REVIEW: Burley Manor, New Forest, Hampshire

Burley Manor Hotel, New Forest

Find out what it’s like to stay at the luxurious Burley Manor in the New Forest.

I’ve pledged to see more of the UK this year, and I’m so happy to report that I’ve just found one of the prettiest places yet!

Yes I may have nipped to the Alps for a quick play on the ski slopes, and caught some winter sunshine in Marrakech… but I’ve also been won over by London’s brightest festival – Lumiere London, and swapped big city life for an English country manor in the New Forest. Just a quiet January then…

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Moroccan Cooking Class at La Maison Arabe, Marrakech

Lunch is served at La Maison Arabe Marrakech

From tasty breads and delicious tagine, to sweet treats, this is the best cooking class in Marrakech. 

After a week exploring the Atlas Mountains, Moroccan seaside towns and the Sahara Desert, it was time to head back to Marrakech for a few days of culture and relaxation. I checked into one of the city’s top hotels – Es Saadi Gardens and Resort, but I was craving something…

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Why Visit La Mamounia Marrakech, Morocco?

Incredible pool at La Mamounia, Marrakech

What’s it really like to visit La Mamounia Marrakech – one of the city’s most famous hotels?

La Mamounia’s reputation preceded it. Before THIS epic trip around Morocco, I’d never visited Marrakech… but somehow I’d still heard of La Mamounia.

I knew this was a hotel that was constantly winning awards… “The Best Hotel In The World” (including the Conde Nast Traveller Readers Awards), “Top Hotel For Honeymoons”, “Best Spa In The World”… the list goes on.  It has one of the most photogenic swimming pools on the planet, oh and it was Winston Churchill’s favourite place to stay  in Marrakech. So when I was in town, I couldn’t wait to pop by and see what all the fuss was about!

Recently renovated, the hotel is more luxurious than ever, with plush décor, Moorish opulence and some of the best dining options Marrakech has to offer. However, beyond the rich fabrics, Instagrammable-tiled courtyards and pristine swimming pools, it’s also an oasis of calm.

When you wander through La Mamounia Hotel’s 20-acre park with its fruit trees, tall palms and brightly coloured flowers, it is easy to forget you’re in one of the world’s most hectic cities.

 

Stunning courtyard @lamamouniamarrakech… I wonder how many Moroccan tiles I can fit in my luggage?!

A photo posted by Chloë Gunning (@wanderlustchloe) on

I visited the hotel on a Saturday afternoon in November, pleased to be enjoying some warm winter sun. I took a peek in the legendary Churchill Suite which had incredible views over the gardens. I loved the melange of English style and Moroccan traditions, particularly the Chesterfield desk and distressed leather sofa with the impressive Moroccan handiwork covering the ceilings.

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REVIEW: Es Saadi Gardens and Resort, Marrakech, Morocco

Time to check out Es Saadi Gardens and Resort in Marrakech.

After an adventurous week stargazing in the Sahara, riding camels and exploring kasbahs (check out the videos), I was ready for a few days of relaxation in Marrakech. I checked into a plush suite at Es Saadi Gardens & Resort in the upmarket Hivernage neighbourhood, and enjoyed a taste of the five star lifestyle.

With huge gates, flags blowing in the wind and elaborate fountains at the entrance, this resort certainly had something to shout about! Every December, stars of the big screen descend on Marrakech for the city’s prestigious film festival, and this is one of the resorts they return to time and time again.

 Over the next 48 hours I wandered the pristine gardens, basked in the Moroccan sunshine by the pool, perused the impressive art collection and was thoroughly pampered in the spa.

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