Mar 21, 2024

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Travel Inspiration

The Amanjena Resort in Marrakech: A Design-Forward Oasis

Fora Author Fora

The Modern Travel Agency

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The pink clay edifice of Amanjena stands across a quaint, mirror-flat water feature with palms dotting the shoreline

Image courtesy of Amanjena

A sanctuary of serenity and sophistication, the Amanjena resort in Marrakech beckons travelers to indulge in the timeless allure of Morocco. From its design-forward, minimalist take on Moorish architecture to its lush, oasis-like grounds, Amanjena softly boasts all of the tranquility that you expect from Aman.

Amanjena is undoubtedly one of the best hotels in Marrakech, Morocco; indeed, it was also one of our favorite properties we visited on a recent FAM trip. Below, we spotlight Amanjena's rooms, dining options and experiences. When you’re ready to book, connect with Fora to get your bucket-list worthy escape on the calendar.

Fora Perks at Amanjena:

  • $100 food / beverage credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

What’s special about Amanjena resort in Marrakech?

During our recent scouting trip to Morocco, we visited Marrakech’s Amanjena resort to take in everything it has to offer. Pro Fora Advisor Alexandra Shea puts it best: “Amanjena is a serene, minimalist haven in a maximalist world. It manages to feel very Moroccan while also having such understated elegance.” 

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What does Amanjena mean?

Amanjena means “peaceful paradise” in Arabic, which is pretty fitting considering the property’s quiet style and vast desert surroundings.

The hotel is set away from the bustle of the city

The main square of the Marrakech Medina bustles with locals and travelers while vendors sell goods and street food at dusk

While easily one of Morocco’s best places to visit, Marrakech can be an overwhelming destination, especially for your first visit to the country. But staying at a Morocco hotel like Amanjena can offer a lovely respite. You’ll get the best of both worlds: easy access to the vibrancy of the medina and top spots to visit when you want, and a peaceful oasis when you’re ready to relax.

The design blends Aman’s classic minimalist style with Moroccan touches

If you’ve been to another Aman resort, such as Amangiri in the deserts of Utah or Aman Kyoto, then you’re familiar with the brand’s unique design philosophy. Sharp, symmetrical geometry complements influences from the local setting. No detail is too small: you’ll find thoughtful yet understated elements throughout the property. 

Amanjena is no different. As much as this feels like an Aman property (whose design influence originally stems from Asia), Amanjena doesn’t feel out of place in Morocco.

Accommodations at Amanjena resort in Marrakech

Moroccan touches fill an expansive living space in one of Amanjena Marrakech's larger units

Image courtesy of Amanjena

Accommodations at Amanjena are broken up into smaller pavilions and larger maisons (a.k.a. private home-style units). Each is unique but fits the overall ethos of Aman as a whole. Many are multi-level and all are generously spacious. (The largest unit has two master bedrooms.) And many feature water fountains within the rooms.

As with any property, you’ll want to book a room that hits all the right notes for your personal travel preferences. Booking with a Fora Advisor is a great way to work with an expert who can not only help you choose the right hotel, but the right unit on the property, too. Plus, when you book through Fora, you are automatically prioritized for an upgrade if there’s space available. In addition, excluding group bookings, all stays include round-trip transfers from Marrakech Menara Airport.

Pavilions: standard, Pavilion Bassin & Pavilion Piscine 

Amanjena's Pavilions span nearly 1,900 square feet and feature a combined living area and bedroom decorated with Amazigh carpets, Moroccan floor tiles and Venetian stucco domes. And each has a private courtyard with an attached gazebo and lounge sofas. 

Amanjena's Pavilion Bassin suites have a similar layout, except they’re all located by the resort's central water feature. They also trade the outdoor lounge sofas for an oversized daybed.

Finally, Amanjena's Pavilion Piscine features around 2,400 square feet and (quietly) boasts a private garden with a large heated swimming pool. For larger groups or families, adjacent Pool Pavilions can be connected via courtyard doors, too.

Maisons: standard & Maison Jardin

A few lounge chairs with umbrellas line a courtyard pool belonging to a top-tier unit at Amanjena in Marrakech

Image courtesy of Amanjena

Ideal for groups, Amanjena’s base Maisons offer an expansive retreat spanning about 3,900 square feet across two stories, with first-floor views overlooking the central basin. Each Maison hosts two bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, a spacious living area and a private pool that’s accessible directly from the seating area. 

