Explore the Cultural Marvels of North Africa and Engage in Enchanting Traditions

July 2024 - Cenizaro Hotels & Resorts operates four luxury hotels and riads in North Africa, including La Maison Arabe and Riad Elegancia in Marrakech, as well as The Residence Douz and The Residence Tunis in Tunisia. Beyond providing guests with luxurious accommodations, these properties also serve as gateways to explore the cultural heritage of the region. Cenizaro Hotels & Resorts is committed to seamlessly blending contemporary luxury with indigenous traditions, allowing guests to embrace the extraordinary cultural experiences during their stays at each destination.

La Maison Arabe, Marrakech, Morocco

La Maison Arabe in Marrakech, Morocco is renowned for its luxurious facilities and rich cultural heritage. Nestled in the heart of Marrakech's ancient medina, near the Bab Doukkala Mosque and just a 10-minute walk from the iconic Jemaa el Fna Square and the adjacent souks, this luxurious riad-hotel enjoys a strategic location that is perfect for travellers looking to explore the surrounding attractions. Dubbed the "Red City" for the terracotta-coloured mudbrick walls of its buildings, Marrakech offers an unparalleled feast for all the senses. From the ancient architectural treasures and lively souks to tranquil gardens, a thriving arts scene and exotic cuisine, the city welcomes visitors to immerse themselves in a captivating cultural experience. Dive into the mystical world of Morocco through the narration of tales and legends of the past shared by local families, ‘Culture Storytelling In A Private Home’ offers guests the opportunity to enjoy gourmet dinners with the hosts while engaging in conversations about modern Moroccan society to gain a deeper understanding of this country.

As one of Morocco’s most spectacularly designed architecture examples, La Maison Arabe is styled with an elegant blend of Moroccan and European design where guests appreciate the charm of a bygone era while indulging in a luxurious stay experience. Featuring 45 well-appointed rooms and suites, this tranquil sanctuary pays homage to Marrakech's vibrant history, heritage, and culture. Each salon and room at La Maison Arabe features a perfect fusion of exotic oriental charm enveloping guests in an elegant comfort that is tastefully decorated with refined Moroccan furnishings in vivid Moorish colours, offering warmth and intimacy. With a legacy dating back to 1946, La Masion Arabe combines fine culinary tradition with delicacies from around the world.

After a delicious feast at La Maison Arabe, guests can refresh and embark on a captivating cultural journey to experience the magnificence and mystery of Marrakech. Located approximately 30 kilometres south of the city, the Agafay Desert covers hundreds of hectares where the 1001 Nights Show will begin. Guests can enjoy a sunset camel ride and meet a Moroccan Gnaoua band upon return to the camp, sipping fresh mint tea and enjoying the rhythmic melodies. Meanwhile, enjoy bread baked in a traditional clay oven to be served with virgin olive oil for a taste of authentic flavour. A local artist will also create an unforgettable henna tattoo, allowing guests to embrace the unique artistry of the region. As the day draws to a close, guests will savour a specially curated dinner in a private tent while being entertained by captivating performances by a belly dancer and fire eater to fully embrace the wonderful and vibrant life in Morocco.

Riad Elegancia, Marrakech, Morocco

An enchanting addition to the La Maison Arabe collection, Riad Elegancia transports guests to an oasis of serenity. A three-story hotel built around two idyllic patios where the gentle trickling of a 19th-century fountain and the magical charm of ancestral architecture converge. The property offers 11 tastefully decorated rooms, each with its own character. Combining intricate classic design elements with stylish modern interiors that feature ornate paintwork, latticed woodwork, panelling, and colourful zelliges (Moroccan tiles).

Dining at Riad Elegancia is an integral part of the guest experience, with breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner served through the day. Meals are expertly prepared by the riad’s resident “Tabakha” (Moroccan chef), who skillfully blends Moroccan flavours with Mediterranean influences. Guests can also partake in cooking classes, offering an opportunity to bring a taste of the exotic back home. Espace Raha Oriental Hammam & Spa offers traditional Turkish bath and spa services inspired by Moroccan wellness and beauty traditions and using natural skincare products from the renowned Moroccan brand Nectarome.

Venturing beyond the property, the captivating history of Marrakech unfolds. Experience the vibrant Jemaa el Fna Square where vendors, storytellers, acrobats, musicians and snake charmers gather to create a wonderful cultural carnival. Guests may also take a break from the hustle and bustle of the medina, wandering the lush oasis of the Majorelle Garden. Designed by the French painter Jacques Majorelle, this verdant sanctuary showcases an abundance of exotic flora, serene pools, and meandering creeks. Furthermore, guests can appreciate the breathtaking vistas of the Koutoubia Mosque, the largest mosque in Marrakech or explore the grandeur of the Ben Youssef Madrasa, the largest Islamic seminary in Morocco, as well as take a tour of the magnificent Tomb of Saadi.

Riad Elegancia complements the historical monuments and cultural attractions of Marrakech, providing guests with an ideal starting point to experience traditional Moroccan life while exploring the charm of the ancient city. Every stay at the property is a journey through the rich tapestry of history and every culinary experience is a sumptuous cultural feast.

The Residence Douz, Tunisia

Cenizaro Hotels & Resorts’ first desert resort, The Residence Douz in Tunisia comprises 50 elegant villas, two gourmet restaurants and a sprawling Spa by Clarins. Nestled within a private palm oasis in southern Tunisia, the luxury resort provides a serene haven for travellers looking for a place of comfort and tranquility.

