Hidden away from the busy hustle and bustle of the Moroccan streets in Marrakech is an exotic hidden gem, the Riad Noir D’Ivoire. Created by a worldly Franco-English couple, this luxury boutique hotel offers hospitality that is simply magical.

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Each room in the nine room guest house is individually named and decorated with a mixture of Moroccan handicrafts, plush arm chairs, Syrian Furniture inlaid with mother-of-pearl and all of them have working fireplaces. All rooms look over an exquisite tranquil inner courtyard that features a small plunge pool, banana trees and birds. It’s easy to spend your days at Noir D’Ivoire without going anywhere.

A perfect start to your morning is to enjoy breakfast on their roof terrace. There is so much to see and discover in the surrounding area and the resort is always more than happy to assist you in planning your days.

After visiting the busy surrounding streets of Bab Doukkala, the perfect way to relax and recharge is at their spa and hammam, complete with reflexology and Yon-Ka products

At the Riad Noir D’Ivoire the cuisine is exceptional. The talented chef does traditional Moroccan dished and has a sophisticated tack on North African classics. The dining room is welcoming with an ambient scene decorated with Moroccan antiques, enhanced by wonderful service.

Guest after guest who has stayed at this resort boast an unforgettable “heaven on earth” experience. The Riad Noir D’Ivoire is truly one of the best hotels in Marrakech. We have featured Riad Noir D’Ivoire in our feature on summer travel to Marrakech:  Marrakech is the Perfect Travel Destination for Summer Shopping, Festivals and Site Seeing

Marrakech is an exciting city no matter what time of year you visit. But, coming to this exotic place in the summer ensures you get the full Moroccan experience. You’ll really see all of the action in Morocco’s famous souks – perfect for shopping – and experience the best of Marrakech’s festivals and historical sites.

July plays host to the Marrakech Folklore Festival and the Camel festival – very Lawrence of Arabia – which celebrates the now dwindling tradition of transport by camel and allows spectators to enjoy the ancient dance of the Guedra.

Also, the famous Imilchil Marriage Festival is just around the corner (40 couples tie the knot all together from August 25 to August 27 in Imilchil). This festival, which is based around a story that makes Romeo and Juliet’s pale in comparison, features traditional Berber music and excellent shopping in the markets for both families involved and excited onlookers.

Site seeing in Marrakech always starts on the Medina and in the city’s major square Jemaa el Fna, which is right at the city center.

For great shopping, head to the souks north of the Jemaa el Fna. Keep an eye on your wallet at all times, and try not to stray away from the main arteries here as it’s easy to get lost. But nothing makes for a better day in Marrakech than haggling in the souks, so have fun!

Even though non-Muslims are forbidden from entering The Koutoubia Mosque (the largest mosque in the city), it’s absolutely gorgeous and can be appreciated from outside and the grounds surrounding it.

The city’s major sites are within walking distance of the Jemaa el Fna. We recommend checking out the Medina-based museums, which are in converted palaces and historic buildings.

For a quick break from the intensity of the city, check out some of Marrakech’s public and private gardens. The Jardin Majorelle in Gueliz and the Palmeraie are good choices.

If you are going to go to Marrakech this summer, it’s important to book a great hotel. In Morocco, it’s always wise to choose something that’s top of the line to make sure you have a place to escape to if you just need some peace and quiet and time in the shade!

Possibly one of the best hotels in Morocco, never mind Marrakech, is Es Saadi Palace and Villas.

Found in the center of the city, this hotel/resort is actually an eight hectare park. You’ll find a lot of quiet places to enjoy some quality time in the shade on the grounds of Es Saadi, that’s for sure.

With 104 rooms and suites, guests have the option of staying in the Palace or in 10 villas situated in the exotic gardens. Each villa has its own private swimming pool.

We recently wrote about this property because Es Saadi Palace and Villas is running a special promotion, where guests who book ahead get a 50% discount on their stay. If you want to learn more, you can read the review of Es Saadi Palace and Villas we wrote last year!

Ksar Char-bagh is a private palace outside of Marrakech. Surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains, this hotel is inspired by 14th century Moorish architecture. Guests are sure to receive an intimate experience at Ksar Char-bagh as only 26 guests can stay at this 12-room hotel at a time.

We particularly enjoy the hammam (Turkish bath) at The Ksar. You’ll feel relaxed, rejuvenated and refreshed after spending a few hours in there!

