Kenzi Menara Palace is about ten minutes' drive from the Medina, near the original city ramparts. Land is more plentiful in this part of Marrakech, now being developed as a tourist area. It has less old-world charm than areas nearer the Medina but there is more space to build. The immediate impression on walking into the huge reception area of Kenzi Menara Palace is one of space.
Beyond reception is a large terrace where guests eat breakfast, weather permitting. Beyond that is a very large pool surrounded by loungers.
You reach The Spa by Terraké through the hotel via several wide courtyards. The path leading to the spa is covered by a wooden lattice which throws dappled light onto the ground. The Spa by Terraké is spacious, like the hotel; it covers 1,800 square metres.
At the centre of the Le Spa Terraké at Kenzi Menara Palace is a 12-metre square pool with underwater lights which constantly change colour. The pool is too small for lengths, but resistance jets mean that keen swimmers can get a serious aqua workout by attempting to swim towards them. The two swan pipes both deliver a satisfying shoulder pummelling. Lie back on the relaxation beds around the pool and just gaze at the coloured lights. The spa was quiet when we visited and a very tranquil place to be.
The Turkish baths or hammam suites are divided into male and female, but the sauna is mixed.
The Spa by Terraké at the Kenzi Menara Palace has six treatment rooms, three scrub and shower rooms, and two "balneotherapy" -- water therapy -- rooms. Here you can try the signature Terraké baths (more of which below).
As well as scrubs, facials and massages, manicures, pedicures and waxing are all on offer, as well as a hair salon.
The roof terrace has a gym with views over the hotel gardens, and a fitness suite for yoga and Pilates classes.
The Terraké signature baths. The Terraké philosophy is one of science combined with returning to nature. All treatments are divided into four themes: earth, light, air and water. There is a signature bath for each of the four themes, depending on how you want to feel afterwards. If you choose the light and air bath, you are promised that: "Snowy flakes and aromatic gel will exhilarate the senses like the air of mountain tops." A massage and a facial is also devoted to each element.
The Origins of the Sea Rehydration face ritual uses sea algae in the products, while the Terra Magica massage uses Terraké products with precious minerals. The Terraké Majestic Rituals include a welcome ritual, scrub, massage, wrap and application of an intense moisturiser; again a ritual for each theme.
We tried the Massage Oriental Traditionnel at The Spa by Terraké at the Kenzi Menara Palace.
Anyone with small children wanting some down time, sans enfants: The crèche on the first floor of Spa by Terraké means that parents can spa in peace for an hour or two.
Colour lovers: Bright orange towelling robes with hoods, a lovely change from standard-issue white ones; huge fuchsia-pink tassels on the locker keys; continuously changing colours in the indoor pool.
The four-handed massage where two therapists massage you simultaneously.
Private Pilates or yoga tuition in the roof-top studio; available on request.
Find out more about the Spa by Terraké at Kenzi Menara Palace
Single Spy
5th June 2014
Spy Likes:
Warm floors when you put your bare feet upon them; heated treatment beds; soft towels; attention to detail, so that your treatment room looks and smells beautiful when you arrive in it.
Spy Dislikes:
Cold floors when you put your bare feet upon them; therapists who use your treatment time to write up a list of product "recommendations" that they hope you will purchase.
