Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.
Today: Top 10 best luxury hotels in Morocco
The Kingdom of Morocco draws travelers who love culture, nature and adventure. The magnificent city of Marrakech is often on the itinerary, but travelers also want to see other parts of the country and there’s certainly no shortage of things to do. The souks, the imperial cities, the Atlas Mountains, and the Sahara – Morocco is a fascinating country that never fails to impress visitors. The country is also rapidly emerging as a luxury travel hotspot – with an influx of capital boosting its tourism infrastructure – and there are plenty of luxurious hotels, resorts and riads for those who travelers want something a little more upscale. The bulk of Morocco’s luxury hotels are located in Marrakech (read here my top 10 list of the best hotels in Marrakech), but even outside Marrakech, there are plenty of luxury hotels to choose from. Here’s my selection of the 10 best luxury hotels in Morocco (beyond Marrakech).
There is more information (with reviews and YouTube videos) below the slide show. Do you think I forgot a luxury hotel in Morocco? Leave a comment.
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10. THE WHITE CAMEL LODGE & TENTS
If you were to dream up the perfect desert camp, it might look something a little like The White Camel. Perched along an apricot ridge in the Agafay Desert, about 45 minutes from Marrakech, the desert camp is backed by the snow-capped Atlas Mountains while looks out over the rolling hills of the desert. The White Camel Lodge features a variety of luxurious accommodations from luxury lodges and tents to royal suites with private pools, as well as a luxury camping site. The interiors are cool, comfortable and suitably understated with crisp white drapes, canvas, and wooden decks, reflecting the surrounding desert landscape, as well as fully modern bathrooms. Relax at the infinity pool, take in the magical desert sunset, and dine on Moroccan cuisine accompanied by traditional Gnoua music and fire dancing. Wellness activities include yoga and meditation sessions, the spa offers a rejuvenating selection of treatments, and adrenaline junkies have a wide choice of soft adventure desert activities.
9. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL RABAT AT KASR AL BAHR
Located in the capital city’s historic Quartier l’Océan on the shores of the Atlantic, Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahar is the ideal base from which to explore the city’s fascinating mix of cultures, architecture, cuisine and the arts. The hotel’s 200 rooms and suites are spread across several modern and historic buildings featuring ocean or garden views, with most including either a furnished balcony or terrace, and some also offering a private plunge pool. Interior design by Roger Nazarian and Associates features classic Moroccan touches such as custom-made Zellige tiles, stained glass windows and brass and copper fixtures in modern rooms and suites. Sprawling across five hectares (twelve hectares) of historic and modern buildings and courtyards amid lush gardens with the sound of waves and ocean breezes throughout, guests at the hotel may forget that they’re actually in the heart of the city and enjoy two outdoor pools surrounded by plush lounge chairs and private cabanas, and a range of dining options.
8. THE RITZ-CARLTON RABAT
Nestled within 440 hectares of lush gardens, just steps away from the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, The Ritz-Carlton Rabat offers a luxury experience in the heart of Morocco’s capital. The interiors have been meticulously curated to represent Arab-Andalusian history and culture, while subtly integrating modern touches through elegant furnishings. The property offers 100 guestrooms and 17 suites all with a private terrace facing the pool and the gardens. Embodying a marriage between Baroque opulence and Moroccan touches, all rooms feature grand headboards adorned with gebs, large mirrors, and sumptuous marble in the bathrooms. The dining experience at hotel is a celebration of the diversity and richness of local and international flavors. The Andalusian-style gardens are a masterpiece of landscaping and its monumental pool unfolds with resplendent grandeur. The Ritz-Carlton Spa offers a serene retreat with saunas, hammams, an indoor pool, ten massage rooms and two couple’s suites where expert therapists use the finest products from marocMaroc.
- Hotel website: The Ritz-Carlton Rabat
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Marriott Stars (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD hotel credit)
7. THE ST REGIS LA BAHIA BLANCA RESORT, TAMOUDA BAY
Positioned on a prized stretch of white sand, the St Regis La Bahia Blanca Resort Tamuda Bay, part of the Marriott Morocco collection, offers a unique sanctuary of relaxation for discerning guests. Designed to showcase prime vistas, the hotel blends Mediterranean-style architecture with nature to create a botanical-inspired setting. Drawing influence from the traditional Moroccan riad, the property flows across opulent courtyards & manicured gardens, where lush vegetation, sparkling fountains & grand terraces enhance every moment with a serene sense of place. Each appointed with private, sea facing balcony, the collection of 83 rooms & 17 suites are styled to embrace local artisanal & Tétouan heritage. A haven for indulgence, the property offers fine dining, indoor & outdoor swimming pools, fitness center & innovative spa, whilst select events spaces provide a premier backdrop for occasions & weddings. Enriching each stay with exquisite service, The St Regis Butler is on hand to orchestrate rare experiences & signature rituals.
