Deals Of The Day
Relais Borgo Santo Pietro
Situated in the heart of Tuscany, Relais Borgo Santo Pietro was once a healing stopover for medieval pilgrims. Today it continues to provide a sanctuary for modern souls, merging a 5 star luxury hotel and spa concept with a ‘farm to plate’ philosophy on a 300-acre estate. A sumptuous feeling of home pervades the 800-year-old luxury farmhouse hotel, with its worn leather armchairs pulled up around open fires, fresh flower…
Kudadoo Private Island
Kudadoo’s renowned eco-consciousness and sleek design extend to the Maldives island’s 15 over-water residences where your uninterrupted enjoyment of the private island charm and the splendid natural surrounds are the norm….
Villa Belvedere Taormina
Hotel Villa Belvedere is a delightful and charming boutique hotel, located at just a few minutes from Taormina’s lively town centre and from the world-famous Greek-Roman Theatre, which are both reachable by walking through the inspiring and panoramic Duca di Cesarò Botanic Gardens. The hotel benefits of wonderful views over the sea, the bay of Naxos and Mount Etna. The hotel has always been…
Palazzo Navona Rome
The innovative Palazzo Navona Hotel fully deserved of its role as being amongst one of the most qualified 4 star Hotels within the city “centro”, capable of fulfilling its own lifestyle qualities to satisfy even the most demanding guest. The intimate and charming ambience emits a feeling of almost magic by creating a special atmosphere which pervades this residence surrounded by its historical-art and ancient Roman…
Boutique Hotel Die Alpbacherin
The history of DER ALPBACHERIN began in the former Angelika house. Some time ago, in the middle of Alpbach, at house number 405, stood the small bed and breakfast “Haus Angelika”. Georg and Lisa ran them with a lot of love. The success proved you right and so the desire for a new place for more guests was born. A dream came true. Together with daughter Valentina and her boyfriend Thomas, plans, dreams and…
Gecko Hotel & Beach Club Formentera
In the beautiful and protected island of Formentera, Gecko Hotel & Beach Club was set out for like-minded individuals to unwind, connect with oneself and nature and above all celebrate life. Gecko brings to Formentera a new form of hospitality that unites our love for the island, the beach life and the elegance of a time in the past that continues to inspire us. Our clublike restaurant, in front of the Migjorn beach, offers a…
Juma Amazon Lodge
With its prime location in one of the most remote and preserved regions of the Amazon Rainforest, Juma Amazon Lodge is an intimate and inviting property harmoniously nestled into the forest environment which defines it. Juma Amazon Lodge features 19 intimate bungalows seamlessly nestled into the lush surroundings of the Amazon Rainforest. In order to accommodate the water levels of the wet season…
Azulik Tulum
In the heart of the Mayan jungle, a revolutionary project is about to redefine human evolution. A new vision of the future that is guided by ancestral knowledge and creates community is beginning to shape up.The VILLAS of AZULIK Tulum are built in harmony with the Mayan jungle and the Caribbean Sea. With no electric light, A/C, or television, we present nature as our main amenity, setting the perfect mood for a…
Cocos Hotel Antigua
Perched on a lush green hillside, encircled by miles of heavenly blue sea and sandwiched between two gorgeous white sand beaches is COCOS Hotel, an all inclusive Antigua resort for couples and adults only. This rustic yet romantic and cozy boutique resort is located on the sunset side of the beautiful Caribbean Island of Antigua and comprises of a collection of 35 quaint wooden Cottages positioned on a pictoresque…
Villa Principe Leopoldo Lugano
Live in a fairy tale, surrounded by prestige and nature. Imagine contemplating Lugano’s beauty in a princely residence. The former private home of German Emperor Wilhelm’s brother in law, the Villa is located on a picturesque promontory called the Collina d’Oro (Golden Hill), whose views and location are the best kept secret in town. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to live in a legendary home, a stay…
Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery
In search for unique places, sometimes you need to get off the main roads. However, let them lead you to Bale, Istria. Then slow down and follow the road that gets narrower with every mile, as nature draws closer. Slow down even more, and then make a turn into the white road. As the iron gates of the Meneghetti estate open up in front of you, stop for just one moment – and realize that the magic actually appears off the…
Cavo Tagoo Santorini
The exclusive Cavo Tagoo Santorini, twin of Cavo Tagoo Mykonos is located within walking distance from Fira and just a few kilometers from Oia, the resort offers luxurious suites, spectacular sunsets over the sea and a personalized service exceptional. All Suites are modern and feature a hot tub or private pool on the terrace style, design details, 43-inch LCD satellite TV, patio or terrace with stunning panoramic view…
Château de La Chèvre d’Or
