Inside The Oberoi, Marrakech: A Design-Led Oasis Of Calm
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13 hours ago
This palatial hotel is among Morocco's best
Perched on the outskirts of Marrakech, The Oberoi offers a slice of tranquility amid one of Morocco’s busiest cities, with a world-class spa, dazzling interiors and unmatched views of the Atlas mountains
Review: The Oberoi, Marrakech
There’s something to be said for a hotel that tugs at your (architectural) heartstrings before you’ve even made it across the main entrance. Within minutes of pulling onto the expansive driveway of The Oberoi, I knew I was in for a treat.
Those already acquainted with the hustle and bustle of Marrakech will know that navigating traffic during peak season isn’t a particularly peaceful experience. Motorbikes zig-zag, donkeys groan under cargo, and horns volley in 33-degree heat, which made my journey to the resort eventful. It could have been likened to commuting via London’s Circle and District Line on a Monday morning: the destination hazy, wait times unpredictable, and everyone spilling on board from in, around, and outside of the city.
Whilst only a 25-minute taxi ride from the medina, The Oberoi Marrakech felt worlds away. During my taxi ride, the driver jested that I was heading to ‘the palace’. Upon arrival, I realised he was right. An expanse of ornate archways, manicured lawns, and a stunning reflecting pool were more than fit for royalty, and I would later learn the resort was designed to be just that – a modern-day interpretation of Morocco’s Saadian era.
I arrived early in the afternoon, struck by the earthy, terracotta exterior walls, which would later become the catalyst for frequenting Farrow & Ball once back on British soil. I was ushered into the main lobby by the hotel’s general manager, who was attentive and kind-natured. I discovered throughout my stay that hospitality isn’t done by halves here. Notes of oud, vanilla, and amber filled the air as I took a pew by an impressive grand fireplace, imagining just how incredible this would look lit during the cooler spells. I was handed a glass of fresh mint tea, poured from an impressive height, before being taken on a pit-stop tour of the grounds.
The Design
I’d obviously scoured photos of the hotel ahead of my arrival, but nothing had truly prepared me for the sheer grandeur and elegance of the place. During my tour, I discovered that the building had taken a decade to complete, and with each step, it became clearer why. Set upon 28 acres of Mediterranean orchards, lined with centuries-old olive groves and citrus trees, the Oberoi Marrakech is nothing short of a design masterpiece.
Making our way to the terrace, I couldn’t help but notice the vaulted cedarwood archway, ornately adorned with handmade carvings. I was told that this piece alone took over two years to create with the help of 200 artisans. Every corner had been considered. However, it was the hotel’s main courtyard that truly won my heart. Inspired by the 14th-century Medersa Ben Youssef, it’s here you’ll discover the hotel’s most Instagrammed view of the Grand Canal, featuring the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. For this vista alone, it was worth the visit.
An abundance of lanterns lit the rest of the way, glimmering against the patterned zellig tiles, sourced from Fez, which intricately lined the walls. To the left of the courtyard, I noticed a library stocked with leather-bound books stacked upon remarkably tall shelves. An antique ladder was balanced against the shelving to help with the height. My inner bookworm was enthralled as I yearned to read the beautiful Arabic scripture before me. I could have happily spent hours here nestled into one of the sink-worthy armchairs.
Later that afternoon, I headed to one of the hotel’s restaurants, Rivayat, serving contemporary Indian cuisine as a nod to the Oberoi group’s roots. The restaurant combines the hotel’s modern take on Moroccan interiors with a vibrant South Asian twist. Meanwhile, its second restaurant, Tamimt, offers al fresco dining with breathtaking evening views of the Atlas Mountains. It was here that I was able to indulge in local delicacies – I recommend the seabass tagine – while enjoying live acoustic music at sundown; I found it the perfect way to unwind at the end of the day with a nightcap in hand.
You’d be remiss to think of the building as simply a five-star resort. Hearing first-hand about the patience of the design process alone revealed this was a labour of love. After all, there were delays in the construction due to the insistence on authenticity when it came to building materials. For example, Carrara marble had to be carefully imported when local supplies ran short, and tiling took months to complete as machines couldn’t compare to the hand of artisans.
The Rooms
Marble floors, inlaid with traditional patterns, led towards the suites and villas, each conceived as a private oasis. I was lucky enough to stay in the latter. Akin to the main building, the room interiors were a masterclass in refined restraint. Walls dressed in cool, soft tadelakt plaster for a nonchalant tactility, while carved cedar screens provided both ornament and privacy, perfect for moments going to and from the pool. Carefully curated artwork and objets d’art punctuated the space, nodding to Morocco’s artistic heritage without veering into pastiche. And when the cool breeze of the evening finally hit, I was thankful for the feel of the handwoven Berber rug beneath my feet.
Our villa came primed with its own infinity pool. The inlaid tiles were the deepest, ink-blue, exaggerating the colour of the water in the roaring heat. Whilst the hotel’s main pool felt like the sociable option, there’s beauty in not having to leave your own space. It truly felt like a secluded paradise. Quiet lengths in the morning encouraged a promising start to the day.
The Gardens
The gardens are nothing short of impressive, either. The grounds take form in the tradition of Islamic paradise gardens, boasting a lively tapestry of aromatic herbs, citrus orchards, and meandering water channels. During my trip, I’d noticed that water was almost always present in Moroccan design; this came to life at the Oberoi through trickling fountains and its mirror-like, palm-fringed pools.
I personally enjoyed exploring the grounds by bike. You could viscerally feel the stillness and calm whilst riding through the groves, hearing nothing but the sound of birdsong. Alongside the main residence and villas are spaces for outdoor racket sports, but these are quietly situated within the grounds, accessible yet easy to go unnoticed for those less inspired to turn their hand to sport. And it was on one of my morning cycles that I became acquainted with the hotel’s most acclaimed residents, Sugar and Brownie, two (very cute) rescue donkeys.
A little further into the grounds, I stumbled across the hotel’s spa. At first glance, I knew that self-care was going to be on the cards, and I’d be making a beeline here later to rejoice in a luxurious Hammam – a centuries-old cleansing ritual that’s combined with a relaxing massage.
Environmental Credentials
At the Oberoi, sustainability isn’t an afterthought. Its ‘Elements by Oberoi’ initiative honours Earth, Water, and Air, each pillar guiding meaningful environmental practice. From the resort’s landscaped gardens, which are managed with sensitivity to biodiversity, to its recycling of water and commitment to the use of renewable energy, it felt good to know that I wasn’t just indulging in a comfortable stay, but a conscious one, too.
The Final Word
Whilst this wasn’t my first venture to Marrakech, my stay at the Oberoi resort offered a whole new lens on the city. For newcomers to the city, the interplay of chaos and beauty beckons. The medina bursts with the vibrant energy of street vendors, the aromatic complexity of spices hanging in the air, and the lively calls from night markets echoing through narrow alleyways. In this case, staying in a centrally located riad provides close proximity, ensuring you’re always in the heart of this exhilarating hustle.
In contrast, the Oberoi Marrakech serves as a serene escape, set away from the city’s intensity. Here, tranquillity prevails. It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in the local culture quietly, without stepping off the premises. Its innate luxury is more than just a stay. For those who’ve already danced to Marrakech’s vibrant tune, the Oberoi offers a retreat into calm elegance. Families, honeymooners, and solo travellers alike are catered to, and I know for certain that I’ll be returning.
