A brief introduction
For decades Morocco has been a destination for travellers looking for more than a hotel: they want a palace turned into accommodation, a riad hidden in the medina, a kasbah high in the Atlas or a luxury camp beneath the stars of the Sahara. Here is our selection — the timeless classics and the newest gems — organised by region.
Marrakech · the red city
La Mamounia
The most iconic in the country, open since 1923. Its 8 hectares of century-old gardens were Winston Churchill's favourite corner, where he used to paint. A 2,500 m² spa, 4 pools and the pastries from its patisserie are legendary. A night here is an indulgence worth trying at least once.
Royal Mansour
Owned by King Mohammed VI. Just 53 private riads, each with its own patio, fountain and butler. Built by the finest craftsmen in the kingdom — the zellige and carved wood are works of art. The most expensive in the country (from 1,500€/night).
The Oberoi Marrakech
28 hectares of gardens on the edge of the medina. 84 rooms and villas with a private pool, Andalusian architecture, two restaurants and a 1,500 m² spa. Impeccable Oberoi-style service.
El Fenn
The coolest boutique riad in the medina, owned by Vanessa Branson (Richard's sister). 41 rooms, all different, decorated with contemporary African art. Three connected rooftops, a delicious restaurant and a cocktail bar. The aesthetic everyone else has imitated.
La Sultana
Five connected riads beside the Saadian Tombs. Eclectic decor (Asian, African, Moroccan), a rooftop pool with a jacuzzi and a spa with a marble hammam. An intimate atmosphere, ideal for couples.
Fairmont Royal Palm
A huge resort 12 km from the medina, with an 18-hole golf course designed by Cabell Robinson, a Willow Stream spa and views of the Atlas. For those who want green-time as well as the medina.
La Villa des Orangers
A small Relais & Châteaux in the medina, with courtyards of orange trees (hence the name). 27 rooms, poolside lunch included, a relaxed atmosphere and personalised attention. Discreet, unpretentious.
La Maison Arabe
The first hotel-restaurant in the medina (1946). Courtyards with lemon trees, a hidden pool and one of the best Moroccan cookery schools (tajine and pastilla workshops open to the public). Small, intimate, perfect.
Berber Lodge
A rural house of mud and wood in the palm grove, 25 minutes from the medina. Just 10 rooms, a pool surrounded by centuries-old olive trees and a relaxed, retreat-like atmosphere. To switch off from the world.
Selman Marrakech
Facing the Atlas, with purebred Arabian horses in its own stable. The Assyl restaurant is led by the Selman family, absolute connoisseurs of the Arabian horse. A Chenot spa and Jacques Garcia architecture.
Atlas Mountains · Berber highlands
Kasbah Tamadot
Richard Branson's hotel, in a kasbah at 1,300 metres in the Atlas Mountains. Spectacular views, 28 unique rooms and luxury Berber tents in the garden. An hour from Marrakech, yet it feels like another planet.
Kasbah Bab Ourika
An eco-lodge at the top of the Ourika valley, 45 minutes from Marrakech. 360° views of the Atlas, an infinity pool and organic cuisine using produce from its own vegetable garden. One of the best nature experiences in the country.
Olinto
A new boutique opening in the Atlas, designed by the Italian firm Studio Andrew Trotter. Just 12 rooms, a minimalist Mediterranean aesthetic and a traditional hammam. For lovers of contemporary design.
Dar Ahlam · Skoura
"The House of Dreams" — a kasbah turned hotel in the Skoura oasis, on the desert route. No menu: each meal is a surprise served in a different spot in the palm grove. Just 14 rooms. A one-of-a-kind experience.
Desert · Sahara & Agafay
Sahara Pearl Hotel
Our own hotel in the middle of the Sahara, exclusive to Viaje en Marruecos clients. Berber architecture with an infinity pool overlooking the dunes, luxury tents, stargazing and private dinners. A unique experience in the heart of the desert.
Scarabeo Camp · Agafay
A luxury camp in the stony Agafay desert, just 40 minutes from Marrakech. Large tents with a private bathroom, candlelit dinners and camel rides with views of the Atlas. Ideal if you don't have time to reach Merzouga.
Caravan by Habitas · Agafay
The most modern and cool camp in the Agafay. Tents made from sustainable materials, a programme of yoga, music and communal Habitas-style dinners. For young travellers looking for design and community.
Fez · cultural capital
Riad Fes
A former 19th-century palace restored by a French architect in collaboration with local craftsmen. It blends art nouveau with Mudéjar style. One of the most spectacular terraces in the medina, with views over the rooftops and the Al-Qarawiyyin University.
Palais Faraj
Five stars in the very heart of the Fez medina. Marble courtyards and a terrace with 360° views over the city. Its L'Amandier is one of the best Moroccan restaurants in the country — ordering the lamb couscous is a must.
Coast · Mediterranean & Atlantic
Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay
On the Mediterranean coast, near Tetouan. 92 villas with a private pool, a fine-sand beach and views of the mountains. The best option for combining a Mediterranean beach with the cultural route of the north (Chefchaouen, Tangier).
L'Heure Bleue · Essaouira
A Relais & Châteaux in the walled medina of Essaouira. Colonial style blending Portuguese and Moroccan, a pool in an interior courtyard and a rooftop with views of the ocean and the kasbah. For days on the Atlantic coast.
La Fiermontina Ocean · Larache
On the northern Atlantic coast, recently opened (2023). 17 rooms in a small palace facing the ocean, with a pool and gardens. The Moroccan sister of the legendary Italian Fiermontina. Absolute tranquillity.
La Sultana · Oualidia
The other Sultana, this one on the Oualidia lagoon (Atlantic coast between El Jadida and Safi). 12 suites with views of the lagoon, fresh oysters daily and an intimate atmosphere. A peaceful refuge with the taste of the sea.
Casablanca · modern city
Royal Mansour Casablanca
Opened in 2023, facing the port of Casablanca. Art déco design that pays tribute to the 1930s, when Casa was the "Paris of Africa". 149 rooms and Le Tendresse restaurant with views of the Hassan II Mosque.
How to choose?
- Classic Marrakech: La Mamounia, Royal Mansour, La Maison Arabe.
- Boutique Marrakech: El Fenn, La Sultana, Villa des Orangers, Berber Lodge.
- Atlas / mountains: Kasbah Tamadot or Kasbah Bab Ourika.
- On the way to the desert: Dar Ahlam in Skoura, Dar Blues Dades.
- Authentic desert: Sahara Pearl Hotel (ours!).
- Desert near Marrakech: Scarabeo or Habitas in Agafay.
- Fez: Riad Fes or Palais Faraj for tradition.
- Mediterranean: Royal Mansour Tamuda, Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay.
- Atlantic: L'Heure Bleue, La Fiermontina or La Sultana Oualidia.
- Casablanca: Royal Mansour Casablanca.
In our Luxury Collection we combine several of these into a single tailor-made trip.
