Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech

First opened in the Spring of 2014, the Royal Palm is a sprawling property with gorgeous landscaped gardens offering panoramic view of the Atlas mountains. The resort is a five-minute drive from the edge of the desert, but its lush manicured grounds, 18-hole golf course, and massive pool feel a world away from the arid plains of the Agafay. The resort’s architectural style and design give guests a taste of the most refined and elegant traditional Berber style, including adobe buildings with clean lines, and many latticework accents.Gorgeous interiors feel straight out of a decor magazine, with a dark palette and bright accents, thick rugs with geometric patterns, warm lights, and huge windows overlooking the striking outdoors. The lobby is a beautiful, sunny space with Prussian blue walls, soaring ceilings, dark floors, and heavy white curtains. Delicate Mashrabiya screens and beautiful leather poufs placed around a low coffee table lend the lobby a strong local feel, while stylish white chairs and discreet golden accents are contemporary Moroccan details. The property draws families and couples alike, and the atmosphere is exclusive and serene. Competing luxury options outside of the city center include Palais Namaskar and the Four Seasons. The Four Seasons has a more modern, Western decor style, and the brand's staple thoughtful service extras, such as free sunscreen by the pool; it tends to be more popular with English-speaking guests than the Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech, where there are sometimes more French-speaking guests. The Palais Namaskar is a better choice for couples than families, as it lacks the kids' club found here. Neither the Four Seasons nor Palais Namaskar have a golf course on-site.

The resort is located in a secluded area 25 minutes southwest of the city center. The only other developments within walking distance are the Private University of Marrakech and a couple of other resorts, but few guests venture out on foot due to the heat and arid surroundings. One of the main attractions in the area is the Agafay Desert, whose edge is just a quick drive away. There, guests can rent quads and other vehicles to explore the dunes and the Lalla Takerkoust Lake shores. The historic center (or Medina) is packed with famous attractions, including Jemaa el Fna Square, the Koutubia Mosque, and lively souks. The hotel runs a free shuttle to the Medina several times a day, but service stops in the afternoon. The airport is a 20-minute drive away. 

Starting at 775 square feet, rooms at the Fairmont are huge and airy, with large windows opening onto terraces furnished with daybeds, tables, and chairs. All units have garden, golf, or pool views, and many offer stunning panoramic views of the Atlas mountains. Rooms have stylish, elegant decor with a blend of traditional Berber and contemporary Moroccan accents, including decorative Mashrabiyah screens, thick rugs, inlaid tea tables, and tan walls. The soft neutral palette is elegant and warm, and some units have stylish pops of burnt orange in couches and armchairs. Each room features at least one flat-screen TV, fully stocked minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and safes. Wi-Fi is free and fast throughout the property. Decadent bathrooms have marble finishes, gleaming chocolate-brown mosaic walls, rain showers, separate deep soaking tubs, and double sinks. Villas are massive 8,000-square-foot stand-alone structures set within serene gardens complete with a private heated pool and outdoor living spaces. In addition, all villas feature full kitchens, personalized butler service, hammams, walk-in closets, and outdoor showers. 

The property is home to a wonderful 18-hole par 72 golf course designed by American architect Cabell B. Robinson, a feature which helps the Fairmont stand out from its competitors. The course features wide fairways, ponds and bunkers, and offers striking views of the Atlas mountain range. The gorgeous hotel grounds also include a massive heated pool treated with ozone instead of chlorine, and lined with palms trees and loungers. The pool is open year-round, and features butlers providing bar and towel service. There is an additional indoor pool at the world-class spa, complete with treatment rooms, a hair salon and barber, private hammams, a yoga pavilion, a juice bar, and a women-only area. The fitness center features cardio and strength-training machines, as well as personal trainers and a Pilates studio. Private and group classes are offered for a fee, and there are indoor and outdoor tennis, racquetball and squash courts available free of charge. The hotel offers varied and excellent dining options on-site, from Moroccan fine dining at Al Ain, to casual light meals at poolside L’Olivier. Le Caravane serves a sumptuous free breakfast buffet and an international lunch and dinner menu in a gorgeous space with chic travel-inspired decor. L'Olivier is not open for dinner, so guests should be prepared to splurge for more formal evening meals, or opt for room service. Le Bar has a hushed atmosphere and beautiful decor, with a sunken gold bar, tons of traditional Moroccan lanterns, a fireplace, and a piano for evening entertainment. The hotel also features a stylish kids’ club with daily activities and babysitting services. Wi-Fi and parking are provided free of charge.