The Ritz-Carlton has opened its newest hotel, the Ritz-Carlton Rabat, Dar Es Salam, a palatial oasis located a few minutes from the historic centre of Morocco’s capital, and set within 440 hectares of forest and lush gardens adjacent to Royal Golf Dar Es Salam.
“The debut of The Ritz-Carlton Rabat, Dar Es Salam marks a significant milestone for the Ritz-Carlton brand as we expand our footprint on the African continent and celebrate our first property in Morocco,” said Helen Leighton, VP Luxury Brands, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. “Our guests can expect the brand’s legendary service, sumptuous interiors, and a stunning natural setting that together create a sanctuary of luxury and serenity in the heart of Rabat.”
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012, Rabat is the cultural capital of the country and offers a harmonious blend of historical and modern monuments, including architectural wonders and contemporary art galleries, embracing the Hispano-Moorish heritage.
Upon arrival, guests will immediately discover the hotel’s grandeur and majestic elegance, including a richly decorated dome ceiling that showcases meticulous craftsmanship, beautifully embellished with “muqarnas,” an iconic Arab-Andalusian architectural element from the Almoravid era.
At the heart of the lobby, majestic bonsai trees bring a unique freshness to the palace while elegant chandeliers grace the ceiling. The walls, adorned with singular Moroccan “Gebs” frescoes, transform plaster into masterpieces, illustrating the mastery of local artisans.
The interiors have been meticulously curated to represent Arab-Andalusian history and culture, while subtly integrating modern touches through elegant furnishings. Each wall painting illustrates emblematic moments of Andalusian culture and tells a unique story, capturing landscapes, scenes of daily life, or historical events of the Moorish past.
The hotel offers 100 guestrooms and 17 suites all with a private terrace facing the pool and the gardens, including a 180 sq.-m. Royal Suite. Embodying a marriage between Baroque opulence and Moroccan touches, all guestrooms and suites feature grand headboards adorned with gebs, large mirrors, Baroque-styled furniture, and sumptuous marble in the bathrooms. The gilded frescoes and opulent fabrics infuse a sense of timeless elegance, while the vibrant color palette introduces sophisticated freshness. The breathtaking views of the surrounding greenery from all the rooms allow guests to recharge in a peaceful natural setting.
The Ritz-Carlton Rabat, Dar Es Salam offers a collection of outdoor spaces, including Andalusian-style gardens that are a masterpiece of landscaping. Perfectly arranged, the whispering fountains and geometric mosaic patterns offer a restful spectacle in a lavish setting, where the fragrance of flowers and the coolness of water invite contemplation and relaxation.
A monumental pool unfolds with resplendent grandeur, surrounded by sunbeds and shaded cabanas.
Other hotel amenities include an opulent, spa, state-of-the-art fitness centre, and the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, with its three golf courses offering 45 holes spread across the 180-hectare oak forest.