The Oberoi Marrakech: A Icon of Contemporary Luxury

A Haven of Serenity at the Gates of Marrakech

Located on the Ouarzazate road, about 25 minutes from downtown Marrakech and the international airport, The Oberoi Marrakech enjoys an exceptional location that combines tranquility and accessibility. Nestled in the heart of 28 acres of lush gardens, olive groves, and citrus orchards, the hotel offers a sumptuous natural setting with breathtaking views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. In a city where greenery is scarce, this unique natural sanctuary is a true haven of freshness. Far from the hustle of the medina yet easily accessible, it offers an elegant and peaceful retreat, ideal for discovering Marrakech in an exclusive and refined setting.

An Architectural Jewel in a Sea of Green

The Oberoi Marrakech unfolds with the majesty of an oriental palace, where architecture reaches an almost sacred dimension. Inspired by the Medersa Ben Youssef and the great palaces of the Marinid dynasty, the site impresses with its monumentality: vast courtyards adorned with sparkling zelliges, soaring domes, hand-carved arcades, cedarwood ceilings chiseled with near-divine precision. Here, every perspective, every detail celebrates the grandeur of an ancestral heritage reinterpreted with absolute refinement. Architecture becomes a sensory and spiritual experience, where perfect geometry and dancing light tell the story of a timeless quest for beauty.

But what truly makes The Oberoi Marrakech unique is the natural setting that surrounds it. In the heart of an 11-hectare estate, the gardens seem endless: paths lined with centuries-old olive trees, citrus orchards, beds of aromatic herbs, majestic cypresses... The lush yet perfectly ordered vegetation creates an oasis of freshness under Marrakech's bright skies. Water, ever-present, whispers through fountains, canals, and pools, offering a soothing, almost mystical background sound. Facing the vast Atlas Mountains, the place feels like a suspended world — a moment of absolute grace, where nature and architecture converse in perfect harmony.

Private Villas, Absolute Luxury

The Oberoi Marrakech showcases its elegance across an exceptional estate, where more than 80 suites and villas blend discreetly and majestically into the lush landscape. From the moment you arrive, the sense of space is striking: here, nothing is standard, nothing is left to chance. The six rooms in the main building, all facing south, offer spectacular views of the gardens and the High Atlas Mountains. The Royal Suite, with its private pool and spacious terrace, perfectly embodies the discreet splendor that characterizes the entire hotel.

But it is the villas, scattered throughout the gardens, that give this 5-star property its unique atmosphere, both grand and intimate. Organized in small groups at the heart of abundant nature, they evoke the spirit of private riads, with their patios, pools, and enclosed gardens. Among them, the Deluxe Villa where we stayed was a true enchanted retreat. Behind a carved wooden door, a 125 m² garden unfolds around a 9-meter heated pool, bordered by shrubs and flowers. Inside, a 72 m² space designed as a cocoon of discreet luxury: an ultra-comfortable king-size bed, silk rugs, traditional zelliges, carved wall panels, and a sunlit bathroom with a freestanding bathtub and direct access to the outdoors. Every detail is designed for rest, serenity, and a form of joyful solitude.

At the pinnacle of this residential experience, the Royal Villa embodies elegant grandeur. A true private residence of 355 m², it offers two bedrooms, a separate living room, an office, staff quarters, and above all a 630 m² garden with an 11-meter pool.

A Gourmet Awakening Facing the Atlas

Every morning, breakfast arrives as a true feast, generous, refined, and perfectly orchestrated. Seated on the sunlit terrace, facing the gardens and the Atlas peaks, we savored a suspended moment, both indulgent and serene. The buffet, impressively abundant, stretched across several counters: carefully selected fresh and dried fruits, creamy yogurts, nut and seed granolas, light pastries, artisanal breads, cheeses, fine charcuterie, and an endless palette of jams and honeys, some with rare flavors. To this was added an à la carte menu blending local and international inspirations: eggs to order, fragrant shakshuka, Moroccan pancakes, waffles, all prepared to the minute by a team of attentive chefs. Every detail, from the quality of the food to the flawless service, made this morning ritual not only nourishing but profoundly enchanting.

Haute Cuisine in All Its Splendor

The Oberoi Marrakech houses several exceptional restaurants, each offering a unique culinary and sensory experience, in settings as carefully designed as the dishes served.

Tamimt, whose name means “delight” in Berber, offers refined cuisine blending Mediterranean and Indian inspirations. Its bright ambiance, inspired by grand French brasseries, combines elegant frescoes, majestic chandeliers, and tall arched windows overlooking the terrace and canal. Generous breakfasts are served here in the morning, followed by aperitifs and authentic dinners in the evening.

Azur, located near the pool, offers a soothing setting surrounded by palm trees, olive trees, and orchards. Light, creative dishes are served throughout the day: crudos, colorful salads, grills, and botanical cocktails. The outdoor décor opens onto the panorama, while the interior features a blue dome and a Moroccan chandelier.

Vue, an elegant bar with the charm of an English club, is the ideal place for a sunset cocktail or an evening around the piano. Chesterfield armchairs, candles, a fireplace, noble wood, and antique mirrors set the tone. The menu offers craft cocktails, wines, spirits, cigars, and light bites, all with a breathtaking view of the gardens and canal.

