Morocco is a chameleon when it comes to its cultural offering, and choosing the best hotels is a varied task. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant city break in Marrakech, yearn for serenity and seclusion in the Atlas Mountains or plan to immerse yourself in the Agafay desert, there’s more to this African country than the promise of winter sun. It’s perhaps obvious, then, why Morocco has long since been favored by the fashionable jetset crowd, and has become home to so many notable hotel addresses. Some are so lavish they veer on palaces, others are romantically reimagined farmhouses or bohemian beachside boltholes.
Modern Morocco is a vibrant fusion of incredible landscapes, spiritual hubs and cosmopolitan cities. You’ll experience a blend of cultures, tastes and landscapes, and a wealth of different activities. Explore highlights such as lunching in a traditional home in Moulay Idriss, close to Fes and wandering the labyrinth of spice bazaars in Marrakesh with an expert guide. Then travel to the coast, to bohemian Essaouira to watch fishing, kite surfing and soak up the distinctive atmosphere.
The best time to sleep-out in the Morocan Sahara and hike in the High Atlas Mountains is something to consider, and understand which type of accommodation you can stay in, including riads, kasbahs and berber tents. There are so many ways you can discover this country in an immersive and genuine way. This is our guide to luxury travel to Morocco.
Cosmopolitan Cities
On the northern coast, the country’s northernmost city of Tangier is a place steeped in history. Known as ‘The Door of Africa,’ this port town has changed hands dozens of times, and at one point even became an international hub of espionage. Nowadays, the eclectic city is a medley of Muslim, Christian and Jewish cultures. A favoured haunt for creatives, Tangier of the past attracted painters such as Delacroix and Matisse, as well as Beat writers Jack Kerouac, William S. Burroughs and Allen Ginsberg. Today, creativity lives on in the old Kasbah, through bustling marketplaces and informal dining spots.
Casablanca, Morocco’s most populous city, is also home to a burgeoning arts scene. The city streets are lined with an array of interesting architecture, ranging from Art Deco to more modern styles. With parts of the city now UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Casablanca is a great place to get closer to Moroccan art and culture. It’s a haven for foodies too, with a wealth of great restaurants and traditional farmers markets. Capital city Rabat is also a charming city, home to a central beach, traditional kasbah and an enchanting walled medina.
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Cultural Hubs
The eclectic city of Marrakech draws people from around the world to Morocco, and for good reason. Marrakech is surrounded by a medina of historic red walls, with imposing gates leading through to winding alleys. Here, Morocco’s creative scene really comes to life. Vibrant souks and artisan markets sell everything from fragrant spices to lamps and pottery. Bustling market square Jem el-Fnaa is the beating heart of the city, hosting storytellers, musicians and performers on a nightly basis. Other highlights include charming riads, opportunities to discover rich Berber culture and Yves Saint Laurent’s Jardin Majorelle.
Morocco’s second largest city, Fes, is considered the country’s cultural and religious capital and it is easy to see why. The city is divided into three districts: Fes el Badi, Fes el Jdid and the Ville Nouvelle. With all three districts built between the 9th and 20th centuries, the streets of Fes are brimming with history. In Fes el Badi, donkeys and hand-pulled carts make you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. Fes el Jdid (or ‘New Fez’) houses the vast Royal Palace, while the Ville Nouvelle is one of Fes’s most modern districts.
Dramatic Landscapes
Aside from cosmopolitan cities and cultural centres, Morocco offers world-class landscapes. Spanning Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco, the Atlas Mountains are a rugged natural wonder filling the space between the fertile Mediterranean coast and the vast Sahara desert. The most dramatic section - the High Atlas - can be found in central Morocco. These awe-inspiring peaks include the astonishing Toubkal, which towers over Marrakech at an impressive 4,167 metres (13,671 feet).
The world’s largest hot desert, the Sahara, also covers a substantial part of Morocco. Blanketing northern Africa from the Atlantic to the Red Sea, this dry land makes its way through eleven countries. Lying south of the High Atlas Mountains, Morocco’s part of the Sahara is extremely romantic, with seas of never-ending rolling golden sand dunes taking centre stage. Here, herds of camels are led by nomadic blue-scarfed Berbers, whose culture has survived here for over 4000 years.