6. LA SULTANA OUALIDIA
On Morocco’s Atlantic coast, between Safi and El Jadida, lies La Sultana Oualidia, a luxury hotel surveying a lagoon. An uplifting breath of life amidst luxuriant nature, La Sultana Oualidia is designed as a family home. With its private terraces, collections by designers, objects unearthed in markets, and contemporary paintings, guests can opt for the privilege of getting away from it all, or setting off to discover nature of insolent beauty. The boutique property offers 12 tastefully decorated rooms and suites, with private terraces and jacuzzis, a cabin suite perched in the trees, a swimming pool opening out to the lagoon, plus a heated indoor pool, a spa with treatment rooms, a gym, two restaurants and an oyster-bar with salty savours, an organic vegetable garden and a fish tank. A wide array of activities – intended for a clientele on a constant quest for renewal are on offer, including surfing, fishing, picnics facing the ocean, birdwatching, and horse-riding.
5. DAR AHLAM
On the fringes of the Moroccan desert, shaded by the palms, lies Dar Ahlam, a 200 year old kashbah where colored stones meet cerulean skies . Gracefully made over with all modern comforts and the necessary technology, this 14 room hideaway overlooks the Atlas Mountains, with a palm shaded swimming pool, hammam and candle-lit massage room. Meals are customized and served among a selection of distinct, private settings like the hotel’s florishing gardens by Louis Benech, the gifted designer of the Jardin des Tuileries in Paris and the Bosquet du Théâtre d’Eau at Versailles. Days at Dar Ahlam take shape around completely personalized adventures with a dedicated guide. Guests can trek into the Valley of Roses, explore the corn stalks and pomegranate trees of a nearby palmeraie, drive to the hilltop vestiges of a 12th century Berber village for a traditional tea ceremony at dusk, or explore the nearby desert dunes on camelback for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Hotel website: Dar Ahlam
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and a complimentary 50-minute massage for up to two people, once during stay)
4. BANYAN TREE TAMOUDA BAY
In 2016, Banyan Tree Hotels & Resort was the first luxury hotel brand to open a glorious beach retreat in Tamouda Bay, along the northwestern coast of Morocco. ,The architecture of Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay pays tribute to the region’s Andalusian-Moorish legacy and Moroccan heritage, blending harmoniously with Asian design touches and evoking a sense of place throughout its landscapes, courtyards, verdant gardens, fountains and reflecting pools. Basking on golden sands with brilliant blue waters lapping at its feet, this exclusive all-pool villa resort conveys romance with exotic Moroccan charm and inspires relaxation via its understated Mediterranean vibe. The resort is 15 km (9 miles) away from the city of Tetouan and a 45-minute drive from bustling Tangier. Positioned between the rugged Rif Mountains and the glistening Mediterranean Sea, Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay offers spectacular waterfront views and sublime resort living.
- Hotel website: Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit)
3. RIAD FES
A subtle mix of Andalusian sumptuousness and Moroccan art de vivre, the Riad Fès – a member of the prestigious Relaix & Châteaux Collection – reflects its prestigious past and the refined civilisation to which it belongs. Formerly the property of a notable of the city, this Riad was home to one of the most influential families of Fez. The majestic palace is an authentic example of Hispanic-Moorish architecture, boasting four harmoniously styled patios, sculpted doors and zelliges on the walls, stucco arcades and marble basins. The romantic rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of the magical spectacle of the sun rising over the Fès Medina (the world’s largest medina) and the Atlas mountains. Inspired by the grand tradition of the Disciples of Escoffier and French flavors, the menu of the hotel restaurant reimagines Moroccan classics with a touch of elegance. A serene retreat by designer Christophe Pillet, the Spa at Riad Fès by Cinq Mondes offers two Hammams, three massage rooms, and tailored treatments for an authentic, peaceful experience.
2. ROYAL MANSOUR CASABLANCE, MOROCCO
In Marrakech, the Royal Mansour has become the signature of an exceptional art of living. This vision of hotel excellence is now expressed in a second location, in the heart of Morocco’s most vibrant city: Casablanca. Last April, the Royal Mansour Casablanca opened its doors in the legendary Palace from the 50s, celebrating the captivating identity of the White City. 70 years after the inauguration of Casablanca’s first 5-star hotel, the Royal Mansour has faithfully resumed all the codes of the modernist architecture of the 1950s, the volumes of the original patio, overflowing with greenery, refined furniture and the majestic staircase have been reinterpreted. While the traditions are kept alive, all the most rigorous construction standards are respected, in terms of sustainability, responsibility, safety and technology. The property features 49 rooms, suites, and private apartments, 3 restaurants including a 23rd-floor one with a 360° view over the city and the ocean, spa and fitness areas on two floors, a conference centre and a ballroom.
1. KASBAH TAMADOT
A member of Virgin Limited Edition, Kasbah Tamadot is Sir Richard Branson’s award-winning magical retreat in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains. Meaning ‘soft breeze’ in Berber, this hotel is a superb Moroccan retreat located near Asni, a small Berber village and bustling marketplace just one hour’s drive from Marrakech at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Here, you’ll find relaxing comes easily as you are ideally situated to explore the mountains by foot or even by mule. Each of the 42 bedrooms, suites, Berber tents, and Riads, are decorated with artifacts from around the world. Consider booking a Berber tent with private hot tub and stunning views for the ultimate Moroccan hospitality experience. Guest can indulge in two restaurants, stay active on the tennis courts, get a taste for Morocco with an interactive cooking lesson, unwind in the spa (with hamman), explore the labyrinth of enchanting staircases and courtyards, or simply soak up the views poolside.
- Hotel website: Kasbah Tamadot
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit)
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