Hidden away in all manner of landscapes, from snowy mountains, surreal desertscapes and in the lanes of ancient medinas, Morocco certainly isn’t short of fabulous hotels. Whether you want pure luxury (even in the desert) or something with oodles of character and history, we’ve put together a list of the best Morocco hotels for your trip-planning pleasure.
Hotel La Mamounia
Marrakesh
Before opening its doors as a hotel in the 20s, La Mamounia was a grand palace and has welcomed a parade of famous guests including Winston Churchill, the Rolling Stones and Paul McCartney. In fact, this is the very place where he wrote Mamunia, which translates as ‘safe haven’ in Arabic and we tend to agree… Despite being a stone’s throw from the famous Koutoubia minaret (the best rooms gaze over it), acres of beautiful gardens shield La Mamounia from the Marrakesh buzz. The interiors are an homage to the hotel’s past, beautifully decorated with Zellij tiles, intricate stucco detailing and Art Deco furnishings. While the delights of Marrakesh wait to be explored, the hotel has a total of eight restaurants and bars, with highlights including authentic tagines and Italian wines served on the garden terrace, and teas of macarons and mint tea. If you’re in need of a pamper, visit the underground spa for a heated pool, Jacuzzi and the hammam. And for total privacy, book one of the riads in a secluded corner of the garden with a private pool. Yes please!
Kasbah Bab Ourika
Atlas Mountains
A peach-tinted castle sitting high in the Atlas Mountains, Kasbah Bab Ourika surveys a diverting scene of forested hills and fruit orchards, a snaking river, and snow-capped peaks. The design was inspired by traditional Berber techniques, and the rammed earth walls and palm trunk ceilings are wonderfully-earthy. In the rooms, find shaggy rugs and vintage pieces, and the most soothing and spa-like of bathrooms. Each bedroom has a terrace from which to enjoy the vistas, whilst some also have a fireplace and private pool. In the restaurants, expect a medley of flavours prepared with ingredients from the gardens and local markets, including breakfasts of fresh fruit, mountain honey and Berber pancakes, and dinner favourites like charcoal-cooked beef tagines and amaretto parfait with geranium syrup. Beyond the hotel walls, there are beauty spots and the promise of adventure in every direction, from the rainbow hills of Salt Natural Park to the highest peak in North Africa, which you can explore on foot, mountain bike or horseback. Return to the Kasbah for a cup of mint tea – or something stronger – and those sunset views…
Desert Luxury Camp
Erg Chebbi, the Moroccan Desert
Amongst the terracotta peaks of Morocco’s most beautiful ‘sand sea’, the Desert Luxury Camp is a true escape from everyday life – and embodies its name in every way possible. Your home is a white canvas tent decorated with Berber rugs, handmade furnishings and vintage lamps that cast a cosy glow over the evenings. While you’re unlikely to see another soul except for the occasional passing Berber traveller, the tents are ultra-private with a panoramic window revealing views of the dunes at sunrise and blanket of stars at night. When you’re not hiking or riding camelback amongst the dunes, sandboarding down the face of one, or snapping as many photos as your camera will hold, recline in the shade of a Bedouin ‘lounge’ or partake in a treatment at the sandhammam. Lunches are mostly served picnic-style in a scenic oasis while dinner is a three-course affair (served in a private setting, if you like!), followed by musical evenings round the campfire.
Riad Dar Maya
Essaouira
A classic seaside village where fishing boats bob along the shoreline and the seafood deserves multiple chef’s kisses, Essaouira is one of the best places to take a break from Morocco’s medinas and many temples. Stroll along the golden sand, enjoy the views on horseback as a camel train wanders by, or dive right in for a swim, paddle or surf. And where to stay? With views over the shimmering Atlantic, Riad Dar Maya is a soulful yet understated spot to enjoy the peace and quiet. Every room is washed in sandy tones and decorated with finds from local souks, whilst subdued candlelight and crackling fires create a dreamy setting. The bathrooms are something else entirely with keyhole arches, underfloor heating and enormous bath tubs with room for two. When you’re not frolicking on the beach, enjoy a dip in the heated rooftop pool or steam in the marble hammam. At sunset, find yourself back on the terrace for a cocktail or three-course Moroccan dinner surrounded by lanterns.
Four Seasons Hotel
Casablanca
The Four Seasons’ reputation precedes it, and the Casablanca outpost doesn’t disappoint. Located a mere metre or so from the beach, the hotel promises impeccable design in every corner – and the most glorious of views, right from your bed (or the 5th-floor Royal Suite, which boasts them from the bath!). All suites are understated with a fresh, bright look, marble-clad bathroom and private balcony to soak up the views that will certainly tempt you down for a stroll along the Boulevard de la Corniche. In fact, walking is the best way to get to know this little slice of Europe, and your wanderings will take you down streets lined with Art Deco architecture, to the famous Cinema Rialto or to the iconic Rick’s Cafe. Otherwise, marvel at one of the largest mosques in the world and get a taste for Casablanca’s creative side at the Villa des Arts. Then, on your return, pop into the spa for a muscle-soothing remedy and recline in one of the poolside cabanas with a selection of refreshing fruit skewers and sorbets.
