Often called the ‘Athens of Africa’ the city of Fes is considered the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco, and for good reason. Just under three hours from London it has a dizzingly diverse culture which makes it the perfect place to rewire the brain, boost the mood and thrill the senses. Sure Marrakech may be having ‘a moment’ peddling glitz, glamour and 1001 night fantasies, but take some time to get to know this cultured city (with its faded palaces and the oldest university in the world) and you will soon realise that this city is the real deal!
One of the most delicious destinations in Fes has to Palais Amani. Nestled alongside the UNESCO World Heritage Medina this chic boutique hotel was partially rebuilt in the 1930’s so it has a distinctly fresh Art Deco edge, making it the perfect combination of ancient and modern, and each of the its chic and spacious suites and has either a garden or Medina view.
In the courtyard of Palais Amani.
Food lovers will find plenty to relish at its restaurant Eden. It serves a variety of traditional Moroccan dishes. which are created from fresh local produce. The traditional Moroccan breakfasts at Palais Amani will see your table laden with yogurt, jams, cheeses, juices, and fresh baked Moroccan bread. They are decidedly serene and peaceful affairs, and the perfect start to any travellers day.
Later in the day the tasty and satisfying plates of tagine, couscous and colourful salad, are often enjoyed in the shade of ancient trees in the garden. Happlly I had time to experience the ‘The Fez Cooking School’ (see link in footer) and it was the highlight of my stay.
In a country famous for its great food and spices, nothing beats the opportunity of learning how to prepare its signature dishes in order to cook them at home. We visited all areas of the Moroccan food market in the Medina, to source ingredients, then returned to the roof top kitchen back at the hotel to cook a luxurious Moroccan meal alongside a local chef. Then it was time to relish the self-made three-course menu of traditional treats, whilst soaking up some sunshine and a bottle of Moroccan rose!
The interior of the Palais Amani.
The next day, for even deeper levels of relaxation, I isnaked down the candlelit staircase to Palais Amani’s spa Les Bains Amani. This luxurious space offers a cocooning tiled exfoliation room, showers and relaxation area, making it the perfect spot to have a facial, gommage and traditional body treatment. Even better my treatment featured some traditional products made from argan oil from the gardens of Ourika,
My ‘Royal Hammam’ began with a hand and foot bath, then hand and food scrub using natural rose water and bran scrub…and all by candle light! A hair mask using white clay ghassoul and black soap application and vigorous body scrub followed. Finally a body mask and wrap ended with a gentle shampoo and body rinse. Pure unadulterated bliss.
Spa time a warm welcome at Les Bains Amani.
Thank you Palais Amani for creating an environment which left my body and spirit recharged…I will be back, and perhaps sooner than you think!
Interior of my room ‘The Grand Suite’ at Palais Amani.
by Nick Cox February 2025.
Royal Hammam with Les Bains Amani / 1 hour 15 minutes €69.50 / Book rooms via www.palaisamani.com Fez Cooking School can be booked separately via www.fezcookingschool.com Both Eden restaurant and Les Bains Amani can be visited independently.