What makes a hotel luxurious?
Is it down to how much you pay?
The wealth of the other clientele?
The price of the cocktails?
Or is it about atmosphere, a beautiful peaceful environment, a memorable experience? A strictly scientific analysis of the most luxurious hotels in Morocco would probably come up with a list of hotels situated predominantly in Marrakech, with maybe a couple in Casablanca; the list I’m offering you is an invitation to sample luxury in a range of locations across this vast, astonishing country.
La Maison Arabe, Marrakesh
A TripAdvisor favourite this boutique riad gets unbelievably consistent excellent reviews. It typifies what one expects from a luxury hotel: great food, great service, great location.
Its beautiful rooms are adorned with antiques and offer stunning views. It even has its own ‘Country Club’, a serene oasis just a 15minute shuttle ride away.
Palmeraie Palace, Marrakesh
Situated on the edge of ‘Africa’s best golf course’ this five -star hotel is a blend of traditional Moroccan architecture and outstanding landscaped gardens.
A tourist destination in its own right, last year it played host to the 41st IGFR European Championship.
Palais Faraj Suites and Spa, FezAt the entrance to the medina, just outside the city walls, the Palais Faraj Suites and Spa is a cool retreat of traditional mosaic and hand woven rugs.
You can drink in wonderful rooftop views whilst enjoying an outstanding dining experience.
Villa Gonatouki, Essouira
This is a good example of how luxury can sometimes be as much about atmosphere as about the opulence of your surroundings.
Villa Gonatouki is a stunning building with great food and a friendly host and it’s situated just outside the 18th century fortified town, formally known as Mogador, which is now a World Heritage Site and is the pride of Morocco’s Atlantic coast.
Essouira is also host to the spectacular Gnaoua Music Festival which runs for four days every June.
Chez Madu Luxury Desert Camp, Merzouga
Luxury in the heart of the Erg Chebbi Dunes deep in the Moroccan Sahara Desert. Wow.
Kasbah Tamadol, Asni
Developed by Richard Branson, its labyrinthine gardens are lined with rosemary bushes, apple trees, vines and a blaze of flowers and its infinity pool looks out over a Berber village.
Despite its prestige, the Kasbah Tamadol has some tempting offers.
Hotel Riu Palace Tikida, Agadir
By way of contrast, the Riu Palace Tikida is a modern hotel with spacious rooms, a 24-hour bar, lively evening entertainment and a tremendous location right on the promenade of Agadir beach.
9. Lina Ryad and Spa, Chefchaouen
Clean, calm and cosy in the very heart of the ancient medina, the Lina Ryad and Spa offers outstanding views from its rooftop and the best food in the city.
- The Four Seasons Hotel, Casablanca
The cool avant-garde design of the Four Seasons is on the beachfront of Morocco’s largest city.
With twenty- five landscaped acres and sunset views, it’s the luxury experience you would expect from this international brand.
If you’re booking your trip soon, I’d recommend the following websites for great deals and prices:
tripadvisor.com (hotels and reviews)
expedia.co.uk (hotels)
agoda.com (hotels and tours)
skyscanner.net (flights)
