Gain an authentic Moroccan experience at Palais Amani in Fez, the country’s imperial city
As the second largest city in Morocco, Fez is home to Africa’s largest medina, which is as authentic as it was over 1,200 years ago. Arriving in the medina is like stepping back in time, and while many visitors may be tempted to reach for their maps, part of the fun here is actually getting lost within the 10,000 streets inside.
Located at one of the most significant entrances to the medina is Palais Amani, Fez’s leading independent riad hotel. Home to 15 individually-decorated suites and bedrooms, this art-deco building was partly rebuilt in the 1930s and is now considered the leading romantic destination in the city, with a restaurant, rooftop bar, Fez Cooking School and basement Hammam lit by candle light.
Indeed, Palais Amani showcases the finest authentic and traditional Moroccan decoration. 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.
Couples staying at Palais Amani for a romantic break or honeymoon can enjoy…
Hammam
The luxurious Hammam, complete with separate exfoliation room, showers and relaxation area, allows couples to benefit fully from this tradition. The Hammam assistants will introduce guests to the ritual of purification, and for those who are adept, they will make sure that you both leave relaxed both in body and spirit.
The perfect package for couples is the romantic ‘Pampering Paradise for Two’, offering relaxation and putification with a royal Hammam duo and traditional massage. It also includes make-up and a Coup d’éclat manicure and varnish for her, plus two glasses of wine and a tapas dinner on the rooftop. Priced €300 for full day for two.
Cooking
The Fez Cooking School offers visitors a unique insight into this magical city, combining a foodie tour of the medina followed by a cookery class, all in a new purpose-built cookery school on Palais Amani’s roof terrace.
Private and group workshops are available and offer a wonderful hands-on experience, including time in the medina and cooking. Guests can select their desired recipes, or the Fez Cooking School will suggest a selection of Fassi, Moroccan or Sephardic dishes. As a couple, you are accompanied by a chef for over two hours in the medina, then back at Palais Amani you cook together before sitting down for a romantic lunch.
You’ll be treated to a diverse menu of dishes to prepare under the guidance of a chef. Starters include bissara (bean soup), carrots with charmoula, Moroccan bread or Zaalouk (aubergine dip). Mains include chicken tajine, chicken pastilla, slow-cooked fish tajine and desserts include baghrir and semolina ghriba (small coconut cakes). Priced €97 each including foodie tour, cookery class and lunch.
Prices start from €160 per room, per night on a B&B basis. To find out more, visit palaisamani.com
