Since its founding in the mid-11th century, the Moroccan city of Marrakesh has enticed the world with its intoxicating lifestyle. Where else can one lounge in hammams, sip tea on a riad rooftop and (literally) lose oneself in bustling souks and bazaars? The ocher-and-rose-hued North African city is nothing short of magical, energetic and colorful.
The magic continues at Peacock Pavilions, a boutique hotel built in 2009 by writer Maryam Montague and her architect husband Chris, located 30 minutes outside of the bustling center of the city. Montague, who has lived in Morocco since 2009, is the author of Marrakesh by Design and her blog My Marrakesh. Her talents are grand. She not only is a genius hostess—having entertained everyone from friends to designers and heads of states—but also a humanitarian. Since 2014, the American couple has operated Project Soar, a nonprofit organization dedicated to weekly arts education, and sports and fitness activities for young girls, ages 8 to14, from a neighboring village.
Peacock Pavilions is situated amid an expansive olive grove, with views of open skies and the Atlas Mountains. Inside, the hotel is decorated with globally acquired objects from Montague’s travels to some of the most rugged terrains. The interiors are as 
unique and stylish as she is, embodying her signature tribal, bohemian esthetic. The hotel’s open-plan salons and spacious living quarters are ideal for exotic soirées. Although any of the hotel’s grand rooms and terraces could host festive events, the grand dame is the Arabian dining tent, designed by Montague. The interior of this exquisite tent is meticulously stenciled with native motifs, its floor is covered in lush, overlaid carpet and the table is adorned with handmade, tie-dyed tablecloths and vintage golden flatware.
Montague is an accomplished farm-to-table chef. Being invited to one of her foodie soirées is a privilege. Our evening begins with a cocktail hour in the main building where teacup portions of parsnip soup are served with Peacock Pavilions prohibition tea cocktail. Then we are escorted into the tent for dinner and are treated to lamb tagine, apple tart with cinnamon whipped cream, Moroccan mint tea, of course, and plenty of bottles of earthy Moroccan red wine. After the eating winds down, conversation picks up as we happily linger in the tent. The evening is a testament to Montague’s enchanting personality and exceptional hostess skills.
Click on the dishes below for recipes:
Peacock Pavilions Prohibition Tea