Beautiful Coastline
Morocco’s coast is dotted with sleepy fishing towns and coastal lagoons. On the Atlantic coast, Essaouira is a laid-back port town just under three hours away from Marrakech. Once a cultural melting pot turned holiday destination for hippies, today Essaouira’s bohemian vibe lives on in inspiring galleries and boutiques. Sandy beaches extend in both directions from the town, and near perfect breezes make April to August perfect for wind and kite surfers. Any time from March to October is pleasant to visit Essaouira and discover its argan tree plantations, vineyards and stunning coastline.
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The peaceful seaside town of Oulidia lies just 200 kilometres north of Essaouira. Overlooking a coastal lagoon that is home to an assortment of migratory birds, Oulidia’s setting couldn’t be more idyllic. Golden sandy beaches surround the crescent-shaped lagoon where colourful fishing boats are dotted amongst the waves. Understandably, the seafood is excellent here, with the calamari, lobster, shrimp and oysters considered the best in Morocco. There’s plenty to do in Oualidia - travellers can enjoy panoramic views of the coast from a ruined kasbah or explore the castle at El Jadida. While there’s plenty to do, part of the joy of visiting this coastal town is the opportunity to simply spend a few days relaxing.
Where to Go in Morocco
Moroccan Sahara
There are few experiences more magical than sleeping out under the stars in the heart of the Sahara desert. The camps here are all based on traditional Berber style, making for a truly authentic stay. A nomadic people who have preserved their own language and culture for over 4000 years, the Berber people have kept their traditions alive through Carthaginian, Roman, Arab and French empires. Enjoying these camps in private is a truly out of this world experience - travellers can go camel trekking during the golden hues of sunset, dine around a campfire or simply gaze at the starry night sky.
The best time to visit the Moroccan Sahara is during the slightly cooler months of October to May. In December and January, the temperatures can sometimes drop below freezing but camps provide you with plenty of cosy blankets to help you warm up. During the height of summer - from June to August - many camps close down, as temperatures are far too hot to be comfortable.
Marrakech
The atmospheric city of Marrakech is one of the main cities drawing travellers to Morocco. As well as bustling souks and markets, Marrakech is home to countless riads. Traditional and grand Moroccan houses set around courtyards, these riads have now taken on a new life as charming hotels and peaceful havens. The Gueliz part of the city houses the lavish El Badia, Bahia and Royal Palaces, which are each wonderful examples of Berber design and craft. Wandering your way through Marrakech’s winding alleyways with a private Jacada guide is an incredible way to explore hidden boutiques and art galleries just like the locals do.
This cultural city is best discovered in Spring, from March to May, when days are sunny and fresh flowers are in bloom. Autumn (from September to November) is also a pleasant time to visit, as the blazing heat of summer has disappeared. Summer is best avoided, as temperatures can reach in excess of 30°C (86°F). Winter is also pleasant but pack layers, as cold temperatures at night can leave you feeling slightly chilly.
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High Atlas Mountains
The High Atlas Mountains are a landscape like no other. In winter, snow capped peaks rise majestically over Marrakech, while in summer the mountains become rocky and rugged. Along winding roads, travellers can journey through green valleys dotted with mud-built Berber villages and wadis on the edge of the Sahara. Hikers of all levels can find something to suit their tastes here, from well worn trails to craggy peaks requiring crampons.
From November to April, an otherwise arid landscape transforms into a ski resort as the snow falls. The High Atlas provide a refreshing escape from sweltering northern cities, and are a great stopping point on the journey from the cities to the desert. This rocky landscape can be enjoyed at any time of year, with each season offering different activities. For trekking, the spring and autumn months are the best, as mild weather makes it the best time for serious hiking. Summer and winter aren’t as well suited to trekking, as temperatures are extremely warm in summer and uncomfortably cold in winter.
Where to Stay in Morocco
Riads
Grand traditional houses set around central courtyards and gardens, riads have been a feature of Moroccan architecture for centuries. Riads are perfect for guests seeking an exclusive experience; the number of rooms in a riad is typically small and windows tend to face inwards, promising privacy. Luxury riads in Marrakech medina, Essaouira, Fes and beyond, are often the most popular type of accommodation due to their traditional features that feel welcoming, decadent and intimate. In Essaouira, the charming Villa Maroc is set in a fantastic location between the beach, harbour and medina. This riad suits all types of travellers, offering two family friendly apartments, quiet spots to read in, a lively bar, spa and roof terrace.
