Morocco Hotels – new hotels are opening every month, luxury properties and elegant riads within the medinas. I had been dying to stay at Marrakech’s luxurious Selman Hotel and a chance reconnection with one of my long-time friends and dearest hoteliers made it happen! We connected in Paris over twenty years ago, he follows my travels and asked the magic question – would you like to visit Selman Hotel in Marrakech? The timing was perfect, yes please! I read Madonna celebrated a big Birthday Dinner at the Selman, quite grand!
At the foot of the Atlas Mountains in Marrakech stands a decadent palace of extraordinary charm, testimony to the splendor of Moorish summer palaces and the epitome of Arab elegance. Complete with ultra luxe stables and magnificent Arabian stallions in the luxurious barn and fenced paddocks doubling as a rose lined garden; guests can enjoy watching the horses on their morning walkabouts; a brick lined garden is centered between two grassy pastures. The owners are professional riding champions; these are not ordinary ponies!
A vibrant homage to the purebred Arabian horse, the finest of all horse breeds, Selman Marrakech was envisioned by the family owners, the buildings are deeply rooted in Moroccan culture and brought to life by master artisans. The Wow factor styling was provided by French architect, Jacques Garcia, who drew an initial sketch illustrating his vision of what the Selman would become. Including an exceptional Henri Chenot spa, the longest pool in Morocco and a stable of Kingly proportions.
Like many great hotel stories, the Selman is a family story. Saida and Abdeslam Bennani Smires, are now carrying out the dream of their grandfather, originally from Marrakech, to have a family found palace in his hometown. A collector of Arabian thoroughbreds, trained at the Lausanne Hotel School, Abdeslam, formed an unprecedented project combining his two passions in an amazing setting that bears the name of his line of stallions: Selman. A unique project that would not have been possible without the support of his parents and especially the support of his sister, Saida, who brought softness and pragmatism. Two complementary personalities.
Located a few miles from the medina, with 15 acres of landscaped gardens and views of the Atlas Mountains. Close to the airport without city traffic.
The interiors are breathtaking; I could live in my beautiful authentic suite! Fifty-five bedrooms and suites flank the long pool in a two-story building; small garden patios provide an outdoor dining space. The five riads are extravagant in size. Each has a private garden, a 15-metre pool. Dark wood décor reminiscent of an elegant riding hall, leather studded furnishings, cozy sofa nooks defined by hand carved wood walls, the suite halls are lined with immense black and white equine photography, a fascinating gallery of horses. Bathrooms are an equally stunning work of art in a traditional Moorish style with monochrome Zellige tiles, compact, yet luxurious. Lighting, which is often overlooked, was perfect, including the distinctive Moroccan large brass ceiling fixture which made the dark room star studded at night, it was a Moroccan fairytale bed chamber!
The lavish public rooms are awe-inspiring, honestly, I moved from room to room, sat quietly and just absorbed the richness. Muted rich royal blues, deep raspberry velvet and silk sofas, the interiors are furnished with massive Venetian chandeliers, and immense bouquets of flowers. Styled by Jacque Garcia (who renovated the Mamounia), the décor blends Second Empire opulence with intricate Arabian craftsmanship and a bold palette of imperial purple, fuchsia pink and peppermint green. Traditional palace key-hole arches and columned corridors draw you through sun dappled marble patios and out onto the terrace overlooking an 80-metre-long pool lined by sentry-straight palms, your eye ends at the grandest stable I’ve ever visited!
There are several restaurants spread around the resort, very walkable. Drink and dine in opulent splendor in the baroque Selman Bar and restaurant where you’ll sit on pink and peppermint silk chairs and enjoy an international menu featuring truffle and artichoke soup followed by dainty portions of quail and porcini mousseline. Alternatively, the Moroccan restaurant, Assyl, serves a classic Moroccan menu. One of the al fresco options is the Pavillion, located in the Spring Garden between the five horse paddocks, breakfast music is provided by a Berber musician playing the Oud. Morning grazing is fascinating to watch as each horse is delivered to a paddock, some run and race each other, some roll around in the dirt, these powerful majestic horses are a joy to watch.
The Stable: Ponies and massive stallions gaze and graze in the massive regal barn, a five-star temple to the king of equestrians! The Selman Marrakech invites guests to discover the world’s most exquisite breed of horses: the Arabian Horses. For centuries, this noble animal has embodied an ancient tradition in Morocco, closely linked to the history of Berber cavalries, inspiring many artists, including the renowned Eugène Delacroix.
In place of honor, built in front of the Andalusian Pavillon, you must tour the two designated stables, exquisitely designed for Selman stud, in the earthly tones of the nearby desert. They are palaces, designed by Jacques Garcia with the same dedication and opulence as Selman hotel. Within these regal stables, sixteen horse-boxes are the actual homes to the private collection of Arabian Horses. The stable-doors bear each horses’ title, name or award, born from the bloodline of the Arabian Selman. Since 2014, this breed and pedigree of purebreds, has been rewarded for being the best in the kingdom.
Private dinners can be hosted between the gorgeous stalls! A professional riding ring and horse training equipment are adjacent to the Stallion Temple, I saw a young girl in the arena practicing her moves and canter pirouettes, fascinating!
This haven of peace and luxury is further elevated by the exclusive Chenot Spa. A sanctuary of wellness where the Chenot method and its range of treatments offer a new dimension of well-being, serenity, and balance to both mind and body. The stunning spa, which houses one of only four Vitalité Chenot institutions in the world offers a serious range of biontology, detoxification and relaxation in gorgeous surroundings that mimic the Topkapi Palace. Experts from Merano visit regularly to train staff in cutting-edge lymphatic drainage, hydrotherapy and massage. Two pools offer a quiet relaxing and reflecting area under the palms, salt water in one and heated water in the other. Choices!
Beyond its breathtaking beauty, Selman Marrakech promises an unforgettable experience, combining exceptional comfort, refined services, and unparalleled hospitality. It captures the true art of living, steeped in Morocco’s rich heritage and legendary tradition of warmth and generosity.
The overall impression is not of a hotel, but of a private opulent home. If you tend to live in a lavish Arabian palace!
Highly Recommend for a dream like stay!
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