Nature is everywhere at Château de la Chèvre d’Or. There are lots of different gardens filled with sculptures, fountains, waterfalls, flowers, herbs, trees and shrubs. The area is perfumed with the scents of jasmine, bougainvillea and roses. The magnificent colors create a framework that blends into the horizon and the sea…
La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris
La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris, a 5-star hotel in the centre of Paris, offers you a unique stay in a typically Parisian atmosphere. The building was built in 1907 by the Hennessy family, during the enchanting interlude offered by the Paris of the “Belle Époque”. Reflecting this magical era, our luxury hotel in Paris embodies a certain French art de vivre. La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris enjoys an idyllic setting and immerses you in the…
Laucala Island Fiji
A private island refuge in the South Pacific, Laucala unites dramatic rainforest-laced landscapes and white sandy beaches with unparalleled levels of luxury and privacy. No expense has been spared at the exclusive tropical hideaway, where 25 Fijian-styled villas are set amid coconut plantations, beside deserted beaches and atop the island’s volcanic mountains, overlooking fertile coral reefs and endless jungle. Style and…
Il Sereno Como
Il Sereno brings a new era of luxury to the banks of Italy’s iconic Lake Como. Awarded the title of “Most Anticipated New Luxury Hotel Opening in 2016” by Luxury Travel Advisor magazine, Il Sereno’s ethos of understated elegance presents a freshness to this well-established destination. Designed by Patricia Urquiola, Wallpaper* Magazine Designer of The Year 2015, the all-suite hotel promises modern style and an authentic…
Cliveden House
Cliveden House is a privately owned 5 Red Star award-winning hotel, and sister to the world-renowned Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa in Hampshire. Our story is one of over 350 years of powerful personalities, iconic parties and scandalous affairs. Built in 1666 by the 2nd Duke of Buckingham, as a gift to his mistress, Cliveden House has remained a pinnacle of…
Bawah Reserve
A gorgeous tropical paradise surrounded by a blue ocean, Bawah Reserve sits in sheltered seclusion 160 nautical miles (300km) northeast of Singapore in the remote Anambas Archipelago, Indonesia. This pristine and previously uninhabited marine conservation area is surrounded by turquoise lagoons and coral reefs, which cater to outdoor adventurers looking to indulge as well as those looking to relax in paradise…
Royal Mansour Marrakech
The Royal Mansour can be counted amongst the few establishments in the world that defy hotel excellence. Just a few steps away from the famous Jemaa El Fna square beats the heart of the Marrakesh Palace, offering travellers the unique concept of a medina within a medina.
Each area has been designed to intuitively take guests on a sensory journey. Take a step into the secret and sumptuous history of one of the…
Aria Hotel Budapest
The Aria Hotel Budapest is a luxury boutique hotel with an exquisite design inspired by music. To compliment the musical concept, master designer Zoltan Varro’s vision was to simultaneously recreate the rich, lavish atmosphere of a historic Hungarian palace while also embracing visitors in the warmth and comfort of a private residence…
Mnemba Island Lodge
Steeped in culture and history, Zanzibar enticed adventurers, seafarers and traders from far and wide. Known as the spice island, from the centuries old trade of cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon, today the Zanzibar Archipelago is still bathed in the heady scents of spices and traditional dhows still drift across the horizon. A romantic hideaway, Mnemba Island is an exclusive paradise featuring twelve rustically chic beachside…
Il San Pietro Di Positano
The San Pietro di Positano is more than a hotel. It is a journey within a journey, where memories are created and never forgotten. A haven of peace, immersed in nature, this elegant home harmonises old-world traditions of hospitality with contemporary, understated luxury. Escape to this small slice of paradise suspended between the sea and sky. Carved into the cliff overlooking the mediterranean Sea, our rooms are a…
Piccolo Hotel Portofino
Hotel Piccolo Portofino, surrounded by the typical luxuriant vegetation of the Liguria Riviera, among the crystal clear water of Portofino and the blue sky, is a piece of art of the reception, unique of its kind. A hidden jewel, that has to be searched end discovered. Obtained from a refined period villa, today it is a boutique hotel, and from its generous terraces, a breathtaking view onto this exclusive stretch of coast…
Casa Casuarina Miami
Casa Casuarina was built in 1930 by Alden Freeman. Alden Freeman’s father, Joel Freeman was Treasurer of The Standard Oil Trust (also known as Rockefeller’s Company) and left Alden a fabulous wealth when he passed away. That gave the young and wealthy Alden the opportunity to retire at the age of 27 from being an architect and travel all over the world. Alden was also a descendent of the Mayflower on his mother’s side…
Palais Amani is a family-run, 18-room property, housed in the former home of one of Fez’s most prominent families. We pride ourselves on being the local choice: we work exclusively with local staff, ingredients and products so that we can give back to the community of Fez.
