Pulling into the courtyard of La Palmeraie guests are immediately immersed in Moroccan influence, as the pleasingly authentic architecture Club Med’s warm and attentive G.Os (friendly organisers) welcome you and show you to your accommodation. Whether that is one of the Exclusive Suites that are ideally suited to couples and solo travellers, or one of the Deluxe or Superior Suites that are more apt for family vacations with their separate children’s bedrooms.
As my guide and I walked along the pristine pathways to my suite, she pointed out the shallow pools, huge waving palm trees, fountains, and Berber inspired architecture that is reminiscent of traditional Morocco. In the design of this space there is a clear and concerted effort to stay true to the wider locale beyond the gates of the resort yet provide an oasis of calm just minutes away from the hectic city nearby.
One of the most noticeable things about the G.Os, G.Es and other staff that work at La Palmerie is that there is a genuine combined effort to ensure that guests feel comfortable and welcome throughout their stay. Everyone from the army of housekeepers that keep the suites noticeably spotless, to the security personnel who will pass you with a friendly ‘Bonjour’ or ‘Bonsoir’. The resort is brimming with French influence, not only from Club Med as a French company, but also from Morocco as a former member of the French Protectorate. As a result, you will sometimes find the language barrier, but there is always someone close by that does speak English and it’s quite effortless to get by otherwise. In return for these rare moments of linguistic challenge you get plenty of wonderful food, wine and joie de vivre.
Accommodation
I was able to see all the various suites available during my stay, all of which are decorated and maintained to a high standard, again with Moroccan influences on the inside and with air con, tv, Wi-Fi, and lots of other amenities you would expect – and everything guests should ever need. Rooms are accessed by a fob that is worn as a bracelet, which saves fumbling around with keys or keycards at the end of the night.
This along with the MyClubMed app, which helps you discover and organise activities during your stay, highlights the technological direction of travel for this resort and how no stone is left unturned when it comes to making your stay as smooth as possible.
Dining
As an upmarket all-inclusive resort, one of the most important aspects of your stay will be dining, and La Palmeraie does not disappoint. Every day an army of chefs prepare a huge range of cuisines in the main restaurant, which is set out in a food hall style, with set and rotating stations that provide incredible variety. In the centre of the room, you will find tagines filled with delicate stewed meats and vegetables, flanked by separate kitchens for seafood, roasted meats, and pizzas. Inbetween these kitchens you’ll find salads, fresh bread and fruits, along with any other sides you could think of. When the evening begins, you will see the head chef at the entrance of the restaurant with the days dishes on display as he explains them, although you are more than welcome to find your own way.
Alongside the main restaurant, there is also El Kabir, which is a more traditional Moroccan offering, and during dinner every night serves a tasting menu of authentic tagines, soups, seafood and pastries.
During dinner service, guests are treated to easy listening live bands, acrobatic displays, and as the sun goes down and the paces livens up, the Club Med spirit comes out. The evening entertainment provided some of the most memorable moments of the trip and is an energetic and visually stunning experience that stayed with me long after my trip ended. And for those who want to dance the night away, there is a rooftop bar with a busy dancefloor to get lost in and a welcome mix of music styles.
Amenities
During the days, guests can lounge by one of the resort’s five pools, where there are ample sunbeds and shady spots where you can relax your way. I would highly recommend a trip to the Cinq Mondes Spa onsite, which offers a range of Japanese, Balinese, Indian and Moroccan treatments. The spa also has a Moorish hammam and is a peaceful, revivifying sauna that leaves you feeling renewed and refreshed.
If you’re planning a day full of activities there is a wealth, including Archery, Tennis, Camel Rides, Volleyball, Trapeze workshops, all with friendly G.O.s to help out, referee, and if you find yourself short a doubles partner or a full volleyball team, they are quite impressive at finding someone to join in.
La Palmeraie has just finished a programme of renovation and have recently opened a new Family Oasis space with private swimming pools, a separate bar and XXL rooms for the whole family. During my trip I was able to attend a presentation from Henri Giscard D’Estaing – President of Club Med and hear about the future growth plans for this prestigious French travel operator.
This special press event was in celebration of the brand’s move upmarket, and the launch of the next step in ambitious future plans – to become the most desirable holiday lifestyle brand. Their attention to detail with not only guests, but also their local footprint, ecological considerations and social responsibilities is a testament to the work that has been done already, and also a good indication that Club Med will not rest on their laurels, but constantly strive to incorporate more innovation, style, and luxury into their delivery.
