MARRAKECH (May 26, 2011) - Following the successful opening of Taj Cape Town in 2010, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces has established its presence in North Africa by entering into a management contract with JK Hotels, a private Moroccan company, to operate Taj Palace Marrakech.  The hotel is set to launch in autumn 2011, increasing Taj’s international portfolio to 17 hotels.
 
With 161 guestrooms, including 25 Grand Suites and one Royal Suite, the majestic palace hotel will offer unsurpassed luxury, including panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains and palm gardens of the lush Palmeraie district.
 
American artist and designer Stuart Church, a renowned “Orientalist,” ensured that the interiors and architectural design reflect exquisite attention to detail and splendor of local artistry. The rooms take on a diverse style, drawing inspiration from the noble Berber Kasbahs of Morocco, the splendor of Ottoman architecture, exotic Oriental influences and the richness of Indian pageantry.  
 
Taj Palace Marrakech will feature several elegantly designed restaurants and bars serving a range of cuisine from Moroccan specialties to the finest flavors of Mediterranean and Asian cuisine. The hotel will also be home to a 40.000-square-feet Jiva Grande Spa, with 14 treatment rooms for Ayurveda and other India and African-inspired treatments, two large hammams and a state-of-the-art fitness center with Technogym equipment.
 
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Raymond N. Bickson, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, The Indian Hotels Company Limited, said: “Taj Palace Marrakech is our latest venture into the African continent and is in sync with our strategy to continue our vision of growth in key international destinations. The hotel will fit perfectly in our portfolio with its meticulously crafted and vivid blend of Moroccan, Indian and Asian themes. Marrakech is rich in culture and tradition and is increasingly becoming a most desired leisure destination.”
 
On the partnership with Taj, Mr. Jaouad Kadiri, owner of JK Hotels, said, “Taj Hotels’ is a legendary chain and we are delighted with this association. Under the Taj management, our guests will experience the most exacting standards of world class hospitality. We look forward to a mutually rewarding relationship.”
 
Part Arab and part African, Marrakech is the heartbeat of Morocco, where palaces and monuments of unrivalled refinement sit calmly alongside Gnaoua drums pulsing constantly from the Jemaah el Fna Square–the most exuberant marketplace in the world. Ideally located at the foothills of the majestic Atlas Mountains, one can explore the quaint Moroccan villages, different cultures and the picturesque valleys. Marrakech is easily accessible from all major international locations and Taj Palace Marrakech is located just 30 minutes from the international airport.
 
About Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces
Established in 1903, Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces is one of Asia's largest and finest group of hotels, comprising 92 hotels in 53 locations across India with an additional 17 international hotels in the Maldives, Malaysia, Australia, UK, USA, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East.  From world-renowned landmarks to modern business hotels, idyllic beach resorts to authentic Grand Palaces, each Taj hotel offers an unrivalled fusion of warm Indian hospitality, world-class service and modern luxury.  For over a century, The Taj Mahal Palace, the iconic flagship has set a benchmark for fine living with exquisite refinement, inventiveness and warmth.  Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces is part of the Tata Group, India's premier business house. www.tajhotels.com