Nestled between the slopes of the Atlas Mountains, with the red sands of the Sahara Desert behind them, and the shores of the Atlantic Ocean ahead, lies Morocco’s tourism capital—Marrakech. As you wander through the ancient streets of its old city, past the red-walled houses (earning it the nickname “The Red City”), the historic mosques, and secluded palaces, and arrive at the bustling squares and markets—alive with boisterous vendors, enigmatic snake charmers, the vibrant colors of authentic Berber rugs and fabrics, and the rich hues and aromas of spices—you might feel as though characters from the tales of One Thousand and One Nights are about to spring to life (we’ll overlook the fact that those tales were set in the Mashriq, while we are now in the Maghreb).
Approaching its thousandth year, the city of Marrakech is divided, as expected, into the “new” city and the old city, the latter recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with its beating heart—Jemaa el-Fnaa square, which has received special recognition as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage.” This square transforms throughout the day, and one visit at a certain hour will be entirely different from the experience at another.
Recently, Marrakech has enjoyed unprecedented investment in tourism by King Mohammed VI, with new hotels and more Western-style entertainment venues opening their doors at a rapid pace. Here are three recommended spots for an enjoyable cigar experience. At all three, you’re welcome to bring your own cigar, as long as you pair it with something purchased on-site, as is customary.
Rue Abou El Abbas Sebti, Marrakech
Cigar Bar – Royal Mansour
Within the ancient city, the “Medina,” just a short walk from Jemaa el-Fnaa square, lies a breathtaking 12-acre oasis: the Royal Mansour Marrakech. This hotel encapsulates the very best Morocco has to offer, presenting Oriental beauty in the most grandiose and luxurious manner. Instead of rooms, you’ll find “Riads” here—traditional Moroccan houses built around private gardens—with views that extend to the peaks of the Atlas Mountains. The hotel’s design also incorporates Andalusian elements from Spain, such as the pool area, crafted by Spanish architect Luis Vallejo. The hotel’s spa is a magical journey in itself, and skipping it would be a missed opportunity.
The culinary side of Royal Mansour is equally rich and diverse, helmed by two decorated chefs—Massimiliano Alajmo, an Italian chef from Padua, who became the youngest chef to earn three Michelin stars at the age of 28, and French chef Yannick Alléno, who has amassed six Michelin stars throughout his career.
The hotel offers several lounges where you can enjoy some quiet time in a serene atmosphere, relaxing in plush leather armchairs by a library or a piano bar. Of course, there’s also a cigar lounge, located on the first floor of the hotel’s main building. A meticulously designed humidor made of wood, glass, and mother-of-pearl houses cigars from leading brands, mostly Cuban. To accompany your cigar, you can choose from an extensive selection of whiskey and rum, but don’t overlook the Moroccan wine—worth trying to satisfy your curiosity in a place that takes pride in preserving the quality of its offerings and ensuring they are served perfectly.
Cigar Bar
Royal Mansour Hotel
Rue Abou El Abbas Sebti, Marrakech
+212) (0) 529 80 82 82
Angle Avenue Mohammed VI and Avenue Hassan II, Marrakech
Havanitta Wine & Cigar Lounge
The Hivernage district, located to the west of the old city, is a modern area known for its vibrant nightlife and variety of entertainment options—luxury restaurants with live music, hotel nightclubs, cocktail bars, and even a casino.
At the northern end of Hivernage, opposite the Royal Theatre and within walking distance of a major convention center, stands the Opera Plaza Hotel. This four-star hotel is built and designed in the Moorish style. Here, you’ll find the Havanitta Wine & Cigar Lounge, which offers two distinct spaces—the bar and a private room, both perfect for unwinding. The spacious bar area provides a more relaxed atmosphere, closer to that of a sports bar than a traditional lounge. Here, you can choose a cigar from a curated selection of brands, paired with a variety of wines, most of which are local. The recommended choices include wines made from Cinsault (the region’s primary grape variety), Carignan, and Grenache.
In contrast, the private room features eight leather armchairs and sofas, creating a more focused environment dedicated to the culture of cigars and the full enjoyment of them.
Havanitta Wine & Cigar Lounge
Opera Plaza Hotel
Angle Avenue Mohammed VI and Avenue Hassan II, Marrakech
+212) (0) 5 24 35 15 15
Le Palace
A night out in the Hivernage district, which seems almost entirely dedicated to nightlife, can both begin and end at Le Palace. Undoubtedly, this is one of the must-visit spots in Marrakech’s nightlife scene, with a reputation that extends far beyond Morocco. The iconic singer Madonna can attest to this, having chosen Le Palace and its team to be part of her 60th birthday celebrations a little over two years ago.
Le Palace defies easy categorization; on the one hand, it’s a restaurant, primarily serving French cuisine, though not exclusively, with dishes that have earned high praise. On the other hand, as night falls, two more dimensions of the venue come alive: a vibrant champagne bar with DJ performances and a cigar lounge. While the lounge isn’t isolated from the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the venue, it stands apart with its regal, aristocratic design—featuring red velvet armchairs and wooden embellishments. Additionally, guests can enjoy a cigar and meal on the outdoor terrace, which offers a quieter ambiance. The selection of drinks at Le Palace rivals that of a prestigious Parisian bar.
Le Palace
Avenue Echouhada, Marrakech
(+212) (0) 5 24 45 89 02
http://www.finestclubs.com/clubs/africa/morocco/marrakech/le-palace
