Asking yourself where to go for a luxury weekend in Morocco makes perfect sense: standards of exclusivity are not the same in every country, nor in every city. For that reason, in this post we show you those cities where you can reach a truly premium level on your trip, whether as part of a touring itinerary or as a single destination for several days away.
Marrakech: urban luxury
Marrakech is considered the country’s tourism capital: the city that welcomes the most visitors and, therefore, the best prepared in terms of infrastructure and services to cater to them, including those in the highest-end segment. If you would like your luxury trip to Morocco to include an urban and cultural dimension, with visits to monuments and museums, then Marrakech is your choice. And by culture we also mean gastronomy, especially traditional cuisine with a signature touch, as some of the city’s restaurants are among the best ranked in the country in national and international listings. As for accommodation, it offers riads that blend the traditional with the minimalist, historic 5-star hotels, and major international chains in all-inclusive resorts.
Agadir, the holiday capital
If you are envisioning a luxury weekend in Morocco as a restorative break of rest, beach time, and relaxation, your sights should turn to the southern stretch of Morocco’s Atlantic coast. That is where Agadir lies, which, thanks to its southerly latitude, can welcome travellers practically all year round. What is more, it is a fully established destination that, over recent decades, has developed services and infrastructure clearly geared towards quality tourism, such as a marina lined with luxury venues and a modern cable car that glides over the bay where it is located. It suffered a devastating earthquake that destroyed the historic centre, which is why it does not have an old medina, yet it rebuilt its activity largely by relying on major sun-and-sea resorts with pools.
Tamuda Bay in Tetouan, Morocco’s Costa del Sol
Tamuda Bay, near Tetouan, has begun to be called Morocco’s ‘Costa del Sol’. And that nickname speaks for itself. It is used because of its location on the Mediterranean coast, making it perhaps the most luxurious destination in the north of the country. And it is also used because the concept is one of new developments, similar to those rolled out along the Spanish coast decades ago, or akin to those in other Muslim countries such as Egypt on the Red Sea, or Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. Modern residential developments with every comfort, including golf courses and even lagoons with private jetties, where the major international chains are present.
Rabat, the luxury associated with any capital
A country’s capital undoubtedly represents the image its authorities wish to project of it. This is why Rabat has been the focus of significant investment in recent years, not only to develop its civilian population but also to drive a premium sector capable of attracting investors and top-tier travellers. In this regard, two projects exemplify the idea: the Grand Theatre of Rabat, designed by the renowned British-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid, and the Mohammed VI Tower, the tallest in the country and designed by the Spaniard Rafael de la Hoz, in collaboration with the Moroccan architect Hakim Benjelloun. Both are located close to one another, and the land has been prepared according to modern urban-planning principles, in the neighbouring city of Salé, which is also home to the other major draw for luxury tourism: the Bouregreg Marina.