The White Camel Lodge & Tents
Agafay Desert
As luxury camps in the deserts of North Africa go, the White Camel is easily one of the most beautiful. The grand rooms have walls of embroidered white canvas and glass, and the rugged landscape and towering Atlas Mountains make for spectacular vistas. Inside, the decor is inspired by the subtle tones of the desert with large wooden beds, brushed gold lamps and cream drapes leading to the bathrooms. At the restaurant, enjoy 360° views of the sand as you tuck into traditional delicacies and Moroccan wines, all while seated on a Berber pouf at a low-slung, traditional table. By day, the desert is your playground on mountain and quad bike rides, camel and horseback meanders, and hikes. Trust us, this isn’t the place to leave your camera behind! Back at camp, spend many happy (and cool!) hours in the infinity pool right at the edge of the camp – it’s the ultimate spot to catch the sunset over the mountains – and as the sky is lit with stars, gather round the firepit or in one of the alfresco lounges to soak up every last second.
Hotel Nord-Pinus Tanger
Tangier
Gazing across the Straits of Gibraltar, the Hotel Nord-Pinus may have you second guessing which country you’re in. Once owned by a pasha, the rooms and courtyards are full of items collected from his travels across the globe, as well as a selection of handmade Berber pieces. The interiors are ornate and full of heritage, from the finely-carved archways and stained glass windows to the four-poster brass beds and vintage furnishings. Served in the elegant dining room or on the terrace, the hotel has a fantastic, locally-sourced menu: four-course dinners often feature seafood from the local market, vegetables from the Rif Mountains, and authentic wood-fired tagines. For the best view in the house, head to the rooftop terrace where you’ll enjoy breakfast overlooking the minarets and bobbing boats of Tangier, or sundowners in the evening. If you’d like to explore without a guide, make sure to ask the front of house team for their recommendations for beaches, local music spots and Arabic hammams – and perhaps ask for a map, as Tangier is famously sign-less!
Lina Ryad & Spa
Chefchaouen
Nestled amongst the pretty Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is a little slice of sky-blue heaven, where jumbles of houses sit along pencil-thin lanes, and the scent of orange trees lingers in the air. We highly recommend getting lost in this charming town, stopping to load your bag with woven Berber textiles and handmade spiced soaps, and returning to the Lina Ryad when you need a pit stop! Sitting high above the medina, the Lina is intimate and immaculately designed with wide Moorish arches and embossed lights, cushy alcoves to relax in and splashes of signature blue. Tasty Moroccan dishes are served in the dining room or rooftop terrace, and, if you’re feeling a little travel weary after hiking to God’s Bridge or the Casacdes d’Akchour, the spa is as dreamy as they come. The hammam was hand-tiled by a Moroccan artisan, and offers remedies infused with bitter orange and seaweed, followed by a dip in the heated pool. Book ahead and have it all to yourself…
Riad Fes
Fez
Amongst the grandest riads in Fez, it’s easy to picture the previous residents of Riad Fes. They were one of the city’s most prominent families, hosting glitzy parties in the gardens of orange, fig, jasmine and palm trees. Today, the riad is an oasis in the midst of Fez and the interiors are a designer’s Nirvana. From the moment you enter the double-storey lobby, you’ll find golden chandeliers, lounges and patios embellished with ornate tiles, finely-carved columns, and plenty of plush furnishings. At the centre is a tranquil lap pool and multi-level spa for pampering treatments like the Roses de Sucre body wrap. The suites are no less glamorous and feature tapestries, vintage woodwork and bathrooms clad in Carrara marble. For dinner, take your pick from the elegant dining room or private patio, where you’ll enjoy dishes inspired by recipes that have been passed down for generations. You could even try your hand at making a few during a cooking class.
Amanjena Resort
Marrakesh
A peach-hued palace on the outskirts of the Marrakesh Palmeraie, Amanjena translates to ‘peaceful paradise’ – and we couldn’t have said it better ourselves. With its keyhole arches leading in from a garden scattered with pools and fountains and arriving at intimate alcoves and firelit lounges, every aspect of the hotel feels tranquil and relaxing. At dinner, Moroccan and Middle Eastern-style feasts can be served in the warm-washed mini riad, a luxury tent, or the intimate courtyard, but breakfast isn’t outdone either… Think French toast with roasted peaches and vanilla yoghurt, or chia seed pudding with coconut milk and wild raspberries. The rooms are a delight, ranging from pavilions to two-storey maisons with views reaching all the way to the Atlas Mountains, the most coveted featuring a private pool, garden gazebo and a private butler. To complete your R&R, head to the spa for a full-day retreat or sip on a signature cocktail infused with Moroccan herbs and fruits by the pool.
