Fez is one of Morocco’s most traditional cities with over a million residents and home to one of the world’s most fascinating medinas, a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. Arriving in the medina is like stepping back in time and visitors may wish to reach for a map but there is no point, part of the fun here is actually getting lost.
Located at one of the most significant entrances to the medina is Palais Amani, Fez’s leading independent hotel. Home to 14 suites and bedrooms, this art deco building was partly rebuilt in the 1930s and is today one of the main destinations in Fez with its restaurant, roof top bar and hammam open to non-residents also. The hotel was opened in 2012 following a major four year restoration. Palais Amani showcases the finest authentic and traditional Moroccan decoration and interiors. A large garden of 600m2 is at the centre of the palace filled with orange trees where birds, permanent residents here, provide the birdsong in this tranquil haven.
Eden Restaurant at Palais Amani offers ‘Market Moroccan’ local produce. Here diners can enjoy Moroccan signature dishes from an a la carte menu along with a weekly changing three-course bistro menu. A diverse tapas menu is also available daily and celebrates the 13th-century Arabo-Andalusian cuisine of this area. Diners have the option to dine in the outdoor hidden paradise under the majestic citrus trees for a truly unforgettable culinary adventure. Sundays are for relaxing and Palais Amani offers a brunch menu until 1pm.
Cookery classes are also available at Palais Amani and are a remarkable way to interact with locals with the help of the hotel’s chef. The cookery classes involve a tour of the souks with the chef to gather the ingredients before creating authentically spiced dishes back at the hotel. Guests finish the classes by enjoying lunch and leave with an apron, spices and a new recipe.
Palais Amani is also home to a mosaic-tiled traditional hammam lit by candle light. The traditional hammam in the basement is made up of a hot room, an exfoliation room, separate showers and a relaxation room. The therapists offer a traditional ritual of purification attending to the guest’s state of spiritual and bodily wellbeing. A Traditional Hammam treatment lasts 45 minutes. Guests can also enjoy body treatments including massages and facials and treatments including foot, hand and waxing all over the body.
Nowhere quite beats Fez for dazzling crafts and ancient architecture all in a UNESCO World Heritage setting. Leave the map at home and embark on an adventure with Palais Amani!
From June, Air Arabia Maroc will serve Fez direct from several European airports including London Gatwick, Barcelona, Brussels, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome and Strasbourg.
Address: 12 Derb el Miter, Oued Zhoune, Fes Medina, 30000, Morocco
Telephone: 00212 5356 33209