About us
Hi! We are Jemima Mann-Baha and Abdel Ali Baha owners of the Palais Amani.
Fourteen years ago we bought the former home of one of Fez’s most prominent families, which had laid abandoned and deteriorating in the heart of the Medina for over a quarter of a century.
Four years of renovation restored the property into its old splendour and revealed many stories about family, heritage and legacy. We love stories. My husband Abdel Ali was born in Fez and raised in France, grew up on stories of his country of origin.
These stories fuelled his desire to return home. Writing is what makes me tick. Together we wanted to create a place where people can discover amazing stories for themselves.
As experienced restaurateurs and passionate hosts, we decided to open a hotel that would lift the lid on the Moroccan way of life like no other property in Fez had done before. Palais Amani has a rich history, apparent across the architecture of the property: from the Iraqi stained glass windows to the Moroccan tiling.
It colours everything we offer: the ingredients at the Eden Restaurant and rooftop bar; the rituals and products we use at the Hammam; our storytelling evenings, courses in calligraphy and wine tasting.
At our Fez Cooking School, you can learn all about Moroccan and Sephardic cuisine that you can recreate back at home. We are now an 18-room, 50-staff, family-run property and pride ourselves on being the local choice.
We are passionate about preserving the city’s heritage and giving back to the community: We look forward to welcoming and sharing stories with you in Fez soon.
Mission Statement
We believe that travel is more than discovering new places it’s unearthing the stories that inspire us to live a little more compassionately, healthily and to listen to our inner spirit. We help you do that by opening the door to a world that will restore, enrich and amaze you.
EMPLOY LOCAL
In the 10 years we have been open, we pride ourselves on our local staff increase from 16 original members to the 50 we are today. All fully declared, we estimate their salaries alone maintain a local community of 500. Since starting work with us, 15 members have been able to buy their own homes.
BUY LOCAL
We source local or national products wherever possible, to reduce the carbon footprint to a minimum for our supplies. In the last ten years we have contributed over 1 million Euros to the local community in buying local.
RECYCLE & GIVE BACK
Our tired bed linen is reused for making shopping bags, hand towels reused as cloths and cleaning supplies. NO to single use plastic : Our pledge for this anniversary year, is to work on all possible ways to eliminate single use plastic.
- 2020 will see the arrival of a new water filtration system as part of our pledge to eliminate single use plastic from Palais Amani by the end of the year
Sustainable drinking bottles for water instead of plastic bottles - Packed lunch packaging is biodegradable
- Glass lidded plates to display biscuits
- Recycled bottle amenity dispensers installed
- « Give back » bags left in rooms should you wish to lighten your luggage load, any unwanted clothes and shoes are given to local charities.
We support a number of local charities installing water, supplying education and working on the replanting of trees. We have set up our own fund that allows our team to share the magic of travel, by funding their discovery of the world.
AMANI SUSTAINABILITY
The Hummingbird Way.
During a major fire in the Amazon forest, all the animals were terrified, the hummingbird flew incessantly from lake to forest, each time carrying a few drops of water in her beak.
The armadillo, watching her activity, shouted angrily, what do you think you are doing ? Do you really think you are going to put out the fire with your tiny contribution ? And without stopping, the hummingbird, called back, I am just doing my part.
This is very much the attitude we hold at the Palais Amani. Choosing not to use a plastic bag may not change the world, but where we can, we attempt to put our best self forward and to do our part.
ROOMS & SUITES
Eighteen rooms and suites set around majestic gardens, a gastronomic restaurant, two licensed bars, a full luxury hammam and massage facilities, and home to the renown Fez Cooking School, Palais Amani is the natural choice for an authentic experience in the best of all things Moroccan.
THE GRAND SUITE
This splendid room covers the whole 100 m2 of the south wing. Salon, his and hers dressing rooms, spectacular bathroom and breath taking views onto the gardens and the hills beyond.
All our rooms are equipped with a central air conditioning system that cool down the rooms in the summer or heats them in the winter.
The Misriah Apartments
Covering two floors and a total of 87m2 these apartments can be booked for up to 4 adults and two children under 12. Only rooms to have views onto the street below and can be booked by combining an exceptional suite and junior suite category. Please ask for the apartments on your booking.
GASTRONOMY
Eden at Palais Amani
Fez, spiritual capital of Morocco, is also the birthplace to the most refined and diverse cuisine. So, where better to venture than to the source itself for to discover Morocco through its food?
Dine in our hidden paradise under the mature citrus trees by the fountain, or in our exquisite dining room for an unforgettable culinary adventure.