Read our recent review of Ksar Char-bagh on the Jetsetter!

Another great hotel in Marrakech is Resort Amanjena. Perfect for guests seeking a pet-friendly resort in Morocco, this “peaceful paradise” is found within an oasis of palms and olive trees close to the city. It’s the first Amanresorts property in Africa, and offers a fine luxury experience if you ask us.

Resort Amanjena’s rose walls are truly reflective of Marrakech, which is known in Arabic as “Al Medina al-Hamra”, or “the red city”. With 32 air-conditioned pavilions (made up of a bedroom, living room and spcious bathroom and dressing area), guests are sure to enjoy a cool and intimate experience here.

For a slightly less hectic and more relaxing vacation in Marrakech, consider Kasbah du Toubkal. This mountain retreat is found in the heart of the Atlas mountains, only 40 miles away from Marrakech, and 1800 meters above sea level.

Here, you’ll get fabulous views of the mountains and Marrakech, peace and quiet and seclusion if that’s what you’re looking for. This resort is perfect for all sorts of trips: day visits, seminars, residential stays or active vacations (hiking and mountain climbing). You will also enjoy the friendly Berber hospitality found at Kasbah du Toubkal.

Dar Ayniwen Villa Hotel is best known for its romantic atmosphere and proximity to great sites in Marrakech and great shopping. At only 8 rooms, this uniquely intimate hotel is perfect for a romantic escape to exotic Marrakech with your sweetheart.

Dar Ayniwen Villa Hotel is found in a five acre park, and is only 20 minutes from the airport and 15 minutes from Medina. Location is what makes this hotel perfect for a quick escape or weekend getaway. Most of the suites open up onto the garden and swimming view, and offer panoramic views of the grounds and the Atlas Mountains.

Equally as tiny and intimate is Noir D’Ivoire – a nine room boutique hotel in Marrakech. The hotel has an elegant Mediterranean feel and superb hospitality. This hotel is hidden away from the constant hustle and bustle of the busy streets and is the perfect spot to escape to if you want to relax and unwind after a long day of haggling in the souks.

Guest rooms are all named using French names, which is a nice (romantic) touch. The inner courtyard has excellent balconies. One unique thing about Noir D’Ivoire is that it has no guest rooms on the ground floor, providing guests with added privacy and peace and quiet.

And if modern architecture and design is your thing, you’ll definitely want to stay at Naoura Barriere. This design hotel is about as cutting edge as you can get in Marrakech. You’ll find clean lines, creamy walls, and all of the comforts of home at this gorgeous hotel.

Naoura Barriere is spread over almost five acres of land and is set within an oriental garden full of white flowers. In the heart of Medina, it’s within walking distance of many of Marrakech’s outstanding historical sites.

We think you’ll love the luxurious suites found at this hotel. Each has a king sized bed, office , dressing room, home cinema surround-sound system, a private butler, a large terrace and a superb view. Wow!

So, however you choose to spend your time in Marrakech this summer, we know you’ll find a festival, activity and hotel that’s perfect for you!

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Book Your Stay in Advance to Get 50% Off!

Marrakech is the liveliest city in Morocco, and there isn’t a better time to visit than the summer. Full of festivals, art and music, Marrakech is a sensory experience best enjoyed when the sun is out, the weather is hot and you have a cool oasis to escape too when you need a break from the sand storm of activity around you.

The best way to escape the heat and the noise, of course, is to pick a great luxury hotel in Marrakech. You won’t want to skimp in this department because accommodation can make or break your holiday in Morocco.

The general consensus among the travel experts at Kiwi Collection is that Es Saadi Gardens and Resort is one of the best places to stay for a luxurious trip to Marrakech. Found in the heart of the city, this gorgeous resort rests on eight hectares of shady park with pathways that lead you to and from the hotel and its many villas, restaurants, pools and spas.

And, to make matters even better, we’ve just learned that Es Saadi is offering a special package for guests who get their acts together early.

If you book your vacation in Marrakech 30 days in advance with this resort, you’ll get 50% off!

This offer ends on August 31, 2009, so it’s best to take advantage of it as soon as possible. It applies to guests booking classic rooms, the Hivernage side of the hotel, junior suites or one room villas at the Palace, for a minimum stay of two nights.

When you book, make sure to use the code “Early Summer” so they know to apply the special rate to you.

So what makes this resort so special? We’re glad you asked.

