This resort would be impossible to ignore anywhere in the world, but the fact that it’s tucked into the wilderness in Morocco, along the southern road to Ouarzazate (the gateway to the Sahara Desert), makes it shine brighter than all of Rihanna’s diamonds. If ever there were a hotel to compare to a shiny, new gemstone, this is it.
Incredible honeymoon planner, Katie of Ever After Honeymoons planned a group getaway and girls trip for a Moroccan night adventure through Marrakech. The crew of creatives included correspondents Leila Brewster, Elysium Video Productions and The Special Day rwho were the lucky ducks that got to visit Amanjena. Leila shares the scoop from Morocco along with some magazine-worthy photography of the property. Leila is an avid traveler and a truly talented photographer, so it comes as no surprise that she’d make the Marrakech trek with friends and want to share all the juicy details.
Group Getaways and Destination Weddings
For the adventurers-at-heart who also love a luxury boutique hotel, Amanjena is a sweet stop for a honeymoon, girls’ getaway or a wedding. Located about twenty minutes outside the “red city” of Marrakech, the Moorish designed resort is comprised of 39 villas. There are three villa types, some with private swimming pools and some with private gardens and butler services. The maison rooms are setup more like town houses and are great for small groups, while the pavilion rooms are good for couples.
Water is in abundance throughout the grounds of this palace-like hotel, with large pools and fountains filled with rose petals strewn about and mixed in with glowing lanterns, cozy lounges and terracotta archways.
If you’re considering Amanjena for a destination wedding, the resort requires a buyout of the property and sits up to 100 guests. Incorporating local tradition, brides can be escorted to the ceremony in a carriage while their groom arrives on horseback with musicians singing Moroccan chants and playing classical Arabian music. Following the ceremony, the couple joins each other in the carriage and they’re transported to a reception of milk, dates and orange-flower water while they’re showered with rose petals for good fortune. At nightfall, guests are invited to an entertainment-filled feast in the Caidal Tent in the olive groves that goes late into the night. Think acrobats, belly dancers, live musicians, etc. Party in the desert!
About Amanjena
Amanresorts are known for being a top-tier luxury hotel brand with impeccable service, beautifully designed hotels, and the best restaurants around the world. Known as the “peaceful paradise,” Amanjena, the first Amanresort in Africa, is no exception. Correspondent Leila says, “the food was fantastic, the spa services were epic and while the grounds are massive and spread out, it still felt like a boutique hotel.”
There are multiple dining options on-site, including the main restaurant that serves Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine indoors and outdoors as well as a Thai restaurant. There’s a pool restaurant and private dining is always an option for individuals or small groups. There’s also a bar that stays open late and offers a selection of fine cigars.
Highlights of Amanjena
Amanjena is tucked into a part of Morocco that’s essentially like the Laguna Beach of Northern Africa. The area is very posh, with exclusive restaurants and hotels, fashionable boutiques and lavish spas. Marrakech is becoming more and more of a high-end capital with nightclubs and designer brand stores coming into the area, but the “medina” (city) is still bustling with local culture and artisanship.
Sex and The City fans rejoice!
Side note to all Sex and the City fans, you might recognize the scenery from the final kiss between Carrie and Aidan in the second movie (non-fans: trust me, you’d remember this moment if you followed the roller coaster of these two lovebirds). Even though the group is supposedly in Abu Dhabi, that scene and many others were filmed at Amanjena. The gorgeous archways and stonework provide an incredible backdrop for any romance scene.
Tips on Hosting Events at Amanjena
Okay, there are probably about a million and one tips that you’ll need to plan a wedding in Morocco, but let’s stick to the most intuitive: embrace the design! Duh, right? Seriously though, so often brides and grooms try to reinvent the design wheel by doing something that’s never been done in a space, but this hotel provides such an incredible and unique experience, you just don’t need to do much to make it beautiful. Head to the souks (markets) in town for all your décor needs and geek out on the abundance of textiles, handmade gifts, Berber rugs, lanterns, teas, plants, ceramics, embroidered pillows, and more. Send guests home with an orange blossom fragrance to remind them of one of the best trips of their lives.
Types of Events the Venue is Ideal For
Honeymoon, Group Getaway, Wedding, Anniversary, Vow Renewal, Elopement, Bachelorette Getaway
Around Town
Only about twenty minutes away, the bustling city of Marrakech is a major draw to visiting Amanjena. Filled with open markets, shops, palaces, gardens, restaurants, castles, bakeries, and more, the medina is surrounded by 12th century terracotta walls.
If exploring ancient streets that smell of orange blossoms, mint tea and barley bread isn’t enough to keep you occupied throughout your stay, Amanjena is also in close proximity to a golf course and the foot of the High Atlas Mountains is a short drive away. Dirt biking and hiking trails are available near the resort and biking into the medina is always an option for those adventurous enough to navigate an unknown city on wheels.
Photography by Leila Brewster | Planner: Ever After Honeymoons | Group: Elysium Video Productions, The Special Day
