This April, the Global Partnership travelled to Morocco for British Polo Day’s spectacular four-day event.
Travelling with Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) was an absolute delight. After arriving at Morocco’s imperial city of Marrakech airport on Thursday April 23, an A&K representative greeted us as we stepped foot through the arrivals gate. We were then swiftly ushered into the fast-track lane, past a very long queue of hot and agitated travellers, and whisked through security to collect our bags. Shortly afterwards we were shown to our car and started on our journey into the magical city of Marrakech.
We arrived at our hotel, Riad el Fenn and were shown our rooms, before exploring our new home for the next three days. The hotel was an oasis of calm in the centre of one of Africa’s most exotic cities. With tree-filled courtyards ringing with bird song, two swimming pools, a most fantastic roof terrace with a stunning view of the tower in Djemaa el-Fna square, and a family of tortoises, we knew that this would be a perfect spot to relax and enjoy after the weekend of events.
Marrakech delights
That evening was the British Polo Day launch party at the exquisite Royal Mansour Hotel, Marrakech – just a few minutes’ walk from our hotel. An elegant harmony of sumptuous materials, traditional architecture and towering palms gave the hotel a magical authenticity – a perfect place to celebrate the start of the weekend’s events.
On Friday we had breakfast on the roof terrace under traditional Berber tents, before embarking on our first adventure into the heart of the city. Accompanied by a wonderfully friendly and experienced local guide organised by A&K, we were taken on a private and personally tailored tour of Marrakech. Setting off from our hotel on foot, we meandered through the ancient streets listening to old tales of the local area and the history of the streets. We visited the Medersa Ben Youssef, an ancient Islamic college built in 1570, before heading through the bustling souks, and into Djemaa el-Fna square itself with snake charmers, monkeys and henna artists.
After taking in the sights of the square we headed to the enchanting Jardin Majorelle, also known as the Yves Saint Laurent gardens, to have lunch and some well needed relaxation. We wandered through shady paths amongst trees and exotic plants, ponds and fountains, framed by the striking blue and yellow walls and plant pots. On the way home we visited the Bahia
Palace with beautiful floor-to-ceiling decoration and flowering courtyards.
That evening was the Medina party at our hotel, Riad el Fenn, by kind permission of Vanessa Branson. It was a wonderfully enjoyable evening with the pools and courtyards lit by candlelight, delicious food and fabulous company.
Exhilarating polo
Saturday was the day of the polo. At midday we were picked up from our hotel and taken to the exclusive Jnan Amar Polo Club for the benefit of the Eve Branson Foundation – under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco, and the auspices of the Royal Moroccan Polo Federation. Arriving on the stunning red Berber carpets, we had time to take in the backdrop of the majestic Atlas Mountains before enjoying a highly-entertaining opening game of Brompton bicycle polo – a perfectly quintessentially British backdrop to the Harrods garden and Taittinger champagne reception, before making our way to the beautiful stretch of traditional Berber tents overlooking the polo field below. The Royal Salute Eve Branson Commonwealth Team then took on the home side Jnan Amar Rest of the World for a spectacular match with some very fine play from both sides, until the Eve Branson Commonwealth team went on to win the match seven-and-a-half goals to four for the Jnan Amar Cup.
After a scrumptious afternoon tea, the Hackett British Army took to the field aside the Moroccan Royal Guard for the Land Rover Trophy which resulted in a two-all draw and was a very enjoyable game to watch.
Charitable aims
The day closed with the prize giving at one of the new showcase villas of the Ritz-Carlton Private Residences. Sir Richard and Eve Branson presented the Jnan Amar Cup, whilst the US Ambassador to Morocco, Dwight L. Bush Sr presented the Land Rover Trophy.
That evening was the greatly anticipated gala dinner, charity auction and fashion show at Marrakech’s historic La Mamounia. After arriving to a Royal Salute Scotch Whisky and Taittinger Champagne reception, we took our seats in the magically-lit outdoor ballroom for a three-course dinner. The charity auction took off after dinner, raising money for the Eve Branson Foundation supporting Berber female education and employment, as well as healthcare initiatives in remote Berber villages. Money was also raised for Jnan Amar’s children’s charity Ninos. It was a huge success and raised over a record $175,000.
Sir Richard personally invited the top charity auction lot winners to a private philanthropist’s lunch and tennis match at his spectacular Moroccan retreat, Kasbah Tamadot, whilst the other British Polo Day guests had the option to attend lunch at The Capaldi Hotel overlooking the Atlas Mountains.
British Polo Day Morocco prize giving
On Sunday, we headed to Kasbah Tamadot ourselves for a few days of pampering and relaxation after the very busy but enjoyable polo day events. These days spent in Marrakech for the British Polo Day in Morocco were sensational, and most definitely unforgettable.
