Archive for February, 2010

Fleewinter adds Dar Jaguar to Marrakech portfolio

Friday, February 26th, 2010

Fleewinter has added the spectacular riad Dar Jaguar, owned by internationally acclaimed designer Lucia Silver, to its portfolio of top-notch properties in Marrakech.

Completely renovated, the ancient property is a perfect example of a traditional Moroccan guesthouse.  Conveniently located in the heart of the Old Medina in Marrakech, it neighbours the exotic Place des Epices (spice market) and is under a five-minute stroll from the famous Jemma el Fna Square, which bursts into life at dusk every evening when the food stalls, musicians and snake charmers arrive to ply their trade.

 

The riad has a slightly unusual blend of traditional North African Moorish architecture with a touch of the Orient. Built around a central courtyard, there are palm trees inter twined with bougainvillea which drape onto an antique marble fountain.

Dar Jaguar offers four spacious en suites and one Royal Suite, as well as three different salons and a large sundrenched roof terrace with a magnificent view over the city. There is also a plunge pool set under the ancient carved woodwork and huge Syrian chandelier designed by the owner.

The Riad has a full complement of staff including a talented chef (Fatiha), chauffeurs, masseurs, beauty technicians and tour guides; personal shoppers can also be arranged as requested.

 

Fleewinter has a special introductory price of £110 per room per night (with the exception of the Royal Suite which is £180 per night). Based on two sharing.

 

Fleewinter can organise flights on request and recommends that private taxi transfers are booked through them before leaving the UK. This is not only cheaper (contrary to guidebook advice) but more reliable and ensures a hassle-free start to the holiday.

 

Fleewinter can also organise trips to the coast, treks in the Atlas Mountains (with private guide plus mules), and personal shoppers in Marrakech.

 

For further information call 020 7112 0019 (www.fleewinter.com).

 

Lucia Silver’s boutique opens inside Dar Jaguar after Easter bringing the best of her exquisite loungewear, kaftans and jewellery from the London business, State of Grace. Fleewinter guests can enjoy a 15% discount in both London and Marrakesh. www.thestateofgrace.com.

 

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Sex in the City on the Beach in Morocco!

Friday, February 26th, 2010

February 2010: Alisdair Luxmoore, the owner of tour operator Fleewinter was bemused last month when visiting the new Rebali riad complex near Essaouira to discover a huge crew from Hollywood filming Sex in the City with the famous female actors right on the beach in front of the riads.

 

Re-creating a Miami Beach scene, the crew realised they had overlooked the requirement of sun beds.

 

Alisdair came to the rescue, cannily ‘hiring’ out the entire collection of sun beds that are located at the six Riads making a few extra and most welcome Dirham so that Samantha (Kim Cattrall), Carrie (Sarah-Jessica Parker), Charlotte (Kristin Davis) and Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) had somewhere to park their derrieres to chat!     

 

Rebali is a unique complex of 6 luxurious Riads, located in the village of Sidi Kaouki on the Atlantic coast of Morocco, 20 minutes south of Essaouira and 100 metres from the beach. 

 

The 6 properties, which have from 2–4 bedrooms, have been built in a traditional Riad style, with a central courtyard but with high tech functionality such as remote controlled sliding glass roofs and all the properties have private gardens, roof terraces and balconies.  Other touches include large double showers and four poster beds.

 

There is a large, communal swimming pool and the complex also has a private hammam (with steam room and massage), tennis courts and an on-site kitchen who will deliver meals to the Riads.  The larger riads have private pools.

 

Comments Alisdair Luxmoore who managed the project: “What we have tried to do is combine the very best aspects of the exclusivity and privacy of a villa – which we specialise in with the service and intimacy of a boutique hotel.

 

“This has probably been one of the most rewarding projects that I have ever been involved with and our vision for the finished product kept us going through the many challenges we encountered along the way.”

 

The Riads can be taken over for exclusive use by families or small groups, or individual rooms in the larger properties can be rented by couples.

 

There is a current introductory offer with rooms from just £20 per person per night including breakfast (two sharing a room), prepared by the on-site cooks.   

 

Call 020 7112 0019 (www.rebaliriads.com)

 

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