The Best Luxury Hotels in Morocco
![The Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech offers luxury amenities in view of the Atlas Mountains](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/20x11/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/fb34334d-e1615555741899.webp)
A five-star riad in Marrakech, a boutique hotel in the Atlas Mountains and a heritage home in Essaouira are among the top luxury hotels in Morocco. Book your stay with Culture Trip.
The finest hotels in Morocco are far more than a comfy bed and a cold cocktail; they’re a reflection of the past, an amalgamation of the deep culture and, often, embedded in beautiful landscapes. You might stay in an extravagantly restored riad in Marrakech, a luxe resort overlooking a medina, or perhaps a vertigo-inducing lodge in the Atlas Mountains. Whichever you choose, you’ll get a taste of the many luxuries Morocco has to offer.
Looking for a unique experience? Then book Culture Trip’s 13-day Moroccan adventure where you’ll be guided through this enchanting country by one of our Local Insiders.
1. Madada Mogador
Luxury, Boutique Hotel, Independent Hotel
![Bathroom with stone bath below carved alcove, flanked by two mirrors and two basins above black cupboards at Madada Mogador.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/9f0a5b3f-e1615551687462.webp)
Madada Mogador occupies a 19th-century merchants’ house between the medina and the beach in Essaouira, a former fishing village on the Atlantic coast. There are nine rooms and suites in a stripped-down urban style, some of which have sea or rampart views. The on-site restaurant, which is housed in an old carob warehouse, is known for innovative seafood dishes such as spider crab gratin and lobster and salmon couscous.
2. Riad Siwan
Luxury, Bed and Breakfast
![Pink-hued terraces with pillars of Riad Siwan looking out onto a courtyard with tall plants.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/screenshot-2021-03-12-at-10-28-51-copy-e1615551831609.webp)
In the heart of Marrakech, this restored riad was built in the 1800s for a prominent magistrate. Current owners Maryk and Cees spared no expense in recreating the former splendour of the building, commissioning artisans from across Morocco to make the furniture and fabrics, and to craft the filigreed plaster columns, 4m (13ft) high cedar doors and sculpted cedar ceilings. The result is an oasis in classic Moroccan style, with seven unique suites clustered around a central garden and fountain. There’s also a romantic terrace on the roof.
3. Le Jardin Des Douars
Hotel
![Dusky pink traditional Moroccan exterior of Le Jardin des Douars poking out over lush greenery against a blue sky.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/37b5a899-e1615551957731.webp)
Les Jardin Des Douars hides among greenery just outside Essaouira, on the fertile banks of the Oued Ksob river. Built with local materials in a typically curvy Moroccan style, it offers rooms, suites and villas decorated in warm African hues, featuring Berber blankets on the armchairs and fireplaces for the cooler months. Don’t miss the barbecue on the palm-shaded terrace: held every Sunday, it showcases grilled meats and the best of the day’s catch from Essaouira. The spa offers massages and beauty treatments using Moroccan argan oil, famed for anti-ageing properties.
4. Heure Bleue Palais
Luxury, Boutique Hotel, Independent Hotel
![Rooftop pool and terrace of Heure Bleue Palais with a view out across the city of Essaouira.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/f066e4c5-e1615552133493.webp)
Attached to the 17th-century ramparts in Essaouira is Heure Bleue Palais, a lavish riad offering 33 rooms and suites around a courtyard. Also packed into this intimately proportioned building are a cinema, billiards room, gentleman’s club-style bar, hammam and a roof terrace with a pool. The experience here is exceptional: choose from daily cooking classes, guided tours of the medina, excursions on 4X4 or camel, and a wine tasting and lunch in the Domaine Val d’Argan. The Gary Player-designed Mogador golf course is just 6km (4mi) to the south.
5. Kasbah Tamadot
Boutique Hotel, Spa Hotel, Hotel
![Exterior and outdoor pool of Kasbah Tamadot peeking out of the lush greenery of the Atlas Mountains, illuminated at dusk.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/0fd66132-e1615552225585.webp)
Entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson bought Kasbah Tamadot from celebrated designer Luciano Tempo in 1998, after discovering the property on a hot air balloon expedition. Situated in Berber territory in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, this 28-bedroom hotel is decorated with items Tempo acquired in Indonesia, India and North Africa, and features an infinity pool, rooftop restaurant, spa, and traditional Berber tents in manicured gardens. Book yourself on the interactive Berber experience, which includes a mule trek, lessons in Berber cooking and baking, and a visit to the Eve Branson Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation aiming to preserve Moroccan and Berber crafts.
