The Ritz-Carlton Rabat, Dar Es Salam opened this week, marking the brand’s arrival in Morocco.

“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, vice-president, 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.”

The 117-key property is located within 440 hectares of forest and lush gardens, mere steps away from the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam. It is just a few minutes’ drive from the historic center of Rabat, which is the oceanside capital of Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012.

The Ritz-Carlton Rabat offers:

• interiors that have been curated to represent Arab-Andalusian history and culture;
• a lobby featuring a richly decorated dome, bonsai trees, and walls adorned with Moroccan “gebs” frescoes, which tell the stories and legends of Morocco through their motifs;
• 100 guestrooms and 17 suites – including a nearly 2,000-square-foot Royal Suite – all with a private terrace facing the pool and the gardens, headboards adorned with gebs, Baroque-styled furniture, and large marble bathrooms;
• a variety of drink and dining experiences, including The Mediterranean Brasserie (traditional Mediterranean and innovative fusion dishes), The Lobby Lounge (afternoon tea), Palapa, the hotels pool bar restaurant, and Blind Tiger, a speakeasy bar nestled just off the lobby;
• and a collection of outdoor spaces (pool, gardens, etc.)

The Ritz-Carlton Spa offers a serene retreat with saunas, hammams, ten massage rooms and two couple’s suites where expert therapists use the finest products from marocMaroc. Inspired by Roman baths, the indoor pool features a glass roof flooding the area with natural light. The hotel also offers a state-of-the-art fitness center open 24/7, with views of the palace’s bordering gardens as well as the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, with its three golf courses offering 45 holes spread across the 440-acre oak forest.

The meetings and events spaces at The Ritz-Carlton Rabat include:

• The Grand Ballroom, filled with natural light and offering panoramic views of the gardens, which can host up to 400 guests;
• more than 23,680 square feet of landscaped outdoor event spaces;
• and nearly 5,000 square feet of indoor event space, spread across three rooms.