Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech | Pool Villa

It was my second time in Marrakech.
The first time, I stayed in riads in the Medina. Colourful, lively, and full of sound.
This time, it was different.

Just my husband and I.
Four days at Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech.
A peaceful world tucked among 20 hectares of olive trees and gardens.

The air was warm, around 30 degrees,
the sky bright blue every single day.

October, but it felt like summer never left.

Our Villa

We opened the door and smiled.

A private pool, soft light, white loungers covered in sunshine.

Everything designed for stillness.

I wore my favourite red dress,
the waiter poured mint tea… sweet, fresh, and served with the biggest smile (the kindest staff).

We spent slow mornings by the pool,
the sound of water mixing with birds and distant prayer calls.

Inside, the villa felt like a dream.
High ceilings, calm tones, marble bathroom,
and that round bathtub that looked made for long evenings and too many bubbles.

The Food

Let’s talk about the food.
because it was soooo good.

Arabic cuisine is one of my favourites,
and here it tasted even better under the Moroccan sun.

We had al fresco lunch by the pool every day.

Fresh watermelon and feta salad, grilled vegetables and fish, homemade lemonade….

Dinner at Shirvan… full of spices and colour.

And another night at Ling Ling,
a mix of Asian dishes and that lively Marrakesh rhythm.

But what was probably our favourite dining experience during our stay, was THIS:

In-Villa Dining

Dinner was served in our own villa by the pool, under warm lantern light, with the scent of jasmine in the air.

Falafel, hummus, grilled vegetables, creamy labneh… all the Arabic flavours I adore.

It felt so intimate and peaceful, just us two, music softly playing in the background.

No restaurant noise, no rush… just amazingly delicious food, a glowing pool, and that quiet luxury that Mandarin Oriental does so well.

What made it extra special?
Most ingredients come straight from the hotel’s own vegetable garden,
just a short walk from the villas.

The Spa

One afternoon, we went to the spa for a couples massage.

Soft music, warm oil, and that gentle peace that makes you forget the world.

Afterwards, we sat in the courtyard,
hands wrapped around mint tea,
feeling lighter….. inside and out.

Evenings

Evenings in Marrakesh hits differently.

The air turns soft, the lanterns start to glow, and the olive trees shimmer in the breeze.

I always tell myself to put the camera down more often.

But then the light looks like this…
The garden was quiet, the air still warm…

And yes, of course I needed to take a photo 😄 I mean, would it even be me if I didn’t?

What This Stay Meant to Me

This trip reminded me of how happy I feel when I travel with my husband.
We laugh, we explore, we eat too much bread before the food arrives.
And somehow, that’s everything.

Mandarin Oriental Marrakech isn’t about doing, it’s about being.
Being warm.
Being rested.
Being together.

If you’re dreaming of sunshine in autumn,
good food, and quiet luxury surrounded by olive groves,
you’ll find it here. 🌸

Written by Fenja, a Switzerland-based luxury hotel and travel photographer featured by Michelin Guide, as well as Condé Nast, Falstaff, and Travel + Leisure.

Disclaimer: We were kindly invited to stay at Mandarin Oriental Marrekesh, but as always, all words and opinions are entirely our own.