Immerse yourself in the vibrant allure of Marrakech, a city where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with the luxuries of modernity, creating an enchanting escape for the luxury traveller. Situated at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is a mesmerising tapestry of bustling souks, majestic palaces, and tranquil gardens. Its streets are alive with the scent of spices and the sounds of distant music, leading to hidden riads adorned with intricate tiles and private courtyards. From the opulent hotels offering oasis-like serenity to the exquisite dining experiences that tantalise your taste buds with traditional Moroccan flavours, Marrakech promises an unforgettable journey. Here are our favourite 5-star and luxury hotels and riads in the city.
IZZA
IZZA, the most recent luxury hotel to open in the heart of Marrakech’s Medina. The property is a tribute to the late American socialite designer Bill Willis and presents fourteen exquisitely designed rooms (one with a feature alternate tread/witches’ staircase and kitchenette) which are set across seven interconnecting riads. A labyrinth of corridors leads to serene courtyards and plunge pools, a tranquil tearoom, a relaxing wellness spa, a composed library, and a rooftop terrace and restaurant presenting stunning views across the city. Owned by tech company Neon Adventures, IZZA integrates classic Marrakech aesthetics with contemporary art, thanks to its 300+ artwork collection costing £5 million. The hotel is a splendid fusion of contrasts; offering a blend of solitude and social spaces, vintage and modern furnishings, and a focus on local traditions and digital innovation, IZZA stands as a captivating retreat for those looking to explore the magic of Marrakech while enjoying exclusive events, cultural connections, and rejuvenation of mind, body, and soul – all bookings also include a complimentary 45 spa or hammam treatment.
Les Jardins de La Koutoubia
If you like to be at the heart of the action, this hotel in the heart of the Medina is for you. Les Jardins de La Koutoubia is a 13th-century building, close to Jemaâ el Fna Square. The traditional riad incorporates 108 rooms (30 Mini Suites, 22 Junior Suites and two Royal Suites). There are heated indoor and outdoor pools, a Spa by Carita, patios and gardens to unwind. Guests have several dining options; the panoramic Les Jardins de Bala, the Relais de Paris Restaurant, a snack bar and a piano bar for evening entertainment.
Mamounia Hotel
Celebrating its centenary in 2023, the Mamounia is a timeless and truly palatial property. Celebrating Moroccan craftsmanship, along with gleaming modern design, the hotel offers rooms, suites and riads. The facilities are exceptional; a games room has a pool table, pinball machines and table football, while the private cinema offers movie screenings and a Grand Casino provides 140 slot machines and 20 table games for those fancying a flutter. There are multiple tea rooms, bars, restaurants (L’Italien par Jean-Georges, Le Pavillon de la Piscine, L’Asiatique par Jean-Georges and Le Marocain), a wine cellar and eight hectares of awe-inspiring gardens.
Sofitel Marrakech Lounge and Spa
Art, French luxury and Moroccan culture are the key principles at the heart of this hotel’s design and philosophy. It’s located in the Hivernage district, with views of the Atlas Mountains. The minimalist chambers are bathed in white textiles, with tataoui bedheads, MyBed double beds, BOSE sound systems, espresso machines and Hermès toiletries products. By contrast, the styling in the spa takes on a more traditional theme, with mosaics and lanterns inside the pool area and an outdoor terrace that’s evocative of a Majorelle garden. Sofitel also offers a gym, an outdoor pool and bars.
Nobu Hotel Marrakech
Occupying a spot in the city’s Golden Triangle, Nobu brings its trendy vibe to the heart of Morocco. Its 71 suites bring together the best of local craftsmanship and new-style Japanese flair. The brand’s famous restaurant concept has a venue onsite (serving the famed black cod) and there’s a stunning Rooftop Garden with a circular pool deck, a bar and a 360-degree terrace with far-reaching views over the rooftops and onto the Atlas Mountain range. There are three swimming pools onsite and a 2,000-square-metre spa and gym hidden in the basement.
