Ksar Anika Boutique Hotel & Spa, Marrakech

Nestled in the historic Mellah of Marrakesh we are a haven of tranquillity, service and guidance.Our central location, in the Mellah, is perfect for sightseeing, walking, bargaining in the souks and finding the best of Moroccan food. The Mellah is the Jewish quarter. It was created by decree in 1558 by Sultan Abdallah al-Ghalib and is just outside the walls of the El Badi Palace. Near the tranquil Miaara Jewish Cemetery and close to the Lazama Synagogue, minutes from the lively Mellah fruit and vegetable market and the Bab Mellah spice souk it is the perfect base for setting out on adventures. Owned for many years by a Jewish merchant, with a big family, it was also used as a carpet emporium ¿ a place for local women to learn and make the carpets - but also to help them sell them so as to earn badly needed money for their families. Eventually it was abandoned when the Jewish family emigrated from Morocco. The building deteriorated and became derelict until twenty years ago when a curious English man, wandering the streets of the Mellah, saw it, became inspired and set about bringing it back it its former glory.With a very cool swimming pool as its centre piece the Ksar (castle) is quiet, peaceful and welcoming. Just 18 large rooms with lots of comfortable outdoor and indoor spaces - for spreading out and relaxing, it feels like you have been transported to a long ago forgotten time. A rich and vibrant history of craftsmen working, restoring, and finally modernising gives the building a feeling of strength and endurance. Enjoy a hammam (oldest bathing ritual in the world) and a massage and be transported from earth to paradise. The smells, the traditions, being part of something done for centuries is therapeutic and so, so relaxing. Centrally located with transport and taxis right at our doorstep, a dramatic history, quiet, peaceful and charming we welcome you to our place with grace, humility and Moroccan hospitality.