Review

Receive a free Hg2 guide when you book a room online

Owned and managed by two young members of the Rhoul family, this former family home has been frequented by the French jet-set for the last few years, but has recently become a major destination for other monied Europeans.

The grandeur implicit in the venue’s name is immediately manifest as you traverse the Palais’ expansive grounds: a dramatic main hall with a 40-foot ceiling and an abundance of antique furniture; a grandiloquent circular pool surrounded by patios and rooms; a tented VIP ‘village’, available only to rent in its entirety and dramatically endowed with African-style furnishings; and a spa and hammam that are arguably the finest in Marrakech.

Four of the eight bedrooms and three suites (all have bathrooms and mod-cons such as stereos and fridges) are set around the round pool, while the other four rooms overlook the garden. Each room is decorated with antique furniture and objets d’art from around the world, creating an ambience of refined luxury very much in keeping with the rest of the place.

There are two restaurants in the complex too, one serving good Moroccan cuisine, and another – L’Abyssin (open April to December) – that serves up classy international fare. In addition, guests can access a fitness centre, a library/plasma-screen room, cigar room and boutique.