Palais Amani, Fez, Morocco: hotel review
Craving some sun after another English winter, and always keen to explore somewhere new, I was absolutely thrilled at the opportunity to visit Palais Amani, a luxury riad in the vibrant city of Fez, Morocco.
Wonderful Service and a Warm Welcome
From the moment I arrived at Palais Amani, I was made to feel so at home with such genuine Moroccan hospitality. The staff went above and beyond to ensure that every aspect of my stay was perfect, from arranging airport transfers to providing insider tips on exploring the city, to helping me get a taxi for a day trip. Whether it was the friendly faces at reception, the attentive service in the restaurant, the mint tea served with a smile in the courtyard or the thoughtful gestures in my room (the little heart chocolates each evening were my favourite touch), the staff made me feel so well looked after throughout my stay.
Perfectly Positioned for Exploring Fez
Located in the heart of the historic medina, Palais Amani is the perfect base for exploring the wonders of Fez. The hotel is within walking distance of many of the city's top attractions - fantastic local restaurants, the famous tanneries, historic mosques, and vibrant souks. I loved wandering through the labyrinthine streets, getting lost in the maze of alleyways, and stumbling upon hidden gems around every corner.
Offering medina tours and guided hiking (amongst many other fantastic experiences) the hotel is well equipped to help you make the most of your time in the city, and the kind staff are always happy to help guide you in the right direction.
A Haven of Tranquility
The hotel itself is a true oasis amongst the hectic city, offering a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle outside. As per traditional Moroccan riads, the opulent accommodation is centred around a courtyard. Filled with trees, flowers and bird song, it was the most wonderful place to sit and relax during the heat of the day. Intricate tilework adorned the walls and floors of the hotel, and the ornately carved wooden doors and gave a real sense of grandeur. The suite I was lucky enough to stay in was luxurious and homely, beautifully decorated with traditional Moroccan furnishings and modern amenities. I especially loved the large roof terrace - with views across the city, it was the perfect place to enjoy the sunshine or the stars.
A Culinary Journey Through Morocco
Dining at Palais Amani was a real treat. I looked forward to the wonderful breakfast each morning - a colourful spread of fresh fruits, breads and traditional homemade dishes. When the sun was shining it was wonderful to enjoy dining al fresco!
Dinner was a much-anticipated chance to try the Moroccan specialties with a great 3 course set menu including fragrant tagines and grilled meat with couscous. The delicious desserts (especially the chocolate orange mousse) were the perfect way to round off a lovely meal in a beautiful setting. I so looked forward to the chance to learn how to make some of these myself with a much anticipated cookery class.
Learning the Secrets of Moroccan Cuisine
The group cookery class at Palais Amani was a highlight of my stay, providing a hands-on experience that was both educational and enjoyable. We were first taken into the medina to pick our fresh ingredients from the market, which was a great chance to see how the locals interacted and bartered. My favourite pit stop was for the most lovingly made mint and herbal tea in a cafe tucked away off one of the alleys.
Hands full of vegetables and spices, we headed back to the terrace kitchen to whip up a 3 course meal. Under the guidance of a chef, we learned how to make zaalouk - a delicious burnt aubergine and tomato dip - a preserved lemon, olive and chicken tagine, and a pastry layered with strawberries and cream, much like the french mille-feuille.
The class was informative, interactive, and incredibly fun, and we all left feeling inspired to recreate the dishes at home. At the end of the class we then enjoyed a leisurely lunch in the shaded courtyard, all the more satisfying having cooked it ourselves! A truly unforgettable experience.
A Blissful Retreat
No visit to Palais Amani would be complete without indulging in a hammam experience. The hotel's candlelit spa, Les Bains Amani, was a calm and tranquil haven, the perfect setting to enjoy the traditional Moroccan treatments which were completely different to anything I’d had at home. I was pampered from head to toe with a hand and footbath, clay hair mask, a cleansing black soap, exfoliating (and very invigorating) scrub, and plenty of time to relax in the steam room. It left me feeling utterly refreshed and revitalised - an absolute must for anyone visiting Fez, whether a guest in the hotel or not!
My stay at Palais Amani was nothing short of magical. From the impeccable service and luxurious accommodation to the delicious food and rejuvenating spa treatments, every aspect far exceeded my expectations. If Fez isn’t already on your list of places to visit then it absolutely should be, and if you do get the chance then I couldn’t recommend Palais Amani highly enough - I certainly look forward to returning!
Lily was a guest of Palais Amani Hotel