![]() Both were set in much-heralded gardens, though after the lush flowers of Jamaica only the purple-blooming jacaranda trees impressed us. Tariq, on the clay courts, was a talented tennis pro while the huge swimming pool obviously delighted guests. Sign up for The Gleaner’s morning and evening newsletters. The staff, however, were exceptionally attentive and the restaurants, both French and Moroccan, superb. Perhaps the makeover by Jacques Garcia contributed to our disappointment. Central areas with striking two-colour tile designs are more appealing but too few intimate corners exist. ![]() Brown, beige, light blue, red and green tiles all together beneath pristine white sculpted designs are a jarringly unattractive mixture, something of which I was reminded every time I walked into our room. But oh how disappointing the colour scheme. The craftsmanship required for tile work and intricate plaster designs in each of the more than 200 rooms, as well as the painted doorways and elaborate metal lighting fixtures kept many artisans employed. ![]() Just when we thought we could finally afford a few nights in this extraordinary locale, the hotel closed for renovations, which took three years. Since hearing that Sir Winston Churchill would retreat from the stress of World War II to paint the gardens of La Mamounia, a palace in Marrakech transformed into a renowned hotel, so alluring was his description that I've wanted to stay at La Mamounia myself. For years I've yearned to visit the 11th-century city of Marrakech, once capital of an empire reaching from West Africa to Spain, whose fortunes varied with the ancient caravan routes and power struggles, alternating as a capital with ancient Fez.
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