Destination of the Month: Amanjena Resort, Marrakech

All over the globe, the spa industry is booming, and today’s savvy travelers are seeking out the best each destination has to offer. From old-world European mineral hot spring “cures” to modern day spas featuring the latest technology, it’s all just a plane ride—or mouse click—away. Every month, we profile one of our favorite spas, and whether international or domestic, each one is out of this world.

 

Amanjena Resort, Marrakech

 

Set a short drive outside of Marrakech, Amanjena is the first African outpost of the luxe Aman Resorts group, which excels at creating unique, individual properties that truly reflect their settings. This Moroccan version is no different: shimmering azure pools, shady covered walkways, and 32 rose-hued guest pavilions—constructed in typical local style—are nestled amongst groves of palm and olive trees. And in the middle of the property, through an arched doorway and down a candle-lit hall, sits the spa—a lovely, intimate temple to peace and well-being that’s become so popular with guests, it’s in danger of outgrowing its cozy quarters.

 

Expertly combining time-tested Moroccan therapies with modern efficiency, the Amanjena spa is all about taking the time to relax and indulge the senses. Guests are greeted at the front desk then led to a lush alcove seating area to fill out paperwork and sip on a seasonal concoction. Then it’s off to one of the cozy treatment rooms, beautifully accented with flowers and rich fabrics. Services include a range of solid massage styles like Shiatsu, Swedish, aromatic, lymphatic drainage and four-hand. The “On Arrival” massage uses a specially-formulated blend of ingredients like fresh ginger and lemon to revive the muscles and ease the guest into a vacation state of mind.

 

A facial using Aman products and maintenance fare like waxing, hair cuts and mani/pedis are also available, but where the spa really excels is in the body treatments, which make use of local ingredients and remedies. The Rejuvenating wrap covers the body in a truly unique blend of powdered broad beans, crushed seashells, sun-dried eggs and grenadine peel, which works to refresh and replenish the skin. The Moroccan Hammam service—the real star of the menu—puts a personal, luxury twist on the traditional treatment, which is popular with locals of all ages and is typically offered in neighborhood bathhouses. After disrobing in the locker rooms, guests are led into an adjacent dim, hazy steam cave (separate for men and women) and made to lie naked on one of two smooth benches. Over the course of an hour, a therapist (who’s clothed) washes the body with gooey black olive soap, applies a mask, scrubs off layers of dead skin, then tops it off with a head-to-toe dousing of eucalyptus oil and warm water, leaving skin supple and the soul nourished. The effect is so deeply soothing and cleansing, so uplifting for the senses, that the service has become an Amanjena must-do—and addictive even to clients who are initially wary of its intimate nature.

 

Morocco is a major international source of natural beauty ingredients like roses, orange essence and essential oils, so the spa and resort gift shop are appropriately packed with sweet-smelling, locally-made products available for purchase. For more on Amanjena, visit www.amanresorts.com/jena/home.htm.

 

--Sandra Ramani

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