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Giles and Monica arrive at Royal Mansour, one of the world鈥檚 most discreet hotels, hidden deep in the heart of Marrakech鈥檚 ancient Medina.

Giles and Monica arrive at Royal Mansour, one of the world鈥檚 most discreet hotels, hidden deep in the heart of Marrakech鈥檚 ancient Medina. In stark contrast to the developing country it inhabits, the 鈥榡ewel of the city鈥� was built with a limitless budget, by royal decree to showcase the kingdom to world leaders and to billionaire and celebrity guests. Its network of luxurious riads, built by the nation鈥檚 finest artisans, are kitted out with suede and silk carpets, extravagant chandeliers and open fireplaces lit by personal butlers. The hotel prides itself on its incredible attention to detail, creating an absolutely flawless guest experience.

Monica works with executive housekeeper Laurence, who intriguingly teaches her to how to 鈥榮how love to curtains鈥�. There are 350 pairs of them at Royal Mansour, and each set must be caressed by hand to create the most perfect pleats. Giles dons the uniform of the hotel butlers, like Mohammed, who introduces him to the hotel鈥檚 1km of underground tunnels, which ensure absolute discretion - to the guests, it looks as though every whim is fulfilled as if by magic.

Beyond the hotel walls, Monica visits a farm where Berber women pick the precious saffron used in the hotel鈥檚 two fine-dining restaurants. And chauffeur Akram bravely lets Giles test-drive a custom-built Bentley, one of the hotel鈥檚 fleet of ten luxury cars. This car alone is worth 60 times more than a year鈥檚 wages for many Moroccans.

14 minutes

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Giles Coren
Presenter Monica Galetti
Series Producer Rebecca Templar

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