The Best Spa and Wellness Hotels in Marrakech

The intricate zellige tiling and swirling marbles of this smaller but perfectly formed spa give it a real throw-back atmosphere – it feels straight out of a Moroccan palace. Hammams are tackled the authentic way, with foaming black soap and plenty of heat, though reflexology, Ayurvedic massage and facials are also on the menu. Carry your relaxation into the evening with a sundowner on the rooftop bar terrace, drinking in views of Morocco’s Red City.

The wellness-focused Aman brand takes spa-ing seriously, and its luxurious Marrakech outpost is no exception. Surrounded by fountains and reflective pools, the utterly Moroccan setting meets a blend of feel-good treatments both local (hammam, argan oil hair treatment) and global (yoga sessions, deep tissue massage). Sign up for the three-day wellness retreat to reap the full benefit of their expert therapists, with detoxing sessions, posture correction and an uplifting facial as part of the package.

Both an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory aid, precious argan oil is one of Morocco’s most coveted natural beauty products. It’s also a star ingredient at the Four Seasons spa, where you can be smothered in a blend of aromatic oils while getting a muscle-soothing deep tissue massage. The Four Seasons doesn’t do things by halves, and this glam spa, with outdoor seating area and atmospheric tiling, also has Zen-style stretching sessions, tennis tutelage and yoga classes on tap.

At the heart of the Mövenpick Hotel sits the sophisticated Ô de Rose spa, where treatments are inspired by the locale, using native products such as argan oil, beldi soap and a clay taken from the Atlas Mountains called rhassoul. The wellness offering is complemented by the in-house Om Yoga Studio (the first yoga studio in Marrakech), where you can book a workshop or pop into one of the 24 weekly sessions. Jasmine-scented steam showers, a swimming pool and jacuzzi round out the offerings nicely.

Dressed in creamy hues with plenty of natural light spilling in, the centrepiece of the Fairmont Royal Palm spa is a lengthy turquoise pool. But while it’s essential to take the plunge at least once during your stay, you’d be remiss not to enjoy some of the locally inspired treatments on offer, too. Get smothered in musk clay with a traditional ghassoul (also known as rhassoul) wrap, indulge in a muscle-melting argan oil massage or get a scrub in the private hammam.

Large floor lanterns throw flickering light against cream-hued tiles, making them shimmer like the inside of an oyster; how appropriate for this spa, inside the Pearl Hotel. With treatments fusing traditional wisdom and modern science, you’ll leave this place with your own glow – “age-correcting” peels, hydration facials and jet-lag massages are all on tap alongside the relaxing, revered hammam experience. Want beautification from head to toe? There’s an on-site barber and wax treatment menu, too.

With spa suites spilling out into peaceful, private gardens – and yoga rooms flooded with natural light – the Mandarin Oriental spa is somewhere you’ll be happy to spend a full afternoon. Unique treatments are designed to tackle your overall well-being, from the Digital Wellness Escape – targeting stress in your head, eyes, neck and shoulders – to the Calm Mind massage. Of course, there’s proper Moroccan flair, too. As well as a classic hammam, you can sign up for calorie-burning belly-dancing classes in the gym.

One of the most spectacular hotels in Marrakech has – you guessed it – one of the most spectacular spas. Moody lighting, slick marble and traditional tadelakt plasterwork lends a luxurious, dramatic feel to a space that’s singularly Moroccan. A hushed atmosphere lets you fully unwind, even while swimming through the mirror-like pool, surrounded by archways and lanterns. If you’re looking for a magical treatment, the time-reversing facials from lauded Swiss brand Valmont are not to be missed.

This boutique spa in the heart of Marrakech takes sourcing seriously. Some of the aromatherapy products it employs are produced from ingredients grown just outside the city; others are sourced from premium organic beauty brands such as ILA. This attention to detail is a theme throughout. The monochrome decor entices with tadelakt plasterwork, zellige tiling and large-format photography; the quality of the treatments is superb, from hammams with eucalyptus-scented black soap to rosewater massages.

Set in an Instagram-perfect riad to the northeast of Marrakech’s oldest core, this spa has all you need for a brilliant photo session: a courtyard seating area with wicker chairs and cushy white pillows; an eye-catching green and white colour scheme; a cute pool. But the real joy of a pampering session can’t be captured in an image. It’s the floaty feeling in your feet after a session of reflexology and the scent of bitter orange essence after a hydration ritual in the hammam.

How many spas in the world have been built around a centuries-old eucalyptus tree? Well, here’s at least one. The thick old branches of the ancient tree can be taken in through large windows lining the pool, just one element of this 3,000sqm (32,300sqft) spa. You’ll want to dedicate a full day to enjoying its delights, taking in everything from the 1,000sqm (11,000sqft) solarium – the place to get your essential dose of vitamin-D – to the premium treatments designed by Dior.

Set outside of the maze-like centre of Marrakech, at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, the tranquil grounds of this hotel make you breathe a bit deeper. And the spa drops your shoulders even further, thanks to intensive treatments from premium wellness brand Chenot. We’re not just talking same-old massages: rather, personalised nutritional programmes, detoxifying treatments and more. You’ll be feeling like a million bucks long after your hour in the treatment room.

It’s France meets Morocco at So Spa, the in-house spa at the Sofitel Marrakech. Gold painted walls, cushy corner sofas and elegant palms lend a luxe but relaxing feel, while a centrepiece fountain brings an essential dash of North African flair. Wellness at this hotel carries on beyond the spa walls, with rambling buffet breakfasts and a sun-drenched pool with loungers, so you don’t have to keep the chill-out time just for the hammam.

Say hello to Marrakech’s temple to spa-ing. The most exclusive hotel in the city – built by the Moroccan king – has a wowza spa to match, set over three levels in an orange blossom-scented citrus garden. The ethereal structure, a vision in white latticework, has every possible pampering experience, from a hairdresser to an elaborate mani-pedi studio with a professional podiatrist. Book in for a splurgey day of treatments, broken up by a light lunch at the airy restaurant, La Table du Spa.