Maison MK Spa, Marrakech
Sand, argan oil and rosewater are key ingredients at a spa in a stylish new riad
USP Maison MK is a six-bedroom riad, modernly appointed, unlike most of
its peers who try to evoke Morocco of antiquity. Set in the crooked streets
of Marrakech’s lively old medina, inside it meshes Islamic and 21st-century
architecture.
The interior design is the work of Paul Hopkins, a fashion photographer, and
the place reflects his stylish eye: seamless organic lines, tranquil nooks
and a flowing spaciousness.
AMBIENCE The spa is on the ground floor and features just two treatment
rooms; one “dark” for calming massage therapy, and one “light” for beauty
treatments. They abut the spacious courtyard and are shuttered with elegant
wood panels.
After your treatment you can take a dip in the small pool at the centre of the
riad's open-air courtyard, though at certain times of the year it might be
too chilly.
At dusk, it’s particularly picturesque: the gracious and good-looking staff
strews the illuminated pool with rose petals and tea lights flicker around
the circumference. A dip and a glass of the house Moroccan rose are just the
thing after your body gets a walloping from head masseuse, Sylvie Delpy’s
strong thumbs.
EXPERIENCE During my treatment there was construction going on outside.
The rat-a-tat-tat of hammers seriously impeded my ability to de-stress and
enjoy my Thai massage, despite the valiant efforts of the practitioner.
Though street noise is endemic in Marrakech, fortunately every chamber in
Maison MK – including the treatment rooms – is equipped with a sound system
to which you can hook your own ipod or one of the pre-loaded minis the hotel
provides (chilled out Corrine Bailey Rae is on the playlist, as is the
decidedly less chill Eminem). Ms Delpy, a California-trained yoga
aficionado, turned up the juice and drowned out the clanging with Charlotte
Church.
Treatments, like the hotel itself, fuse old and new age. The exfoliation
treatments use sand and argan oil, an artisanal specialty produced by
Moroccan women that’s increasingly being incorporated into western
mainstream beauty products. It’s rich in wrinkle-fighting vitamin E. Their
signature manicure incorporates “black soap” the emollient used by locals in
their weekly visits to their hammam, and a dash of rosewater, one of the
country’s major exports.
FOOD Maison MK offers a seven-course French-Moroccan fusion tasting
menu with oddball twists like a Mojito sorbet palate cleanser. If staying at
the hotel you can opt to accompany the chef to market to help pick out that
evening’s cuisine.
IN CROWD It’s too early to name-drop as it’s only been open a month,
but because of the owner’s fashion-credentials and the nouveau-boutique
feel, Maison MK already has a bit of a buzz going among the magazine editor
set. Expect high-profile media types on romantic weekends and style-savvy
loved-up couples.
WALLET WATCH The spa’s price-point is rather modest: Facials start at
€30 (£22), and an hour-long massage will set you back just €35, going up to
€50 if you book an appointment with the head masseuse. Their signature
luxury manicure lasts an hour and is €25, though you can get a quickie
polish-job for €15. Yoga is also available privately (€50) or in a group up
to 6 (€90). Stays begin at £115pp per night.
Opened in February, this avant-garde riad is
the brainchild of a pair of fashion photographers
who came to Marrakesh on a shoot and fell
in love with the place.
“I’M from Algeria originally, so have
always had a special connection
with North Africa. I’ve travelled all over the
world, but there is nowhere else quite like
Marrakesh. It’s the most thrilling and intriguing
place, and I cannot see myself leaving in a hurry.
