The Ritz-Carlton sets down its suitcases in Morocco
It was one of the most anticipated hotel openings of 2024. The Ritz-Carlton brand has just opened its establishment in Rabat, a 117-key setting with lush gardens, and thus inaugurated its first hotel in Morocco. Ritz-Carlton Rabat Dar Es Salam: between luxury and local craftsmanship In an area of 440 hectares, a few steps from the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in Rabat, a new hotel should quickly attract wealthy clients from around the world. The Ritz-Carlton has just officially opened its establishment in the Moroccan capital, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012. The address is surrounded by majestic gardens and a large oasis-like swimming pool, lined with palm trees. Inside, the ceiling is decorated with « muqarnas », an Arab-Andalusian architectural element requiring real artisanal know-how. The dome is adorned with geometric and floral patterns in colors combining green, gold and a touch of red. In the reception, bonsai adorn the ceiling chandeliers, while the walls are decorated with delicate Moroccan frescoes called « gebs » and a rococo chandelier sits in the room.
The 100 rooms and 17 suites all have a private terrace overlooking this landscape. There is also a royal suite of 180m2. The decoration of these keys oscillates between Baroque splendor, Art Deco touches and Moroccan style with, as a backdrop, this lush greenery visible through the windows. For culinary pleasures, the hotel has the Brasserie Méditerranéenne with salads, fresh pastas and other seafood, the Palapa and its Pan-American flavors between ceviche and tacos and the Lobby Lounge perfect for enjoying club sandwiches and international meals throughout the day. The Blind Tiger bar offers various classic cocktails or cocktails inspired by the Prohibition era, in a cozy 1920s atmosphere with subdued lighting.
Finally, the spa has a sauna, a hammam, a pool, ten massage rooms and two suites for couples, and a treatment menu featuring beauty products and Moroccan rituals. The Ritz-Carlton takes its first steps in Morocco This resolutely luxurious place marks the first establishment of the Ritz-Carlton in Morocco, a brand under the aegis of the Marriott International group. “The opening of The Ritz-Carlton Rabat Dar Es Salam marks an important milestone for the Ritz-Carlton brand as we expand our presence on the African continent and celebrate our first property in Morocco,” explained Helen Leighton, vice president of luxury brands for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Marriott International. While the Ritz-Carlton has more than 110 hotels around the world, the company is banking on a booming country. In 2023, according to the Moroccan Ministry of Tourism and Crafts, tourism recorded record figures with 14.5 million entries, or +34% more than in 2022. The number of foreign tourists increased by +41% year-on-year and represented 49% of overall arrivals.
And luxury hotel brands intend to capture these travelers. While the Royal Mansour in Casablanca has been completely rebuilt and opened its brand new doors this year, the Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr will soon welcome its first guests from October 1st. Not to mention the ultra-intimate boutique hotels and riads opened a few months ago, which are positioned in the high-end segment. In Marrakech and its surroundings alone, Izza, Farasha Farmhouse, Pure House Marrakech and Maison Brummell Majorelle are already among the popular addresses for tourists. Proof that Morocco’s hotel reputation is not not ready to weaken, two jewels in the country join the prestigious list of World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024, namely La Mamounia (31st place) and the Royal Mansour (38th place), both in Marrakech.