Villa des Orangers
30 bedrooms at this Relais and Chateaux property, including a private Riad suite with its own swimming pool and patio. Villa des Orangers is a place to immerse in the finest of local culture. Take mint tea on the patio surrounded by plants and nightcaps in the cigar cellar; enjoy locally inspired treatments at the Nuxe beauty salon; get a taste of the terroir at the restaurant, with food by Chef Abdelilah Ighiri; and cool off in the rooftop pool (one of three swimming pools in the hotel) as you gaze across to the Koutoubia and Atlas mountains.
The Oberoi, Marrakech
Come and experience a place of serenity, peace, and inner tranquillity, where guests can take the time to reconnect at The Oberoi, Marrakech. Exemplifying Oberoi’s key principles of light, height, space, and water, the resort overlooks the stunning Atlas Mountains and is nestled amidst 28 hectares of citrus orchards, centuries-old olive groves, and a 120m long Grand Canal. With 84 spacious rooms, suites, and villas – each with its own private pool and garden – guests can expect to find solitude and serenity. Mind and body wellbeing is offered at The Oberoi Spa located on a private garden island. Diners can sample authentic Moroccan and International dishes at Tamimt, Siniman, and Azur, all boasting views of the pool, Grand Canal, and the surrounding mountains. With colourful tasselled umbrellas around the pool, award-winning Indian cuisine, and Oberoi’s signature personalised service.
Amanjena
Designed in a traditional style, Amanjena’s architecture features arches, courtyards and gardens. Guests are accommodated in regal pavilions and maisons, with carved wooden doors, zellij tilework and Berber carpets. All have a private garden or courtyard, some have private pools. There are several dining options, including one by the pool and there’s a cigar bar. Amanjena has a strong focus on wellness and attracts experts from across the globe who lead retreats. The spa offers a range of therapies inspired by Moroccan traditions, a hammam, and a yoga studio. Other leisure amenities include a heated outdoor pool and two clay tennis courts, with an academy for coaching.
Hotel La Sultana
A luxurious romantic hideaway within a walled medina of Marrakech, La Sultana is moments away from the royal palaces, museums and souks of this magical city. This is a small, luxury hotel that knows how to spoil its guests, especially in the spa. From almonds to dates, prickly pears to Damask roses, the alchemist-like therapists make the most of Morocco’s natural treasures. There’s a Jacuzzi, two hammams and a sauna here too – not to mention candlelit pools. Each of La Sultana’s evocatively named Riad houses retains its own identity but shares attention to outstanding craftsmanship that is a celebration of Moroccan artisan creativity. Think intricately carved cedar wood ceilings and beams, ornamental plasterwork, striking tiles and extravagant lamps – but without the pastiche or cliché of themed interiors.
Royal Mansour
Here’s a hotel dripping with luxury where you can enjoy the stunning La Jardin with its verdant olive and palm groves providing pleasant shade and seclusion in and around the pool area and bespoke pavilions. Guests may also enjoy exclusive spa treatments that promise to rejuvenate the skin and prepare it for an enviable tan under the Moroccan sun. Nighttime dining is a delight, too, and you have 3 restaurants from which to choose your gourmet dining experience. The Royal Mansour truly has a touch of oriental magic to it that you will not forget in a hurry.
Riad Farnatchi
The ultimate home from home in Marrakech, the five-star Riad Farnatchi is a lovingly converted collection of private houses located in the heart of the oldest part of the Medina. International hoteliers Jonathan and James Wix have created a characterful, luxurious hideaway where ten exquisitely decorated bedroom suites sit alongside five-star service and facilities. Staff outnumber guests, service is slick and discreet, and the new spa in the hotel is worth booking in for. Riad Farnatchi will feel more like your home for a stay in the city than a hotel.
Four Seasons
Whether it’s enjoying the exquisite Quiet Pool and nearby poolside under shady palm trees or enjoying the delights of the Moroccan spa where you can bathe and enjoy the best exfoliating treatments and exotic oils, the Four Seasons is the perfect place to base yourself while exploring Marrakech and beyond. Rooms come with garden and pool views and offer the ultimate in relaxation, replete with Moroccan decor, delightful handcrafts and marble bathrooms. Rooms also offer a recessed balcony presenting the perfect way to unwind with a good book during the heat of the day. Others have large terraces enabling you to enjoy the ultimate in al fresco dining.
