rest Easy, Rest Well

Each of the 28 luxurious bedrooms or suites feature their own sophisticated theme and decor. Though the atmosphere of each room may vary greatly, the offerings do not. Rooms come with standard wifi, satellite TV, DVD/CD player, iPod docket, and mini-bar. And then there’s the other, more charming attributes, such as a fireplace, antique furniture, paintings, and sculpted ceilings.

 

 

Keep in mind that many riad-like rooms have windows overlooking the interior rather than the outdoors. If there’s a preference for more standard European-style natural light, it’s best to book the deluxe suites with private balconies.

 

 

A Moroccan Masterpiece

The hotel wasn’t thrown together for the last-minute stays of weary travelers (though, my goodness, to accidentally stumble upon the palace would be extraordinary). Instead, it was crafted for lovers of design and art. It was made for those who spend evenings in front of shelves of travel books. It was created as a destination for the ones that keep a running list of grand places to visit out in the world. Each piece of architecture at the hotel is unique, offering a different thought to guests from one room to the next. Intricate, colorful tile work decorate the floors, and browns, whites, and turquoises drape the hotel in cool colors.

 

 

Your Quiet Getaway

The hotel breathes. It sighs and rolls with the many on-site plants. Terraces, gazebos, and open-air massage rooms welcome tranquility and invite a long, relaxing stay in the breeze. The outdoor lounge area around the hotel’s heated pool may be the sight one take’s home with them, but don’t limit a stay to just that. The Sultana Spa provides guests with two hammams, a jacuzzi, sauna, beauty center, and balneotherapy baths. Meanwhile, for a different kind of relaxation, downstairs has a cool parlor with a nautical-themed cigar room that feels like you’re in the bottom of a ship.

 

It’s no surprise the hotel is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and Great Hotels of the World.

 

 

Around Town  - Darling Donkeys

Once you head out of your hotel doors, you will stumble upon many donkeys carrying large loads around the alleyways. There are quite a few organizations that have been created to ensure fair treatment of these friendly animals. Marrakech Mules is one such organization that adopts them and helps them to recover in case they have been treated poorly. If you are interested in taking a peek at the foothills by donkey, we suggest reaching out to this organization to ensure that you do it with donkeys that are well-treated! 

 

 

Magical Marrakech

Around each corner you will uncover souks and shops selling spices, jewelry, brightly colored slippers and hand embroidered pieces. There are usually about 100 shops for every 100 metres! The carved wooden doors leading into the riads are works of art, and serve as a living museum and art gallery lining the streets. 

 

 

Sparkling Souvenirs in the Souks 

Head home with lots of metal bangles and jewelry for your family and friends! The medina is a sparkling jewel box filled with a bangles, necklaces and metal lantern galore. 

 

 

Colorful carpets, kaftans and cotton clothing are especially popular items to shop for in Morocco. For those looking for hand dyed wool rugs head to the Criée Berbère, the center of the carpet trade. 

 

 

Nightfall

As night falls in magical Morrocco, the energy continues to be palbable. 

 

 

Travel Tip 

Head to the souks as soon as you have finished your spiced morning Moroccan coffee. The locals believe that the first sale of the day brings good luck! 

Trip organized by Ever After Honeymoons | Photos captured by Leila Brewster Photography