The stylings of each Maison option are largely the same as the Pavilions, with a minimalist take on Moroccan design accented by handmade rugs, stucco interiors and authentic tiling. Additionally, every Maison has lush gardens, a dining area and a pool with sun loungers. There’s also the option to connect to a neighboring Pavilion Bassin.

The Maison Jardins, a significant step up in space, overlook Amanjena’s central water feature and can accommodate up to four guests on its own. For larger groups, each Maison Jardin can be connected to the Pavilion Bassin gardens next door.

The luxe choice: the Al Hamra Maison

Amanjena's lone Al Hamra Maison offers a vast retreat spanning over 12,000 square feet. The area boasts two master suites along with a spacious living and dining area. In turn, each suite offers a large bedroom, dressing room and bathroom adorned with green marble. There’s also a private bar and stocked pantry, plus a dedicated host to cater to all your party’s needs.

As for the outdoor space, the Al Hamra Maison includes twin gazebos for shaded dining, a large heated pool and an extended private garden.

Dining at Amanjena resort in Marrakech

A sushi chef carefully plates sashimi at Nama, the Japanese restaurant at Amanjena in Marrakech

Image courtesy of Amanjena

The dining options at Amanjena include two high-profile restaurants, a poolside café serving lighter cuisine and a moody cocktail bar.

In line with Aman Resorts’ efforts to limit its ecological footprint, Amanjena sources many of its ingredients locally. Notably, fresh fish arrives daily from the port at Essaouira, Morocco (a great destination in its own right). 

When you book with Fora, your reservation will automatically include breakfast daily, plus you’ll get a $100 food / beverage credit to spend at any of the restaurants during your stay. 

The Moroccan Restaurant: a melding of Moroccan & Italian cuisine

In a rare move, “The Moroccan Restaurant” at Amanjena offers two distinct menus. The first highlights authentic local food in Morocco, while the second features the signature Italian cuisine of Aman Resorts’ Arva restaurant. Regardless of your menu choice, you’ll get to enjoy the traditional melodies of Trio Andalou, a local ensemble, amid an intimate atmosphere.

Nama: Aman’s signature Japanese gastronomy

Nama — which also happens to be "Aman" spelled backwards — within the context of dining, loosely translates to “raw” or “fresh” in Japanese. At Amanjena, Nama is a decadent sushi bar that embraces the tradition of Washoku cooking, which emphasizes shared meals. All of the fish is prepared onsite and sourced directly and daily from the waters off the coast of Essaouira. 

During warmer months, guests dine outdoors in view of the communal pool courtyard. When it’s colder, they can enjoy the intimacy of an indoor dining room warmed by a central fireplace.

Pool Terrace & Olive Grove: light Italian cuisine served poolside

The Pool Terrace & Olive Garden serves light bites, wood-fired pizzas, cocktails and Moroccan wines. The setting is comparatively informal next to Amanjena’s other dining options, offering an enjoyable change of pace.

The Bar: a refined experience cultivated by talented mixologists

Moody lighting, Moroccan-inspired decor and architecture and a stocked liquor shelf define The Bar at Amanjena

Image courtesy of Amanjena

A quiet, vibey establishment, The Bar serves Moroccan mint tea with a variety of savory and sweet treats in the afternoon before transitioning to a moody cocktail lounge after 5 pm. The latter menu exclusively features Moroccan wines along with an international selection of top-shelf cocktails.

Amenities & facilities at Amanjena resort in Marrakech

Experiences and wellness are core tenets of Amanjena. The property offers a delightful mix of curated adventure excursions and refined opportunities for relaxation, ranging from desert sojourns to twin hammams and more.

Amanjena features a world-class spa, two hammams, tennis clinics…

The spa at Amanjena matches the elite nature of the resort. All year long, Amanjena hosts wellbeing experts and other specialists to offer guests exclusive treatments and therapies. The spa uses a mix of local products as well as Aman’s own beauty and wellness line. 