Mandarin Oriental
Gaze up at the splendour of the Atlas Mountains as you enjoy relaxing amid the olive groves and fragrant gardens or even from your own luxury room. Within easy reach of the city and its main attractions such as the world-famous Medina and in laying close proximity to the Atlas Mountains, while at the same time being only 15 minutes drive from the airport, the Mandarin is perfectly situated to enjoy both the delights of the city and nature’s craftsmanship. Undoubtedly the Mandarin Oriental offers the perfect respite for those travelling to Marrakech. The hotel is composed of 54 luxurious villas and 9 delightful suites offering an ideal sanctuary where you can enjoy exotic foods served by top chefs offering a delightful array of dishes celebrating the gastronomic heritage of Morocco. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the Pool Garden Restaurant offering mouth-watering dishes sourced locally as well as appealing to those seeking a Mediterranean-style diet while also offering exotic flavours from farther afield.
Riad Kniza
This luxury retreat has the unmistakable touch of master craftsmen everywhere with ornate patios, gloriously spacious rooms, silk sofas and classy embroidered curtains all working together to create a magical experience. With rooms decked out in the finest Moroccan artwork, gossamer curtains, cedarwood screens and marble bathrooms, you will be left feeling you’re in the lap of luxury while staying at the Riad. The courtyard is a delightful place to dine in true Moroccan style as the evening descends. Try the sumptuous multiple-course evening spread while being serenaded by the haunting music of the desert. Situated in one of the Medina’s main gates, the Riad is ideally located to get the most out of Marrakech.
Selman
Situated at the foot of the Atlas Mountains the Selman oozes luxury at every turn with grandiose chandeliers and Arabian decor fit for royalty. During the day you can simply unwind by the impressively huge 80-metre pool seeking shade under sleepy palms. The Selman also offers spacious villas for further privacy replete with their own private pools. The 3 restaurants, the Le Selman, the La Pavilion and Assys offer something for all pallets from fine dining to Mediterranean to classical Moroccan style. Eating in the Pavillion affords views of the hotel’s delightful Arabian horses that truly complete the look of all things romantic and oriental. For the ultimate in relaxation, avail yourself of the hotel’s luxury spa facilities that will truly rejuvenate you during your stay.
Palais Aziza
Whilst being located a little out of the centre of Marrakech the Palais Aziza is set amongst a tranquil and exclusive palm grove. If you prefer to wake to the sounds of nature in a leafy suburb and not the hubbub of the medina, this hotel is for you. Traditional in décor, the Palais Aziza boasts beautiful Zellige tiles, sparkling water features, handcrafted lanterns dotted about the place and Moorish arches aplenty. Rooms are spacious, elegant but unfussy, many with doors opening onto the interior courtyard. The suites, which are separate to the main building, are slightly more opulent with vaulted ceilings and their own private gardens. The hotel’s main restaurant, Maroliano, serves up a fusion of Moroccan and Italian dishes in a romantic setting. Guests can also enjoy al fresco dining throughout the day and drinks in the traditional Moroccan Salon. The spa, whilst not huge, is appropriately kitted out with all the facilities you need for a relaxing experience and the skilled team will ensure you are the best version of yourself.
Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech
Nestled in a vast estate of 231 hectares of palm, olive and orange trees with the Atlas Mountains offering a postcard backdrop, the Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech is an oasis of luxury only 20 minutes from the heart of the city. The sprawling resort and country club offers anything a guest could desire, with an 18-hole golf course, a choice of six restaurants and bars, a huge lake-like swimming pool, and an incredible spa plus a kid’s club and fitness centre, you won’t ever need to leave the hotel! The hotel’s architecture mirrors the ksars of the Southern desert regions. The interior décor is equally stunning with an abundance of huge picture windows showcasing the landscaped gardens beautifully. In rooms, a mix of warming, tonal textures and textiles have been used to create a contemporary interpretation of Moroccan style. The cuisine hasn’t been overlooked here either. Breakfast on the terrace of Le Caravane overlooking the pools and gardens, before trying L’Olivier for al Fresco lunch by the pool. The evening calls for the opulent Al Ain restaurant for a Moroccan feast before finishing your day in the jazz bar for some delectable cocktails.
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