In a recent feature, “The Times” magazine highlighted a number of captivating hotels and experiences awaiting travelers in Morocco. From camel treks through the Agafay Desert to immersive cultural festivals in Tangier, the widely read magazine showcased the country’s unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and adventurous activities, making it a top destination for 2025. Here is just a smattering.
Villa Augustine, Tangier
Dutch designer Willem Smit’s Villa Augustine, a five-bedroom art deco villa in Tangier’s tranquil Marshan neighborhood, opened in February 2023. Guests can enjoy a dipping pool in the living room, dual fireplaces in the dining room, and bronze bathtubs in the bedrooms. A rooftop with beanbag loungers overlooks the Atlantic, while complimentary drinks and snacks are served throughout the day.
La Fiermontina Ocean, Larache
Situated along Morocco’s rugged Atlantic cliffs, La Fiermontina Ocean opened in spring 2023. The eco-conscious resort offers 12 village houses built from local materials. Guests can enjoy organic farm-to-table meals, surfing, horse riding, and yoga, while exploring the northern Moroccan coast.
Dar Bensouda, Fez
Dar Bensouda, a restored palace in Fez’s ancient medina, offers a peaceful escape with intricate plaster carvings, zellige tiles, and a central courtyard with a plunge pool. The riad provides views of the city and Atlas Mountains from the rooftop terrace, making it a must-see before international hotel chains arrive.
Royal Mansour, Casablanca
The Royal Mansour in Casablanca reopened earlier this year after a major refurbishment. The hotel features 149 rooms, 13 private apartments, and spectacular views of the Atlantic from a glass footbridge. It also boasts a panoramic elevator up to La Grand Table Marocaine on the floor, and a 2,500 sq m spa.
Azalai Beach Cottage, Safi
Located on a remote beach in Safi, Azalai Beach Cottage offers a family-like atmosphere with cottages surrounding a lush garden. The cottage’s interiors reflect 19th-century travel writers’ influences, providing a serene escape, perfect for relaxing by the beach or reading in a quiet corner.
Fairmont Royal Palm, Marrakech
The Fairmont Royal Palm, located just outside Marrakesh, boasts 570 acres of palm groves and views of the Atlas Mountains. With spacious rooms and villas, an 18-hole golf course, and extensive children’s facilities, it offers the perfect balance of luxury and adventure.
Kasbah Bab Ourika, Ourika Valley
Kasbah Bab Ourika offers a peaceful retreat in the Ourika Valley, not far outside Marrakesh. This eco-friendly resort offers cooking lessons, yoga sessions, massages, and photography workshops, all set amidst serene landscapes and herb gardens, perfect for unwinding from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Villa Noor, Essaouira
Located just outside Essaouira, Villa Noor combines modern comfort with Moroccan country charm. With three bedrooms, private terraces, and a relaxing outdoor pool, it’s an ideal escape. Guests can browse the owners’ collection of mid-century Moroccan treasures.
Essaouira Chic Villa is a stylish, contemporary villa that blends modern design with traditional Moroccan elements. Located near the city, the villa offers luxurious accommodations with a private garden, a swimming pool, and stunning ocean views, ideal for a chic, peaceful retreat.
Adventures on the Taghazout Coast
Experience Morocco’s rugged coastline and vast desert landscapes with a combination of luxury and adventure. Adventures on the Atlantic coast offer a memorable way to explore Morocco’s diverse natural beauty.
Moroccan Desert and Coast Highlights
Embark on a five-day adventure through Morocco’s stunning desert and coastline. Begin in Marrakech with the lively atmosphere of Djemaa el-Fna square, where you’ll encounter snake charmers, acrobats, and a vibrant night market. Then, journey over the Atlas Mountains to Tafraoute, known for its pastel-colored boulders, painted by Jean Verame in 1984. Next, unwind in Essaouira with some beach time or horseback riding along the shore. Finish the trip in the Agafay Desert, where you can enjoy camel rides at sunset and relax by the pool. Conclude your adventure back in Marrakech with a bit of treasure hunting before heading home.
Kasbahs and Camping in the Sahara
Much Better Adventures offers an immersive journey into Morocco’s rugged terrain. After exploring Marrakesh’s vibrant souks, travel over the Atlas Mountains to Ait Ben Haddou’s iconic mud-brick kasbahs. From there, embark on a camel trek to a Berber camp under the desert sky, sipping mint tea and watching the sunrise over the dunes. Continue through scenic gorges and the date palm oasis of Skoura before concluding the journey in Marrakesh.
Adventures in the Atlas Mountains
Inclusive Morocco presents its Echoes of the Atlas trip, which takes you to Morocco’s hidden southern gems. Explore the High Atlas, Draa Valley, Skoura’s oasis town, and the desert before heading to the Atlantic beaches of Legzira. This sustainable travel experience promotes regenerative tourism and local community support while raising awareness about sustainability in fragile environments. Enjoy an intimate, off-the-beaten-path exploration, including visits to mud-brick kasbahs and 1,000-year-old granaries.
Off-the-Beaten-Track Beaches and Horse Riding in Mirleft
Kasbah Tabelkoukt, perched above a private beach in southwest Morocco, offers seclusion and breathtaking views. Located near Mirleft, it’s within reach of the dramatic Legzira beach and the art deco town of Sidi Ifni. The kasbah features seven rooms, each with an ocean-facing terrace, and an infinity pool set in the clifftop garden. Guests can enjoy horseback rides along the shore, quad biking in the argan forest, and fishing trips to hidden coves, where you can have your catch prepared for dinner.
Ceramic Painting Masterclass in Marrakech
In a peaceful corner of Marrakesh, Rosemary, a handcrafted oasis designed by Belgian artist Laurence Leenaert, offers a unique stay. The hotel showcases local craftsmanship, including stained glass and custom-made furniture, along with contemporary artworks. During your stay, you can learn ceramic painting from Leenaert herself (pre-booking essential), indulge in hammam treatments, and savor fresh market feasts on the rooftop.
Rural Farmhouse Retreat in Jaidate, Near Marrakech
Farasha Farmhouse, a wellness and creative retreat located in a 450-tree olive grove not far from Marrakech, offers a blend of nature and spirituality. Founded by Rosena and Fred Charmoy, this regenerative farm hotel offers guests a peaceful retreat with a 50-meter lap pool and spaces for artistic, musical, and culinary gatherings. The farmhouse hosts a rotating schedule of events, including art installations and sound baths, making it a perfect destination for those seeking creativity and tranquility.