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By Diana Fletcher, International Banker
Morocco, the Gateway to Africa, has long captivated poets, dreamers and travellers. The Kingdom of Morocco is located in the Maghreb region of North Africa, with coastlines along the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the rugged Atlas Mountains to the east and the vast Sahara Desert to the southeast.
For centuries, Morocco has been a crossroads at which Berber traditions, Arab customs and European influences converge. The country is characterised by striking contrasts: the snow-covered peaks of the Atlas Mountains neighbour the arid, golden dunes of the Sahara Desert; contemporary cities coexist harmoniously with ancient centres. A visit to Morocco is more than another trip; it’s an immersion into a culture that values the luxury of slowing down to enjoy the exceptional.
Moroccan cuisine is a lively fusion of Berber, Arab and European influences, with tagine—a slow-cooked stew—being especially popular. The country’s hospitality is exemplified by its traditional tea ceremony, in which mint tea with a foam crown is poured from a height, symbolising respect.
Finding accommodations for any taste—from upscale riads with central courtyards to five-star hotels with infinity pools—is no challenge at all. Here, we showcase four palatial lodgings that promise guests a royal experience.
© Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier
The Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier, a restored 1920s estate, is perched in the hills above the city’s medina, or historic district. Surrounded by eucalyptus groves and Andalusian-inspired gardens, this five-star resort features 133 rooms and suites with sweeping views, a sumptuous spa and a healthy choice of dining options. Golf enthusiasts will enjoy the 18-hole golf retreat.
Tangier’s position at the crossroads of Africa and Europe has cultivated a rich cultural diversity. The Pearl of the North’s medina is a maze of narrow streets lined with artisan shops, cafes and souks (marketplaces). The kasbah, a fortress situated on a prominent hilltop, offers panoramic views of the narrow Strait of Gibraltar and the Spanish coast. Located within Kasbah Palace is the Museum of Mediterranean Cultures. Other museums include the Contemporary Art Space. Cape Spartel, the northwesternmost tip of Africa, where the Atlantic Ocean converges with the Mediterranean Sea, is home to one of Africa’s largest lighthouses. Beneath lie the Caves of Hercules, noted for their sea-facing opening shaped like the African continent. The Tangier American Legation, now a museum, stands as the sole US National Historic Landmark (NHL) outside the United States. Villa Harris Park and its museum are popular with tourists.
© Four Seasons Hotel Rabat Kasr Al Bahr
The Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr (dubbed the Palace by the Sea) in Morocco’s capital is a restored 18th-century palace overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Spanning five hectares, it comprises 11 buildings—including six historic structures—set within a garden brimming with palm, olive and citrus trees. The resort features Moorish architecture, while its interior is adorned with zellige tile work and stained-glass windows. It boasts 160 spacious rooms and 40 suites, as well as a variety of restaurants and bars. Guests can enjoy a world-class spa with a traditional Moroccan hammam.
Within the tight alleyways of the medina, merchants offer everything from brass lanterns to hand-woven rugs. The Royal Theatre of Rabat, an emblem of the city’s vibrant performing arts scene, showcases contemporary talent. UNESCO recognises the city for its historic landmarks, including the 12th-century Kasbah of the Udayas, a citadel overlooking the Bou Regreg River. The incomplete 12th-century Hassan Tower, originally intended to be the world’s tallest mosque minaret, stands as a testament to ambitious medieval construction. Nearby is the exquisite Mausoleum of Mohammed V. Art enthusiasts will not want to miss the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.
To the east lies Fez, one of Morocco’s four imperial cities. Fez el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is recognised as the world’s oldest walled medina. On the route from Rabat to Fez, travellers can stop at Meknes, another imperial city, and visit Volubilis, the ancient Berber-Roman city.
© Royal Mansour Casablanca
Royal Mansour Casablanca, a restored 1950s landmark, offers palatial five-star luxury in Morocco’s economic centre, the White City. Guests enjoy luxurious hospitality in 149 rooms, suites and apartments adorned with marble, noble wood and plush fabrics, complemented by gourmet dining and a spacious two-level spa. The meticulously crafted decor evokes the timeless ambiance of a Maghreb palace.
Royal Mansour Casablanca enjoys convenient access to the city and its renowned Art Deco architecture. Overlooking the Atlantic coast, the Hassan II Mosque—Africa’s second-largest mosque with stunning marble walls—is open to non-Muslim visitors through guided tours. La Corniche is a picturesque coastal walkway that extends from the mosque to Aïn Diab. Traditional Moroccan design characterises the narrow streets of the Habous Quarter, bustling with vendors, while Mohammed V Square reflects the city’s French colonial heritage. Families can enjoy the fun at Tamaris Aquaparc.