6. Kasbah du Toubkal
Luxury, Eco-Lodge
![Terrace of Kasbah du Toukal illuminated at dusk, with tables surrounded by lanterns, looking out at the Atlas Mountains.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/kasbah-du-toubkal-a100301f-2-e1615552536119.webp)
Kasbah du Toubkal couldn’t be improved upon as a base for an adventure holiday: situated 1,800m (5,900ft) above sea level in the Atlas Mountains, it’s surrounded by some of the tallest peaks in North Africa. Make the most of these august landscapes by booking one of the Kasbah’s all-inclusive trekking packages: ranging in length from five to nine nights, you’ll explore the remote Azzaden Valley (where the hotel has a mountain lodge) and scale the 4,167m (13,671ft) Toubkal, the highest mountain in North Africa. Pack good hiking shoes.
7. Hotel Sofitel Marrakech Lounge and Spa
Boutique Hotel, Spa Hotel, Lodge
![Interior of LOrangerie restaurant bathed in red light with round lanterns hanging from the ceiling at Hotel Sofitel Marrakech Lounge and Spa.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/18978ba9-e1615553354945.webp)
In the sophisticated neighbourhood of Hivernage in Marrakech, Sofitel is a blissful oasis in the middle of the (sometimes) chaotic city. As soon as you step inside, feel the peaceful atmosphere with palm trees everywhere, an incredible fountain and a pool overlooking Marrakech – all in authentic yet sophisticated Moroccan decor. They also have one of the best restaurants in town, l’Orangerie, where they serve French and Moroccan cuisine with a view over the Atlas Mountains.
8. Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca
Chain Hotel
![Common area at Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca, with open fireplace surrounded by geometric stools and tables under disco-ball-esque light.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/29ff25b7-e1615552765613.webp)
The Four Seasons Casablanca sits on the seafront of the most populated city in Morocco. Walking in, you instantly notice the modern-chic decor, with marble floors, fireplaces and gorgeous chandeliers in a relaxing and elegant atmosphere. The rooms are as beautiful, with white walls and sophisticated furniture, views over Casablanca beach, and a marble bathroom. The hotel also has three restaurants; head to Bleu for freshly caught fish and views of the Casablanca coastline.
9. Mandarin Oriental
Resort, Chain Hotel, Spa Hotel
![Spacious, stylish terrace with sunken pool, free-standing lanterns, plants and wood panelled walkways at Mandarin Oriental.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/a84f08c6-e1615552992601.webp)
Just a few minutes from Marrakech city centre, Mandarin Oriental sits within olive groves and landscaped gardens, with calming ponds at the centre and the Atlas Mountains as a backdrop. Suites come with private dipping pools, or you could choose the eight-bedroomed penthouse which has a hammam, spacious terraces and a selection of plunge pools. Alternatively, a villa comes with a courtyard and pool, an outside kitchen, a jacuzzi and a spacious living area.
10. Hotel Sahrai
Hotel
![Indoor pool with green mosaic surrounded by wood panelling and beige tiled walls and warm lighting at Hotel Sahrai.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/d0bdb3e0-e1615553247559.webp)
Sahrai is a five-star hotel in Fez with views over the oldest medina in the world. Head to the in-house restaurant, Le Relais de Paris, for French classics with medina views, or The Rooftop bar for drinks accompanied by a live band. The rooms are not only stunning but original, with spacious bathrooms wrapped by glass walls – best suited to couples. This is also the only hotel in Africa with a Givenchy spa with all the Givenchy products.
11. Hotel Sofitel Rabat Jardin des Roses
Chain Hotel, Spa Hotel, Hotel
![Purple sofa under gold Moroccan-style artistic tapestry with white coffee table in lounge area of room at Hotel Sofitel Rabat Jardin des Roses.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/fe933285-1-e1615553446951.webp)
One of the best hotels in Rabat, Sofitel sits near the Royal Palace, so you can count King Mohamed VI as a neighbour. It has a beautiful Andalusian garden with more than 3,000 roses, plus a traditional Moroccan hammam, an incredible spa, and the So Lounge club. The rooms are as elegant as the rest of the hotel with modern furniture and spacious bathrooms and balconies overlooking the gorgeous gardens.
12. Four Seasons Resort Marrakech
Resort
![Outdoor pools at Four Seasons Resort Marrakech surrounded by palm trees, framed by yellow flowers creeping up terrace.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/08656388-1-e1615553719262.webp)
This Four Seasons in Marrakech is a paradise between the old medina and the new city. The rooms are modern and chic, with comfortable beds, large bathrooms and views over the beautiful gardens and pools. There are three restaurants – Quattro, Azzera and Inara – serving an international selection of dishes from Moroccan to Lebanese and Mediterranean. And if you’re bringing the little ones, a supervised kids “kasbah” has a theatre, play zones and a shallow swimming pool.
13. Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech
Resort, Hotel
![Golf course at Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech with palm trees set against dramatic Atlas Mountains backdrop.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/c0784128-e1615555894416.webp)
Only 20 minutes from the city centre, this luxury resort has an enormous garden with a large pool and palm trees everywhere. And if you’re here for an active experience, there’s yoga, tennis, squash, a golf course and acres of greenery to explore. The rooms and suites are both large; the latter has up to two rooms, a fireplace, a spacious living area and a terrace overlooking the Atlas Mountains. The villas are spacious, with two rooms, ensuite bathrooms, a hammam, swimming pool and a picturesque garden.
14. Palais Amani
Luxury
![Twin beds with black throws and cushions below floral fresco in cosy room featuring Moroccan lanterns and tiling at Palais Amani.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/screenshot-2021-03-12-at-11-53-48-copy-e1615554841895.webp)
Palais Amani is located in the vibrant city of Fez, just a few minutes from the old medina. It’s a traditional riad that provides refined dining, 18 spacious rooms, a library, a living area, a rooftop bar and a spa. The luxurious in-house hammam has an exfoliation room, showers and a relaxation area. The rooms display traditional Moroccan decor with zellige tiling on the floors and walls, plus a spacious bathroom with a shower and bath, and a living area with Moroccan sofas.
15. Selman Marrakech
Hotel
![Opulent hallway with red and gold accents bathed in warm light featuring mirrored floors, hanging lanterns and red free-standing lamps at Selman Marrakech.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/c7518645-e1615554632569.webp)
This five-star luxury hotel in Marrakech is located close to the Atlas Mountains, with picturesque views and incredible decor. It has a long pool surrounded by palm trees, a gym and a spa with a hammam. All rooms have a terrace overlooking the enticing pool and garden, while suites have two terraces and VIP welcome amenities. But for the ultimate luxury, book the Selman Villa, which comes with butler service, a private bar and a strip pool. Whatever you choose, make sure to visit the on-site stud farm, home to prize-winning Arabian thoroughbred horses.
16. Beldi Country Club
Boutique Hotel, Spa Hotel, Hotel
![Outdoor pool surrounded by rustic terrace with beautiful greenery and white loungers at Beldi Country Club.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/dsc_8383.webp)
Beldi was built to resemble a douar – a typical Moroccan village – to provide a traditional, local experience. This 14ha (35-acre) resort features a country club-style restaurant and pool, a spa and a souk selling artisanal wares from the surrounding villages. There are 38 suites, each with a private terrace overlooking the Atlas Mountains or the picturesque douar houses. The restaurant, El Badia, offers traditional Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine, using fresh, local fruit and vegetables. There’s also a bar, from which you can sip cocktails while listening to jazz music.
17. La Mamounia
Spa Hotel, Hotel
![Common area with low blue leather chairs on shiny tiled floor, with free-standing lanterns surrounding a small central fountain at La Mamounia.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/860cc0d3-e1615554438824.webp)
A palatial hotel, La Mamounia has an A-list guestbook with Jennifer Aniston, David Beckham and Sir Winston Churchill among former guests. It plays on traditional Moroccan decor with zellige tiling everywhere, enormous chandeliers, doormen dressed in traditional attire and fountains surrounded by beautiful lights. The rooms are spacious with elegant Moroccan decor and white marble bathrooms, while the suites are larger, with bedrooms that include a walk-in closet and a terrace overlooking the pool and gardens. Alternatively, book a private riad-style retreat, which has three rooms (each with a walk-in wardrobe), four bathrooms, an indoor lounge, dining area, kitchen, private pool and terrace.
18. Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay
Resort
![White-washed arches of the exterior of Banyan Tree Tramouda Bay reflected in the surrounding pool flanked by greenery.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/f8dc7fef-e1615554215621.webp)
Located on the beach of Fnideq, 15km (9mi) from the city of Tetouan, Banyan Tree offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean and exceptional resort living through sumptuous private villas. There are eight villa categories, all with spacious bathrooms, a cosy living area, large master bedrooms, a spacious backyard with a private pool and stunning views. There’s also a spa with Moroccan-inspired signature treatments, gym and yoga room, library, kids’ club and beach-side kids’ pool.
Mark Nayler contributed additional reporting to this article.
Looking for luxury hotels in Marrakech? Check out our guide to the 9 best luxury hotels in Marrakech, or go for something differetn and book a stay at one of the best hotels in Morocco, bookable on Culture Trip