AmanJena

It has been 20 years since we first set foot in Marrakech . Back then , there were only 2 luxury hotels  . AmanJena and La La Mamounia - rather large with room count it seemed compared to Jena but with lovely Moroccan architecture and grounds .

It was a bittersweet return .
Did not stay as it was a busy weekend - long weekend every where in Europe & region !

Was there for a splendid joyous birthday celebration with AMANJunkies and newbies ;)

This will be an AMANJunkies FTers team effort as some photos will likely be contributions from 2 others .. after air dropping , it gets rather confusing too ;)

After our sumptuous lunch , with some interludes , some of us viewed possibly 2 types of maisons . It was during a thankfully short lived heatwave so things might be a bit hazy coupled with jet lag 

After about an half hour drive from FS , we were pleased to note that though there were some developments enroute , the surrounding scenery remained about the same . But now with MORAK in the vicinity too ! :)

We were welcomed by the Regional Director for Africa and Europe & concurrently GM AmanJena , Sven vd B & team .

We were greeted by the Moroccan man who prepared and proffered the Moroccan mint tea ( which was declined by yours truly ) and some much appreciated tidbits .

The welcome Moroccan mint tea and other welcome offerings with Central bassin beyond the little garden area with seating at cafe tables 

The Central  bassin is always a welcome sight 

Cools the surroundings during heatwaves , mists over at times and exudes a romantic atmosphere or glimmers during the night reflecting the stars or lights from the Moroccan lamps 

For our private celebration lunch , arrangements were finally settled prior to arrival in Marrakech or so we thought , but rather when we were already in FS Marrakech .

More on this later .

Anyway , we were relieved we were able to dine in air conditioned comfort as Morocco was experiencing an unusual heat wave & in Marrakech coupled with intermittent drizzle !

We were in ' Nama ' the Japanese restaurant which is closed during lunch anyway . Only appropriate as lunch was Japanese ;)

Some of what we enjoyed is below .. along with the menu 

Almost without hiccups , which one did not expect some decades ago , but these days seem inevitable at AMANs . The rice for the sushi was probably not the usual used but with logistical issues these days , perhaps the shipment was stuck somewhere . 

It was a really delicious chocolate birthday cake !

Wow , they are still serenading us after 20 years , just a bit older now !

What stamina , very impressed as they entertained us almost non stop for about 4 hours ..

One can catch a glimpse of the main pool area behind the glass doors beyond the hedge .

While 20 years ago , it was a row of individual unique " shops " which was like walking in a mini souk that was fun & interesting - well , it is no more .
 

However , it is still somewhat worthy of browsing the single elongagated space with some artisanal craft by locals which thankfully makes it a bit of an exciting past time .
.. These days one is also faced with rather un Aman products , AMANJunkies ( especially those who stayed at AMANs like 30 perhaps 20 years ago ) will understand .

Nevertheless , we managed to make some purchases and are enjoying them .

What made the forays in between courses memorable was being served by one who was there during our stay 20 years ago .

The small area with local items from Marrakech & region

Some of us had a walk after lunch ( we needed to after the copious amount we enjoyed ) to view a couple of Pavilions and Maisons . Think a couple of maisons this time as occupancy was indeed running almost 100 % .

Besides the Al Hamra Maison , we possibly went by / peeked in a Pavilion Piscine , these too feature Berber carpets , zellij / zelige tiles floors and soaring mirrors so as to create a classic Moroccan feel .  

We did not view the Maison Jardin this visit though 20 years ago , though we did use one & viewed probably all the various types of Pavilions and Maisons ;)

Intricate carvings to the solid front door 

Part of an expansive living area

The pool

Lovelt marble bathtub surrounds

Lounging area in a bedroom by the fireplace 

A dining room 

Cooling channels outside , this was throughout the property partiwhere Pavilions and Maisons were located 

We can say that some team members tried their best & were genuinely welcoming .
20 years ago they may not have been so " fine tuned " or culturally exposed to the characters of international travellers but they were caring and were conscientious in meeting the needs of guests .
Critically , they understood AMAN ' s ethos .

Some senior management now are more concerned about easing their work rather than being true to the AMAN ethos " original " AMANJunkies are accustomed too .
Like an elephant , albeit a baby , in Puri is no issue while in Jena, probably having a camel on site these days would likely be too much of an effort . If a mister cannot be procured during the anticipated heatwave for an al fresco meal , what can one say ? - even to suggest one outdoors !!?

We should have to be the ones insisting on having our celebration indoors and to be given the lame reason that it is because there will be no drinks available and as the bar is closed ?! ..

Iced water during the heatwave is too difficult ?
Who said anything about " drinks " .. so Jena does not offer fruit juices & such .. but ( they did ) manage mint tea on arrival ?

There is some misconnect somewhere . 
We shall see what happens when a few return in August for a stay .

if FS Marrakech could install an extra airconditioner , what is the issue procuring a mister with months of notice ?

Besides if remote Wana installed extra ACs years ago when they realised what they had was not sufficient during our stay , do not see how Jena can be so backward !!

We know that many dedicated staff have left ( we met them at other amazing hotels we visited ) which reflects poorly on current management directives .
Being in the industry before & in our current role , we are indeed saddened by the turn taken , not only at Jena but seemingly at all AMANs . Feel bad for the GMs & their teams .