Leaning into Moroccan culture, Amanjena also hosts two hammams, traditional Moroccan bathhouses where guests first enjoy time in a steam room before undergoing a thorough body scrub. The experience is deeply rooted in Moroccan culture and is meant to cleanse the spirit just as much as it reinvigorates the body.

Lastly, Amanjena is home to two clay tennis courts, a full fitness center and a personal trainer.

You can enjoy half- or full-day wellness retreats

A soak tub surrounded by marble with a view of a private courtyard

Image courtesy of Amanjena

In need of total rebalancing and rejuvenation? Amanjena offers personalized full- and half-day retreats that start with yoga or an intense workout before segueing to a body scrub and wrap, full-body massage and facial and lunch in the poolside courtyard. 

(P.S. If you book with a Fora Advisor, they’ll make sure Amanjena knows your preferences ahead of time.)

Amanjena’s guest assistants are ready to help you plan experiences

Amanjena’s concierge team can also connect you with an array of experiences ranging from full desert excursions to tours of Marrakech’s vibrant medina markets (both of which are among our favorite things to do in Morocco). Or, your Fora Advisor can help to get everything squared away for you with a personalized itinerary (learn more about what it’s like to work with a travel agent). 

Amanjena resort FAQs

Need more intel on Amanjena in Marrakech? We have answers to a few common questions.

Alternatively, you can always reach out to a Fora Advisor, who can answer questions about the property or Morocco in general (like when’s the best time to visit Morocco, or if the Sahara is worth checking out).

How far is Amanjena from Marrakech? Is there anything interesting about the location?

Amanjena is located about 20 minutes from Marrakech’s city center, which is just far enough to feel secluded yet not so distant that you have to dramatically alter your plans if you want to explore the city.

(Need tips for exploring Marrakech or other destinations? Check out our Morocco travel guide.)

What’s the best way to get to the hotel?

Amanjena includes round-trip transportation from Marrakech Menara Airport (for non-group rates). If you’re working with a local guide or you want to rent a car, a Fora Advisor can help you out.

Who owns Amanjena?

Amanjena is part of the Aman hotel group. It is co-owned by Revly’s Marrakech and Aman Resorts Group Limited. Fun fact: Amanjena is Aman's first foray into Africa. It opened in 2000. 

How many rooms does Amanjena have?

Dusky pink stucco walls with a blend of Moroccan influences and Aman's design-forward philosophy

Image courtesy of Amanjena

There are just under 40 rooms at Amanjena, spread across 32 acres, so guests certainly have plenty of space to branch out and relax without worrying about neighbors.

How much does it cost to stay at Amanjena resort in Marrakech?

In the high season (spring and fall), rates start around $1,100 per night, plus taxes and fees. Your Fora Advisor can help you find the best available rate for your dates.

Are there any featured offers?

Amanjena does run special offers throughout the year. If you book with a Fora Advisor, they’ll make sure you get the best available rate and value.

What kind of sustainability efforts does Amanjena employ?

Amanjena employs several waste management efforts to limit its environmental impact: the property’s used cooking oil is converted into biodiesel fuel, organic waste is composted, and old furnishings are donated to local charities.

Additionally, Amanjena uses LED lights and motion detectors to reduce energy consumption on the property. In a similar effort to reduce the property’s carbon footprint, ingredients are sourced locally and the wine cellar is exclusively stocked with Moroccan wines versus imports (read more about local Moroccan wineries in our article on misconceptions on Morocco). 

Finally, Amanjena’s grounds only host indigenous plant species that don’t require the level of upkeep that imported vegetation would require, helping to minimize the hotel's environmental footprint.

Connect with Fora to upgrade your stay at Amanjena resort in Marrakech

Amanjena is an incredible resort for those seeking a beautiful and tranquil experience that complements the electric energy of Marrakech. 

To maximize your time at Amanjena, consider booking with a Fora Advisor. They’ll work on your behalf to ensure your accommodations match your travel preferences while also scoring you VIP perks along the way. If you need help with planning the rest of your trip, your Fora Advisor can help you plan out as much or as little of your Morocco itinerary as you'd like.

Considering other destinations for your next vacation? Check out a few of our guides to other breathtaking destinations in the Mediterranean and mid-Atlantic:

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