© The Oberoi Marrakech
The five-star Oberoi Marrakech, set in 28 acres of citrus orchards and olive groves with views of the Atlas Mountains, displays the grandeur of historic palaces with its Andalusian embellishments and stunning central courtyard. The 84 rooms, suites and villas, many featuring private pools and terraces, showcase traditional Moroccan design. Guests can savour Moroccan and international cuisine and indulge in customised spa treatments.
Marrakech, known as the Ochre City and another of Morocco’s four imperial cities, seamlessly blends a storied history with modern living. Jemaa el-Fnaa, the medina square, comes alive at sunset with magicians and storytellers. The Bahia Palace, dating to the 19th century, is renowned for its intricate zellij tilework, painted wood ceilings and stunning courtyards. The two-acre Majorelle Garden, established in the 1920s and purchased by Yves Saint-Laurent in the 1980s, showcases vibrant blue architecture, while the Yves Saint Laurent Museum honours the fashion designer’s legacy. El Badi Palace stands as evocative ruins of a 16th-century royal residence. The Madrasa Ben Youssef is a 16th-century Islamic college celebrated for its Saadian-Moroccan architecture.
North, east and south of the city, the Atlas Mountains rise from the plains into a rugged landscape dotted with enduring Berber villages. Northeast, Ouzoud Waterfalls—North Africa’s tallest at 110 meters—comprise a series of waterfalls cascading into the El-Abid River gorge. The highest peak, Toubkal, lies south of Marrakech, as does the Ourika Valley in the Atlas foothills, also famous for its waterfalls. The rocky Agafay Desert offers unique experiences, including camel rides.
Coastal towns west of Marrakech are perfect settings for beach activities. Essaouira, the Windy City of Africa, is a premier destination for kitesurfing, a popular Moroccan pastime. In Agadir, south of Essaouira, Crocoparc houses reptiles such as Nile crocodiles and green iguanas.
The Sahara Desert, in southeastern Morocco, is the world’s largest hot desert. For those seeking an authentic desert experience, modern glamping caravans replace traditional, sparse campsites, merging nomadic heritage with contemporary comfort.
From its winding medinas and hilltop kasbahs to its palatial accommodations, Morocco’s diversity isn’t just observed; it’s felt in every landscape, experience and encounter.
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The post Royal Morocco: A Palatial Journey from Tangier to the Sahara appeared first on International Banker.
Morocco, the Gateway to Africa, has long captivated poets, dreamers and travellers. The Kingdom of Morocco is located in the Maghreb region of North Africa, with coastlines along the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the rugged Atlas Mountains to the east and the vast Sahara Desert to the southeast.
For centuries, Morocco has been a crossroads at which Berber traditions, Arab customs and European influences converge. The country is characterised by striking contrasts: the snow-covered peaks of the Atlas Mountains neighbour the arid, golden dunes of the Sahara Desert; contemporary cities coexist harmoniously with ancient centres. A visit to Morocco is more than another trip; it’s an immersion into a culture that values the luxury of slowing down to enjoy the exceptional.
Moroccan cuisine is a lively fusion of Berber, Arab and European influences, with tagine—a slow-cooked stew—being especially popular. The country’s hospitality is exemplified by its traditional tea ceremony, in which mint tea with a foam crown is poured from a height, symbolising respect.
Finding accommodations for any taste—from upscale riads with central courtyards to five-star hotels with infinity pools—is no challenge at all. Here, we showcase four palatial lodgings that promise guests a royal experience.
Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier, Palais Tazi Ksar Al Mandoub, Jamaa Mokrae, Quartier Boubana 90000, Tangier
© Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier
The Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier, a restored 1920s estate, is perched in the hills above the city’s medina, or historic district. Surrounded by eucalyptus groves and Andalusian-inspired gardens, this five-star resort features 133 rooms and suites with sweeping views, a sumptuous spa and a healthy choice of dining options. Golf enthusiasts will enjoy the 18-hole golf retreat.
Tangier’s position at the crossroads of Africa and Europe has cultivated a rich cultural diversity. The Pearl of the North’s medina is a maze of narrow streets lined with artisan shops, cafes and souks (marketplaces). The kasbah, a fortress situated on a prominent hilltop, offers panoramic views of the narrow Strait of Gibraltar and the Spanish coast. Located within Kasbah Palace is the Museum of Mediterranean Cultures. Other museums include the Contemporary Art Space. Cape Spartel, the northwesternmost tip of Africa, where the Atlantic Ocean converges with the Mediterranean Sea, is home to one of Africa’s largest lighthouses. Beneath lie the Caves of Hercules, noted for their sea-facing opening shaped like the African continent. The Tangier American Legation, now a museum, stands as the sole US National Historic Landmark (NHL) outside the United States. Villa Harris Park and its museum are popular with tourists.
Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr, Ancien Hôpital Marie Feuillet, Avenue Brahim Roudani, Quartier de l’Océan, 10 000, Rabat
© Four Seasons Hotel Rabat Kasr Al Bahr
The Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr (dubbed the Palace by the Sea) in Morocco’s capital is a restored 18th-century palace overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Spanning five hectares, it comprises 11 buildings—including six historic structures—set within a garden brimming with palm, olive and citrus trees. The resort features Moorish architecture, while its interior is adorned with zellige tile work and stained-glass windows. It boasts 160 spacious rooms and 40 suites, as well as a variety of restaurants and bars. Guests can enjoy a world-class spa with a traditional Moroccan hammam.
Within the tight alleyways of the medina, merchants offer everything from brass lanterns to hand-woven rugs. The Royal Theatre of Rabat, an emblem of the city’s vibrant performing arts scene, showcases contemporary talent. UNESCO recognises the city for its historic landmarks, including the 12th-century Kasbah of the Udayas, a citadel overlooking the Bou Regreg River. The incomplete 12th-century Hassan Tower, originally intended to be the world’s tallest mosque minaret, stands as a testament to ambitious medieval construction. Nearby is the exquisite Mausoleum of Mohammed V. Art enthusiasts will not want to miss the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.
To the east lies Fez, one of Morocco’s four imperial cities. Fez el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is recognised as the world’s oldest walled medina. On the route from Rabat to Fez, travellers can stop at Meknes, another imperial city, and visit Volubilis, the ancient Berber-Roman city.
Royal Mansour Casablanca, 27 Avenue des Forces Armées Royales, 20 250, Casablanca
© Royal Mansour Casablanca
Royal Mansour Casablanca, a restored 1950s landmark, offers palatial five-star luxury in Morocco’s economic centre, the White City. Guests enjoy luxurious hospitality in 149 rooms, suites and apartments adorned with marble, noble wood and plush fabrics, complemented by gourmet dining and a spacious two-level spa. The meticulously crafted decor evokes the timeless ambiance of a Maghreb palace.
Royal Mansour Casablanca enjoys convenient access to the city and its renowned Art Deco architecture. Overlooking the Atlantic coast, the Hassan II Mosque—Africa’s second-largest mosque with stunning marble walls—is open to non-Muslim visitors through guided tours. La Corniche is a picturesque coastal walkway that extends from the mosque to Aïn Diab. Traditional Moroccan design characterises the narrow streets of the Habous Quarter, bustling with vendors, while Mohammed V Square reflects the city’s French colonial heritage. Families can enjoy the fun at Tamaris Aquaparc.
The Oberoi Marrakech, Route de Ouarzazate, 40 000, Marrakech
© The Oberoi Marrakech
The five-star Oberoi Marrakech, set in 28 acres of citrus orchards and olive groves with views of the Atlas Mountains, displays the grandeur of historic palaces with its Andalusian embellishments and stunning central courtyard. The 84 rooms, suites and villas, many featuring private pools and terraces, showcase traditional Moroccan design. Guests can savour Moroccan and international cuisine and indulge in customised spa treatments.
Marrakech, known as the Ochre City and another of Morocco’s four imperial cities, seamlessly blends a storied history with modern living. Jemaa el-Fnaa, the medina square, comes alive at sunset with magicians and storytellers. The Bahia Palace, dating to the 19th century, is renowned for its intricate zellij tilework, painted wood ceilings and stunning courtyards. The two-acre Majorelle Garden, established in the 1920s and purchased by Yves Saint-Laurent in the 1980s, showcases vibrant blue architecture, while the Yves Saint Laurent Museum honours the fashion designer’s legacy. El Badi Palace stands as evocative ruins of a 16th-century royal residence. The Madrasa Ben Youssef is a 16th-century Islamic college celebrated for its Saadian-Moroccan architecture.
North, east and south of the city, the Atlas Mountains rise from the plains into a rugged landscape dotted with enduring Berber villages. Northeast, Ouzoud Waterfalls—North Africa’s tallest at 110 meters—comprise a series of waterfalls cascading into the El-Abid River gorge. The highest peak, Toubkal, lies south of Marrakech, as does the Ourika Valley in the Atlas foothills, also famous for its waterfalls. The rocky Agafay Desert offers unique experiences, including camel rides.
Coastal towns west of Marrakech are perfect settings for beach activities. Essaouira, the Windy City of Africa, is a premier destination for kitesurfing, a popular Moroccan pastime. In Agadir, south of Essaouira, Crocoparc houses reptiles such as Nile crocodiles and green iguanas.
The Sahara Desert, in southeastern Morocco, is the world’s largest hot desert. For those seeking an authentic desert experience, modern glamping caravans replace traditional, sparse campsites, merging nomadic heritage with contemporary comfort.
From its winding medinas and hilltop kasbahs to its palatial accommodations, Morocco’s diversity isn’t just observed; it’s felt in every landscape, experience and encounter.
Go to top
The post Royal Morocco: A Palatial Journey from Tangier to the Sahara appeared first on International Banker.
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