In Fes, Riad Fes offers Relais & Châteaux luxury, Karawan Riad feels lavishly palatial and Palais Amani comes with its own cookery school.
Kasbahs
Morocco’s kasbahs are similar to France’s chateaux, and make for excellent hotel conversions. These walled fortresses once functioned as homes of local leaders, and are typically located on isolated hillsides. A favourite of Richard Branson, Kasbah Tamadot in the High Atlas Mountains is an expansive luxury retreat. The original kasbah building houses 15 original rooms, an indoor pool, spa, library, tented Asmoun Lounge and a stunning courtyard reflection pool.
Berber Camps
In the Moroccan Sahara, there is no better way to immerse yourself in the sand dune surroundings than by staying in a luxury tented camp. Styled on how the Berber people communally live, staying in one of these camps also gives travellers the opportunity to get a glimpse into local life. For honeymooners, Dar Ahlam Nomad, Zagora is a romantic camp that is perfectly placed for an unforgettable night in the desert. Magical experiences on offer here include watching the sunset from atop a dune, walking barefoot along a path of lanterns or dining by a campfire under a starry night sky. For a more traditional feel, the Azalai Desert Camp and Merzouga are also great choices.
TOP 10 Best Luxury Hotels & Resorts in Marrakech, MOROCCO (Royal Mansour, Mandarin, Four Seasons...)
Luxury Hotel Highlights
Here are some of the best luxury hotels in Morocco, offering unique experiences and top-notch amenities:
- Caravan by Habitas Agafay: An eco-retreat in the Agafay desert with Berber-inspired tents and lodges.
- Nobu Hotel Marrakech: Captures a different kind of aesthetic and offers tours to the Atlas mountains, desert picnics, and cultural experiences like camel rides.
- Royal Mansour Marrakech: A palatial resort inside the medina with private riads and exceptional Moroccan artistry.
- La Mamounia: A historic hotel in Marrakech with huge gardens, a lovely pool, and excellent dining options.
- Kasbah Tamadot: An oasis of calm in the Atlas Mountains, featuring atmospheric rooms, Berber tents, and luxurious riads.
- Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier: A five-star hotel with eight acres of landscaped grounds, a dramatic lamps that illuminate the corridor leading to the Crudo restaurant and the photogenic swimming pool.
- El Fenn: A game-changing hotel in Marrakech with jewel-toned bedrooms, plumes of bougainvillea and a rooftop that felt like a fabulous house party.
- Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech: Offers a pampering spa, it’s the ultimate base for wellness seekers, romantic couples, families, and culture vultures keen to experience the crème de la crème of Marrakech’s idyllic rural scene.
- Dar Ahlam: A rare palm-framed fantasyland near Ouarzazate, whose name translates from Arabic as “House of Dreams,” was conjured20 years ago, from the wild imagination of a Parisian creative.
- Villa Mabrouka, Tangier: An instant classic, Villa Mabrouka is a sensitive renovation of the former Tangier love nest of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé in a magical secret garden by the Kasbah.
Here's a quick comparison of some of the highlighted hotels:
| Hotel | Location | Unique Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caravan by Habitas Agafay | Agafay Desert | Eco-friendly, Berber-inspired tents | $$ |
| Nobu Hotel Marrakech | Marrakech | Offers tours to the Atlas mountains, desert picnics, and cultural experiences like camel rides | $$ |
| Royal Mansour Marrakech | Marrakech (Medina) | Private riads, exceptional Moroccan artistry | $$$ |
| La Mamounia | Marrakech | Historic, large gardens, excellent dining | $$$ |
| Kasbah Tamadot | Atlas Mountains | Berber tents, luxurious riads, mountain views | $$$ |
| Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier | Tangier | Landscaped grounds, a dramatic lamps and photogenic swimming pool | $$ |
| El Fenn | Marrakech | Jewel-toned bedrooms and a rooftop that felt like a fabulous house party | $$ |
| Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech | Marrakech | Offers a pampering spa and a golf course | $$ |
| Dar Ahlam | Ouarzazate | Palm-framed fantasyland | $$ |
| Villa Mabrouka, Tangier | Tangier | Sensitive renovation of the former Tangier love nest of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé in a magical secret garden by the Kasbah | $$ |
Note: Price ranges are indicative: $: Budget, $$: Mid-Range, $$$: Luxury.
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