Where to stay in Marrakesh, Paris, and beyond
Words by LESLEY McKENZIE
marrakesh
Royal Mansour
Step inside the gates of ROYAL MANSOUR and the hubbub of Marrakesh slips away, replaced by a world of unparalleled elegance. Commissioned by its owner, King Mohammed VI, this 12-acre hideaway, opened in 2010 within the walls of the Medina district, is a true celebration of Moroccan craftsmanship. Every detail has been meticulously created by 1,200 artisans, from its carved ceilings to the intricate tiling. A premium is placed on privacy and discreet service at this regal refuge, as evidenced by a network of hidden tunnels accessed by butlers who cater to guests’ every whim, and a staff-to-guest ratio of 10 to 1.
Pick up the keys to your own private three-story riad — one of 53 on the grounds — and spend the day unwinding in your rooftop plunge pool while soaking in the views of the city. The commitment to luxury continues at the opulent three-story spa, where pampering and relaxation await at the traditional hammam, and at the palatial property’s seven restaurants, including Italian destination Sesamo, helmed by three Michelin-starred chef Massimiliano Alajmo. Can’t get enough of the Moroccan hospitality and craftsmanship? Check in to Royal Mansour’s newest properties in Casablanca and Tamuda Bay, both opened earlier this year. royalmansour.com.
Every detail has been meticulously crafted.
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New York city
The Manner
The new darling of the NYC SoHo hotel scene is Standard International’s THE MANNER, a 97-key getaway that opened in September and has quickly become a favorite among travelers seeking that perfect balance between boutique hotel charm and private residence exclusivity. Tapping into their backgrounds in Brutalism, Verena Haller of Standard International and Milanese residential architect and interior designer Hannes Peer dreamed up an inviting space in rich woods and plush materials brimming with custom pieces and collaborations, spanning guest room corridor ceilings by Alex Proba to ceramic wall art in the lobby by Giovanni de Francesco.
Rendered in light blue, ochre, and sand tones, rooms and suites boast floor-to-ceiling mirrors and custom chandeliers, while the splurge-worthy, 1,800-sq.-ft., two-story Penthouse comes with a wraparound terrace dotted with sunbeds, and a bedroom complete with travertine fireplace. The Penthouse also includes private access to The Rooftop, opening in spring 2025, which, like the hotel’s The Apartment lounge, will be open only to guests and their friends. But you don’t have to check in to The Manner to savor the scene: The Otter, a seafood restaurant on the ground floor, is open to outside reservations, as is second-floor cocktail bar Sloane’s — both overseen by James Beard–nominated chef Alex Stupak. themanner.com.
Rooms and suites boast floor-to-ceiling mirrors.
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PARIS
1, Place Vendôme
Paris is synonymous with lavish stays, but few come with a pedigree like that of 1, PLACE VENDÔME. The debut hotel from Swiss fine jewelry and watchmaker Chopard and its owners, the Scheufele family, 1 Place Vendôme sits discreetly above Boutique Chopard at its swanky namesake address. The complex, which comprises two historically significant mansions, was thoughtfully restored over five years by the family in collaboration with interior architect and decorator Pierre-Yves Rochon, with keen attention paid to preserving its 18th-century details. In keeping with a watchmaker theme, each of the distinct five rooms and 10 suites is named after a gem, precious metal, a navigational instrument or astronomy, from the Jade Room to the Diamant Suite. Reminders of Chopard’s rich heritage are woven throughout the hotel, as seen in the cabochon-studded mosaic that nods to Maison Chopard’s Animal World collection in the glass-roofed Winter Garden — just one of the salon-style spaces where residents can experience the family home ethos and private club mentality that underscores a stay at 1, Place Vendôme. Guests can also gather in the salon, library, and cigar lounge (carefully concealed behind a hidden door), and in the basement-level wine cellar, where a fully equipped chef’s kitchen sets the stage for unforgettable meals. 1-placevendome.com.
The debut hotel from fine jeweler Chopard.
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LONDON
The Connaught
A lot has changed since THE CONNAUGHT opened its doors in tony Mayfair in 1897. But some things have stayed the same — most notably the property’s longstanding reputation for British luxury and sophistication. This legacy, combined with its knack for blending old-world elegance with modern comforts, has earned The Connaught the distinction of being one of London’s most iconic stays. Designer Guy Oliver has struck an artful balance between English design and contemporary charm throughout the plush rooms and suites, spotted in touches ranging from light fixtures that echo the hotel’s original design to bespoke leather bedside trunks by Swaine Adeney Brigg.
Need help getting settled in? Call upon your room’s private butler, ready to assist with everything from unpacking to shoe-shining. Don’t expect to spend too much time in your room, however. The property is also home to several dining options favored by a well-heeled crowd, including the three Michelin-starred Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, as well as the internationally renowned Connaught Bar and its famed Martini Trolley. And after a day spent in bustling Mayfair, nothing tops a Relaxing Holistic Massage at the Aman Spa, followed by a well-earned soak in the black granite swimming pool. the-connaught.co.uk.
A balance of English design and contemporary charm.
Feature image: The Grand Riad at Royal Mansour in Marrakesh.
This story originally appeared in the Winter 2024 issue of C Magazine.
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