MAGICAL MARRAKECH

New development Jnan Amar Polo Resort shows us how to plan the perfect family holiday for the polo aficionado

Words FLORENCIA CAVALIERI

When we speak about polo, one immediately pictures the perfect English countryside setting. However, the growth of the sport now sees the game played in some very exotic places around the world. Jnan Amar Polo Resort in Marrakech has become the new polo hot-spot destination.

Only a three and a half hour flight separates London from this glamorous polo haven. Jnan Amar Polo resort is an idyllic oasis of over 120 acres, located just 20 minutes from the centre of Marrakech. The club has the most stunning views and beautifully landscaped gardens, and is perfectly set so that the Atlas Mountains look as if they were its personal backdrop.

Founded by polo patron Amar Abdelhadi, the Jnan Amar Polo Resort was created with the vision of establishing the sport of Kings in Marrakech. With the increase of luxury hotels, such as King Mohammed VI’s own Royal Mansour, the arrival of polo to the city’s social life was the obvious path to follow.

The impeccably manicured polo fields have been designed in partnership with Sotogrande’s Santa Maria Polo Club, enabling the resort to host world-class polo competitions. Surrounding the polo fields, there will be a Ritz-Carlton hotel, 85 RitzCarlton branded luxury residences and a members' Polo Clubhouse.

Polo’s unique lifestyle together with Jnan Amar’s beautiful landscapes and the historic surroundings of Marrakech are an explosive combination hard to resist for the polo aficionado eager to continue playing after the European polo season finishes.

A lot has happened since Amar

Abdelhadi had his first vision of the future for this land. Since the club’s foundation, the Jnan Amar Polo Resort has been host to the most exciting international polo events such as the British Polo Day and has sponsored events such as Prince William's Tusk Foundation. Its polo team has won international competitions such as the St Tropez Cup and it has welcomed teams of the caliber of the Moroccan Royal Guard, and His Majesty King Mohammed VI.

Another aspect that makes Jnan Amar Polo Resort such a distinctive destination is the very strong charitable ethos under which it is run. When, in 2013, Eve Branson contacted Amar Abdelhadi asking for support for her foundation, it meant the beginning of a very strong partnership. Since 2005 the Eve Branson Foundation has been supporting education, employment and healthcare initiatives in the rural villages of the High Atlas Mountains. The Eve Branson Foundation partnership with the resort has been able to raise over £150,000 to contribute towards this purpose.

This strong commitment to the community has led Jnan Amar Polo Resort to start its own programme: The Niños. The Niños consists of complete polo training for children from under-privileged backgrounds of the Berber villages with the aim of becoming professional polo players, o ering them the opportunity of a di erent future. Although it is not a formal charity yet, the club is currently helping six Niños and is looking to expand the programme next season, once its 30 new horses arrive from Argentina. If you are thinking of booking your next holiday or polo match at Jnan Amar Polo Resort, then please also consider this. The club is now working on developing the Angel’s Program, which means that for each new member, the club will get a spot for another Niño, meaning that with your membership you can become an active part of this amazing project.

With the Moroccan Polo Open being an established tournament in the calendar, Jnan Amar Polo Resort is getting ready for another exciting season, filled with tournaments, events and polo aficionados travelling from all over the world. We are reminded that Winston Churchill’s words about the sport of kings: “A polo handicap is a passport to the world", remain timelessly relevant in the world of polo.

The polo club currently offers polo lessons for all levels from October to April led by Argentine polo professional Pablo Casero. For membership and sponsorship opportunities, please contact: info@jnanamar.com

For more information about The Ritz-Carlton Private villas visit www.rcr-marrakech.com

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