Villas, Vistas and Velvet Chairs at The Oberoi Hotel in Marrakech

Perhaps the first thing you will notice upon stepping into The Oberoi Hotel in Marrakech is the calligraphy engraved on the central building reading “Eternal Health”. It doesn’t take long after that to ascertain that “eternal health” is only a fraction of what the place ultimately has to offer.

The Oberoi in Marrakech is a sprawling expanse of lush greenery, perfumed with the scent of hundreds of citrus trees growing across its gardens. For several centuries, Mediterranean orchards of ancient olive groves have populated the property – they remain firmly fixed to their roots hundreds of years later. Stretching across 28 acres, these landscaped gardens, ensconced deep in the Moroccan country, are now a welcome getaway from the humming Medina seven miles to the northwest. Beyond the gates and in the far distance, the eye is immediately drawn to the shimmering, ice-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains stretching high on the horizon.

For much of the architecture at The Oberoi Hotel, there is a vibrant triune of traditional Moroccan design, Spanish influences, and Islamic motifs, calling to mind a sense of brawny allure equaled only by the likes of Granada’s mystical Alhambra. The aesthetic carries through the entire property, from the grand palace to the more intimate and sedate villa clusters. Each of the 84 accommodations, comprising 78 villas and six suites on the first floor of the palace, is a product of the craftsmanship of local artisans.

Inside, the rooms are adorned with marble and zellige tiles. Berber and Mughal paintings hang on the walls, while hand-stuffed sofas from Casablanca invite guests to sink into comfort. Arabesque-tiled fireplaces add a touch of warmth and romance. The craftsmanship extends to every detail – tiles from Fez, carpeting from the Atlas Mountains, and bespoke pieces from Marrakech’s Sidi Ghanem neighborhood. Most rooms at The Oberoi Hotel come with their own heated pool, complete with butler service and unobstructed views of the Atlas Mountains. Ever present here is a constant tranquility accentuating the hotel's secluded location.

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Among the many places from which The Oberoi Hotel takes its aesthetic cues is the Medina’s centuries-old Ben Youssef Madrasa, a monolithic landmark to which the hotel pays considerable homage. Modeled distinctly after the Islamic college, both courtyards share the same ‘muqarnas’ cupolas, colorful mosaics, and intricately carved stuccos – all surrounding a tranquil reflective pool. After the sun sets on the horizon, the courtyard becomes illuminated by the subtle glow of fire torches, and the space, now furnished with tables and red-velvet chairs, suddenly morphs into an open-air restaurant serving gourmet Moroccan staples.

The Oberoi Hotel is also home to Rivayat, a dual Indian and international restaurant overlooking the outdoor reflecting pool, a massive waterbody echoing that of the Taj Mahal. Its interior is equally charming, with paisley and floral sequences complementing geometric-patterned walls and carved friezes teeming with Arabesque motifs. In short – a refined take on enduring Moroccan sensibilities. Dining here under a star-studded sky is an experience for the senses, with the soft glow of lanterns illuminating the night, the aroma of rich Indian spices wafting through the air, and the promise of a delectable menu crafted and prepared by Michelin-starred chef Rohit Ghai. 

But, when it comes to comfort, options abound to an almost vertiginous extent. Available on site is a resident Ayurvedic doctor. The hotel spa offers a wide array of treatments designed to rejuvenate both body and mind. The Oberoi Hotel is also equipped with a traditional Moroccan hammam, a gym, a yoga studio, and an indoor swimming pool.

Beyond the hotel, downtown Marrakech is only a 15-minute drive away. There is no shortage of activities for an enriched stay in the Medina – from exploring the endless souks to visiting the historic palaces and gardens. Yet, the allure of The Oberoi Hotel often keeps guests within its obliging confines, where the only sounds are the gentle rustling of leaves and the occasional chirping of birds.

Accessibility is seamless, with Marrakech Menara Airport just 11 miles away, a mere 30-minute drive. This convenience ensures that guests can quickly transition from the rigors of travel to the serene embrace of the hotel. Everything at The Oberoi Hotel is made easy.

Everything, that is, except saying goodbye…