Equestrian Paradise at the Selman Marrakech

Optimal Privacy with Only 55 Rooms and Suites

With six hectares of land, the Selman offers a beautiful natural setting along with an exceptional panorama of the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains in the distance. Guests can admire the view from their balcony outside one of 55 rooms and suites, or from one of five extra-luxurious private villas. We settled into a Deluxe Room, which displays a perfect combination of traditional materials like wood, stucco, and zellige tiles and a series of warm hues, creating a comfortable, timeless atmosphere. The room also features a large balcony with a view overlooking the gardens and the enormous 80-meter-long pool. We of course took advantage of the opportunity to have our breakfast on the balcony the following morning!

A Paradise by Jacques Garcia

This Moorish-Arabic-style luxury hotel was designed by the famous architect and decorator Jacques Garcia, who mixed Second Empire elements (such as impressive chandeliers and thick crimson-and-gold fabrics) with Moroccan craftsmanship. One of the greats in his domain, Garcia worked for both individual clients and for some of the world’s most prestigious hotels before embarking on the Selman, where he created a warm and intimate atmosphere with a unique interpretation of Moroccan luxury hospitality.

Purebred Arabian Horses: Pure Bliss for Horse-Lovers

As an experienced horseback rider, I was particularly thrilled to explore the Selman and its stud farm. It was pure bliss to watch the superb horses grazing in their paddock and visit them in their stable, a gorgeous structure which was also designed by Garcia. I could hardly resist the temptation to go for a ride, so I spent an hour in the company of the accomplished horseman Sadek El Bahjaoui, who offers horseback riding lessons and free-range riding sessions at the Selman. My riding session was absolute perfection, with an impeccably trained horse and a gorgeous natural setting. Everything I needed to meet my equestrian needs!

A Unique Spa with the Chenot Method

As the only hotel in Morocco to offer the innovative Chenot Method, the Selman proposes a series of treatments in one of seven treatment rooms or in the hydrotherapy cabin, all of which are laid out around a heated pool. I opted for a detox facial with suction cups to eliminate toxins. At 1200 m², the spa is reminiscent of the Turkish baths of ancient Istanbul. To top it all off, there are two heated outdoor pools, two steam baths, and a fitness room.

Moroccan Cuisine at Assyl

As for the dining on offer, Selman has three restaurants and two bars to suit every occasion. At the restaurant Le Selman, guests can enjoy international cuisine, while the Pavillon proposes an outdoor lunch facing the stables and paddock – a favorite watering hole for the locals, who flock here every Sunday for brunch accompanied by an equestrian show.

We spent our evening in the restaurant Assyl, whose majestic décor catapulted us into another time and place. We were surrounded by delicate embroidery, chandeliers, and family trinkets: a cultural and culinary immersion experience! Dishes served included Moroccan cuisine classics such as seafood pastille and lemon confit chicken, but also more original food combinations. As we stayed in the hotel during the month of Ramadan, the restaurant organized an enormous F'tour buffet every evening to celebrate the end of the day’s fasting. We were also able to watch the horses wander freely around their paddock. All in all, a lovely evening!

The Verdict

The Selman is one of the most original five-star establishments in Marrakesh. First of all, the ambience created by Jacques Garcia, whether in the hotel or in the stables, is absolutely gorgeous! Moreover, from the horse-riding activities (also accessible for beginners) to the Chenot spa and the fantastic pool, there’s always something to do! It’s the perfect five-star hotel for an original and luxurious weekend in Marrakesh!

I loved:

• The fantastic décor by one of the best designers of his generation
• The stud farm and horse shows: pure bliss for horse lovers
• The enormous pool, both beautiful and spacious at 80 meters long!

I disliked:

• The lack of personnel meant that the service was not up to five-star standards. The service we received at the Selman was some of the least impressive we experienced during our stay in Marrakesh. What a shame!

Practical Information:

Thank you the Selman for the invitation to explore their establishment.Of course, the content of this blogpost was left entirely up to me!