Wine tasting at Eden
Morocco produces a number of excellent wines, the variety and depth of which are surprising. So as part of your gastronomic experience during your stay in Fez, why not book a wine tasting dinner.
A 5-course menu will be specifically designed by our chefs to match a flight of the finest Moroccan wines. And a wine specialist will talk you through the complexities of the wines being tasted for a complete gastronomic experience during your meal. 150€ per person.
FEZ COOKING SCHOOL
Lift the lid of an earthenware tagine and get under the surface of this fascinating country, by plunging into the souks with our chef as a guide and taste some of the simple delicacies that are on our doorstep.
Experience a hand on workshop in a meticulously restored palace in the medina, and round off the experience with lunch or dinner in the gardens enjoying the food you have created. This is a journey with a difference, a cultural exchange that goes well beyond the list of ingredients or a visit to the tourist sights.
Fez Cooking School at Palais Amani offers tailor made experiences in a unique setting. As well as our residential cooking package, we organise team building events with many lessons or challenges to choose from for your perfect incentive programme.
Fez Cooking School Private Workshop with Souk visit
In this private cooking workshop a dedicated space is set aside for you to experience the tailor made workshop. We will send you a selection of dishes for you to choose from.
You will start the workshop by going out on a shopping/tasting tour in the souks of the ancient city with our team. Then back to the Palais Amani for your workshop. You round your experience off with a relaxing lunch or dinner to taste what you have just cooked.
Traditional Hammam
Our luxurious hammam complete with separate exfoliation room, showers and relaxation area allow you to benefit fully from this tradition. Our assistants will introduce you to the ritual of purification, and for those who are adept, they will make sure that your visit leaves you relaxed both in body and spirit.
Please note that during ramadan, the last spa treatment finishes at 18h15 to allow our team members the time to break their fast: the spa reopens from 20h15 to 22h. The Bains Amani is open to both residents and non-residents : Booking Essential.
Royal Hammam
Our royal hammam begins with a hand and footbath, then hand and foot scrub using natural rose water and bran scrub.
After a hair mask using white clay ghassoul (optional) you will be accompanied into the hot room for a black soap application and vigorous body scrub. A body mask and wrap is then followed by a gentle shampoo and body rinse. Happy hour between 10h and 14h.
Hammam and Massage
Step into the magical world of our traditional hammam for a complete voyage to the world of sensations. Our massages take place in one of the massage rooms overlooking the garden, but a tented pergola on the roof terrace is a unique site for guests to enjoy massage during the spring and autumn months.
Amani unwind allows you to enjoy a traditional hammam with body scrub followed by a relaxing massage in the massage room or on the rooftop for a complete moment of spiritual purification. Happy hour between 10h and 14h.
Yoga
Yoga at the Palais Amani is your safe space to cultivate mindfulness and learn to unite harmoniously in daily life: Drop in morning classes by the great log fire in winter and on the rooftop at sunrise in the warmer months for a perfect way to start the day. Private classes also available.
Hiking
The Zalagh hillside range sits above Fez’s medina. In Berber, Zalagh, means male kid goat and a hike along the backbone of this massive beast of a hillside gives you a taste of the Berber way of life at less than 30 minutes from the urban labyrinth below.
Leaving the Oued Zhoune car park the road winds steeply up from the medina and in 5 minutes you are already in countryside driving up through olive ancient groves. Turn the corner and you are plunged into Berber countryside.
Your chauffeur takes a dirt track and for 15 to 20 minutes you can take in the scenery dotted with vernacular farmsteads. The population lives in almost complete self-sufficiency, using mules to farm, cooking with firewood and collecting their water from the local well.
A passing shepherd waves as you drive by and as far as the eye can see the Rif mountain scenery stretches out to the end of time. On the shorted hiking option, reaching Zalagh’s summit and onwards to the peak of the range is easy enough for all and takes no more than an hour and a half, even at a leisurely pace.
The elevation provides the ideal temperature for an escape from the heat and the walk along the top of the ridge offers you stunning views of the entire ancient city, the Sebou Valley, Rif Mountains and Sais Plains.
Your guide will bring you back to the perfect spot for a picnic and you will dine in the shade of the pine trees before walking back down to the car. Despite its proximity to the city, it is never crowded, much to the delight of mountain bikers and hikers alike.
Calligraphy
A Discovery Of Ancient Arabic. With the luxury riad setting, try a two hour personalised initiation to this fascinating art with one of the most renowned calligraphers in Fez.
Henna parties
A Two-Hour Henna Party. A two-hour henna party. Learn about the cultural meaning of henna and experience the beauty of traditional Henna skin art.