Tunisia, a destination that combines diverse global cultures and culinary traditions, is reflected in the resort's two distinct gastronomic experiences that celebrate Arabic delicacies and Mediterranean elegance, with both fine dining and comfort food on offer. The Dining Room creates an unforgettable ambience with its sumptuous visual and enchanting lighting. Whether indoors or on the terrace, guest can savour the vibrant flavours from the Mediterranean region and experience the magnificence of nature - from a breakfast buffet of Tunisian breads, pastries and seasonal fruits to leisurely lunches and romantic dinners. Talis means "dates" in the Berber language, the restaurant specializes in Tunisian and Berber cuisine using traditional cooking techniques. From sand-baked breads to appetizers laden with local delicacies, guests can find rustic flavours made from local ingredients with a masterful blend of herbs and spices. They may also savour the different types of couscous and meat dishes that are cooked to a delicious and extremely tender texture.

The Residence Douz encourages guests to venture outside the resort by providing transfer service from The Residence Tunis to The Residence Douz, passing through UNESCO World Heritage Site - the historic El Jem. Guests may wish to take a jeep, camel or quad bike ride outside the resort to fully immerse themselves in the destination. Guest ambassadors are on hand to arrange a variety of excursions, from day trips to the village of Matmata, famed for its troglodyte houses which once played the home of “Luke Skywalker” in Star Wars, to a luxury camping experience in Tembaine. Travel across dunes in 4x4s and pass through Jebil Park to spot protected Saharan species from gazelles to reptiles, before arriving at camp for sunset to gather around the fire and dine under the stars. Another must-visit attraction is Tamerza, an abandoned village that overlooks a stunning mountain scenery with towering waterfall and canyon where guests can stroll and experience nature.

Following a day of exploration, guests can soothe their senses at the Spa by Clarins. A sanctuary for the soul, featuring a spacious hammam, six treatment rooms, two scrub rooms, an indoor pool, traditional Moorish Baths, and an opulent lounge. The spa offers an array of signature treatments inspired by the surrounding nature and incorporating indigenous ingredients such as clay and beldi soap, providing guests with the perfect rejuvenating escape.

The Residence Tunis, Tunisia

With an array of first-class facilities and a superb location along the glistening shores of the azure Mediterranean Sea, The Residence Tunis boasts an excellent location for visitors seeking to explore the nearby attractions in Tunis and Carthage.

The resort's 161 rooms and 9 suites offer guests luxurious havens adorned with elegant furnishings bathed in softly filtered light. A setting of spacious halls, domed ceilings and arched niches showcases the unique style of Arab-Andalusian architecture, combining the grandeur of space with a harmonious atmosphere. Designed by Robert Trent Jones II, the 18-hole Residence Golf Course is one of the most beautiful championship courses in North Africa with intricate fairways that challenge golfers to the limit. Nestled in an idyllic setting between the sea and a salt lake, the course enjoys breathtaking views of Tunisia.

Tunisia offers a diverse collection of dining options that reflect all the appetising flavours, whether it's French, Italian, or North African, guests will find something to enjoy in Tunisia. From fresh seafood and Mediterranean classics to authentic Tunisian and Chinese cuisine, a variety of tantalizing flavours will satisfy guests’ culinary desires. Guests can savour traditional Mediterranean flavours at L'Olivier, authentic Tunisian dishes at El Dar, or traditional Chinese delicacies at Li Bai.

The resort also houses the expansive Thalasso Center & Spa by Clarins, one of the most reputable thalasso spa destinations in the Mediterranean devoted to guests’ wellness. Inspired by the evocative atmosphere of ancient Roman baths, the 3,500-square-metre spa features 18 treatment rooms, an Oriental hammam, a sauna and two terraces for guests to relax between treatments.

Embarking on a journey through Tunisia allows guests to discover the blend of natural scenery and human history; visiting the iconic blue and white terraces in Sidi Bou Said, strolling through the winding cobbled streets, or enjoying a refreshing pot of mint tea with pine nuts and local handmade candies in a cosy cafe for moments of rare relaxation. Guests can also learn more about Tunisian religious customs through a historical tour exploring the nine archaeological UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Carthage, once a powerful city and rival to the ancient Roman Empire or Medina of Tunis, a labyrinthine ancient city boasting narrow pathways and cobblestone alleys dating back to the 13th century. The cultural monuments encountered along the way allow guests to fully immerse themselves in Tunisia's unique historical magnificence. Guests can also visit the national Bardo Museum which houses one of the world’s largest collections of Roman mosaics, providing a vibrant portrait of ancient North African life. In addition to the human heritage, a visit to the Ichkeul National Park and enjoying Tunisia's natural charms with green mountains, vast natural lakes in a semi-arid land and nearly 1,000 species of wildlife, present guests with a fascinating landscape full of mystery.

Cenizaro Hotels & Resorts is committed to inspiring change for a better and more sustainable tomorrow. The Cenizaro Cares programme is launched to contribute back to the natural surroundings and support local communities near the resorts. In place across most of The Residence by Cenizaro properties, the “Earth Basket” is a year-round on-site kitchen garden where local fruit, vegetables and herbs are grown pesticide-free before being harvested and used in the resort’s restaurants and spa offerings. The Earth Basket initiative also integrates into the guest experience through workshops and culinary masterclasses with the hotel’s chef. For details, please check out the link here.

For travellers seeking either deep relaxation in a peaceful resort or an unforgettable family holiday, Cenizaro Hotels & Resorts’ four hotels and riads in North Africa offer an unparalleled stay experience that seamlessly blends rich historical significance with luxurious modernity. Every experience is carefully curated to inspire and delight the mind, body and soul. Whether guests would like to leisurely meander along the ancient alleys of Marrakech or unwind along the Tunisian shoreline, the four properties ensure each memory will forever endure. Cenizaro Hotels & Resorts welcomes travellers to embark on a collective journey to discover the limitless allure of North Africa.