Finally, Rivayat is the hotel's signature restaurant. Imagined by Michelin-starred chef Rohit Ghai, it pays homage to Indian and Moroccan traditions in a modern and refined interpretation. Its décor, inspired by Indian palaces and the Medersa Ben Youssef, creates a majestic setting for an exceptional culinary journey.

Our Indian Evening at Rivayat

We had the pleasure of experiencing a true gastronomic journey during an exceptional dinner at Rivayat, where Indian cuisine unfolds with creativity, refinement, and modernity. From the moment of arrival, the elegant setting and warm welcome set the tone. To accompany the meal, we chose a Kyoto Garden mocktail, a delicate and refreshing blend of Seedlip Botanical Elixir, yuzu, ginger, peach juice, and lemon — a subtle introduction balancing botanical notes and fruity freshness.

The culinary journey began with an Aloo Tikki with honey yogurt. Soft at the core, golden on the outside, this potato patty was enhanced by traditional tamarind and mint chutneys, and softened by a creamy, lightly sweet yogurt. Pickled onions, pomegranate seeds, and fresh herbs completed this vegetarian creation, generous and delicately flavored. We continued with a bold dish: Duck Seekh Kebab, a modern reinterpretation of a great Indian classic. The duck skewers, perfectly seasoned, were grilled with precision and served on a pineapple chutney with sweet and tangy notes. The koshambir — a crunchy salad of vegetables and herbs — brought freshness and texture, while a drizzle of chlorophyll oil added an intense vegetal note.

The culinary journey then moved to southern India with the Mangalore Sea Bass, a pan-seared fillet bathed in a creamy coconut sauce, enhanced by curry leaves. The cooking was perfect, keeping the flesh tender, and the exotic flavors balanced beautifully. Alongside, an aromatic biryani rice with crispy fried onions, and a melting Kaali Dal — black lentils simmered with tomatoes and fenugreek — completed the feast. The result was generous, balanced, and showcased the full culinary diversity of the subcontinent.

Next came a sumptuous Lamb Shank Korma, slow-cooked to remarkable tenderness. The sauce, made with cashews, cream, and saffron, was rich without excess, smooth and elegant. The dish was topped with fresh herbs, fried onions, and a floral touch. On the side, a basket of Indian breads — naan, roti, papadum — perfectly accompanied the meal, allowing us to savor every last drop of sauce.

To end this dinner beautifully, two exotic desserts closed the meal with lightness and inventiveness. The first, titled Pineapple ~ Coconut, combined pieces of caramelized pineapple with pink pepper with an airy coconut sorbet. It was a dessert of pure freshness, where textures and aromas danced with elegance. The second, Mango ~ Malai, was a refined interpretation of cheesecake: a crunchy base, a creamy malai center, saffron caramel, pink peppercorns, and mango sorbet. Rich in sensations yet perfectly balanced, it concluded the culinary experience on a silky, fruity, and characterful note.

We had the pleasure of savoring Rivayat's delights the previous year, I invite you to read our dedicated article: Rivayat at The Oberoi Marrakech: The Art of Indian Gastronomy

Between Moroccan Hammam and Indian Rituals, a Unique Spa Interlude

Nestled on a private island in the heart of the orchards, The Oberoi Marrakech spa extends over 2,000 m² bathed in light, in a setting where water, stone, and nature harmonize perfectly. Inspired by Moroccan aesthetics, its architecture blends white marble, Berber motifs, and ochre tones, creating a cocoon that is both spiritual and contemporary. The spa offers five treatment rooms, two traditional hammams, a yoga pavilion, a fitness room, a heated indoor pool, and a beauty salon. The rituals draw from the ancestral knowledge of Morocco, India, and the Orient. A place designed to refocus, rejuvenate, and reconnect with the essentials — which we unfortunately did not have the opportunity to discover during our stay.

Play, Move, Slow Down: Fully Experience Marrakech

Beyond its sumptuous villas, exceptional dining, and enchanting spa, The Oberoi Marrakech offers a wide range of additional services, designed to suit every desire, age, and pace. For the youngest guests, the Kids' Club is a world apart: a dedicated space in the heart of the gardens where children can explore, create, learn, and have fun through cooking workshops, art activities, treasure hunts, or outdoor games.

Adventure and exclusivity lovers are also catered to: hot air balloon flights over Marrakech with breakfast facing the Atlas, vintage sidecar rides through the medina, or private poolside barbecues — each moment becomes a rare memory. Included sports activities also punctuate the days: sunrise yoga, orchard runs, cardio boxing, circuit training, or strength sessions are offered with professional guidance.

Finally, on the swimming side, two family pools allow guests to fully enjoy the Moroccan climate: a large 30-meter outdoor pool surrounded by palm trees, and a 20-meter heated indoor pool nestled in the spa for moments of absolute calm.

My Review

The Oberoi Marrakech leaves the rare impression of a perfectly orchestrated stay, where everything contributes to a feeling of absolute calm. Far from the city's hustle yet close to everything, the hotel succeeds in combining the refinement of Indian hospitality, the elegance of Moroccan architecture, and impeccable attention to detail. Between intimate villas, inventive gastronomy, soothing gardens, and exceptional service, every moment takes on a special density, as if suspended in time — a place one leaves with regret, feeling as though, for a few days, they touched a rare form of harmony.

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Practical Information

A big thank you to The Oberoi Marrakech for the invitation to discover their property. Of course, I remain free in my opinions in this article!