Es Saadi Gardens and Resort has a room type for everyone. If you’re inspired by palatial spaces, enjoy one of the resort’s 90 guest rooms in the Palace. If privacy is your thing, you’ll want to book a guest villa (there are 10 of them, all found in their own exotic gardens with individual swimming pools).

The restaurant at the resort features local specialties, while enchanting you with its romantic ambience. Definitely worth checking out. And, after a long day of exploring the city, you can relax in the Oriental Spa Es Saadi where you’re sure to experience traditional rituals and treatments for a truly Moroccan experience.

Lastly, Es Saadi Gardens and Resort is also home of the Casino de Marrakesh. For a classy evening out, you’ll want to spend some time here to try your luck and enjoy one of the country’s finest casinos.

In short: Es Saddi has it all, at a special rate, and will definitely make your vacation in Marrakech a memorable one.

Immerse yourself in a Moroccan dream at Ksar Char-Bagh Palace. Nestling in the Palmeraie of Marrakech, summer is the ideal time to experience the palace with its exquisite gardens, huge swimming pool, hammam, massages and gorgeous palm trees. Stay for four nights and get your fifth night free, or enjoy one of the hotel’s amazing golf packages this summer.

What could be a better way to celebrate summer then to stay at one of the best hotels in Morocco? From June 20 to July 20, 2009 and from August 10 to September 10, 2009, stay for four nights at Ksar Char-Bagh to stay for free on your fifth night in one of 12 traditional Harim-Suites.

Suites feature private gardens or terraces, which feel like a private oasis.

During your stay, take part in a tailor-made excursion in the beautiful Atlas Mountains. Or, let loose and shop in the souks to discover Marrakech’s stunning crafts and artwork.

Golf lovers will get an extra special treat. Ksar Char-Bagh has teamed up with the prestigious Royal Golf of Marrakech to create a luxury golf experience, tailor made just for you, along with the possibility of golf training with Leadbetter Academy.  You can enjoy the hotel’s golf offers during either a week or weekend stay at the palace.
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In keeping with traditional Moroccan hospitality, Terre Resort and Spa welcomes guests as personal friends! Located outside of Marrakech, visitors to this luxury hotel in Morocco can enjoy the peace and quiet of the palm desert, while enjoying the city life (which is a short drive away).

Guests are greeted upon arrival with traditional mint tea and sweets, and are taken to their comfortable guestrooms. There are 52 suites at the hotel in 18 octagonal raid-style buildings. There are rooms designed for all travel purposes (and number of travel companions) here, with executive suites to romance villas to a huge royal residence that can accommodate up to 12 people. You have a wide selection of suites at your disposal.

It’s easy to get lost inside the beauty of the rooms. But don’t forget to spend a bit of time outside at Terre Resort. The beautifully landscaped gardens, full of indigenous tress, palms and plants will catch your eye. The gardens are truly spectacular, and bring a sense of peace and tranquility to this hectic area of the world.
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Kiwi Collection welcomes the sublime Es Saadi Palace & Villas, where luxury meets nature.

Discover for yourself the renowned Moroccan luxury and hospitality in exquisite surroundings, play to your heart’s content in exotic Marrakech.

Es Saadi Palace & Villas is set in the heart of the city of Marrakech in an eight hectare park with shaded pathways leading to the resort, the palace, and the villas. The resort showcases 1950’s French architecture along with luxury, refinement and traditional Moroccan hospitality for three generations. The resort is an environmentally conscious property and uses much of the property’s natural gifts.

Facing the beautiful snow capped Atlas Mountains, The Palace guest rooms offer sumptuous decoration created by Master Craftsmen of Morocco. There are 90 spacious suites meticulously and artistically decorated for guest’s pleasure. For extra privacy Es Saadi Palace & Villas feature 10 villas situated in their own beautiful exotic gardens, each with a swimming pool which is heated in the winter season. All villas feature Oriental themed architecture and are spacious, light and designed for comfort.

Savor culinary delights at the restaurant, offering local specialties with romantic ambiance, whether out by the serene lights of the pool at night or in the grand restaurant.

Be taken away to another time in the Oriental Spa Es Saadi, where traditional rituals and treatments ensure a complete holistic experience. Try your luck at the Casino de Marrakech. Or dance the night away at the glamorous Theatro nightclub.

Es Saadi Palace & Villas is located in the beautiful city of Marrakech, Morocco. The city is renowned for its fabulous architecture, cuisine and cultural heritage.

Cant wait to see you there!