Few countries in the world have a musical heritage as rich and ancient as that of Morocco. Moroccan music is as beautiful and enchanting as the country itself.  Growing up in Morocco, I have always been proud of Moroccan music’s range, depth and diversity, expressed in many forms and through many instruments. 

Few countries in the world have a musical heritage as rich and ancient as that of Morocco.

Music is indeed one of the richest parts of Morocco’s culture. Here is a list of Morocco’s most famous and rich musical genres from Andalussi and Malhoun in the north to the Sufi brotherhoods and Amazigh folk throughout the country and Hassani Sahraoui music in the very south.

Moroccan music: Ayta

When we talk about the popular oral tradition of Morocco, we are talking about expressive forms that have retained their originality over time. It is a very rich heritage which consists of an array of cultural manifestations as suggested by the odes, the anecdotes, the folk dances, the halgats, the songs, the ayouts (plural of Ayta).

Ayta occupies a large place in Morocco’s cultural and artistic heritage. The word itself means a call intended for a person in order to attract his attention. Artistically, it’s a means of musical oral expression originated from the countryside of Morocco, structured according to a logical sequence, beginning with a prelude, followed by several chapters, interspersed in turn by a chorus or refrain (transitional poetic verse which allows the passage from one sequence to another ), culminating in a dancing finale. 

The art of Aita in Morocco contains seven main sections are: Marsawi, Hasbawi, Hawzi, Zaari, Khribgui, Jebli, Mellali. Ayta Art is about the realities of life — about the land, nature, wars, mountains, crises and, of course, it’s about love. In short, Aita music represents the heritage of Morocco. 

source: aytart.com

Amazigh folklore (Ahwach, Ahidous..)

The Berbers are some of the first habitants of Morocco. they developed, especially in the countryside, a very original musical style. This Moroccan music varies according to the region concerned. Each of Morocco’s three Berber regions has its own language and, in turn, their own Berber rhythms. 

In addition to dialectal Arabic, there are three forms of Berber dialects spoken in Morocco: Tamazight in the West region of the Middle Atlas, Tachlhit in the South West region, and Tarifit in the North.

In most cases, Berber music is performed by popular artistic troupes composed of women and men, some singing in the dialect of the region and others performing dances punctuated to the rhythm according to string or percussion instruments such as the rebab, the lotar, which resembles the lute and the Bendir, a round drum, during moussems or other festivities such as weddings.

At the head of the troop, we always find a raïss in a white caftan and carrying on the side a dagger in an engraved case. This popular moroccan music has generated, in addition to singing, a way of dancing that has given rise to several forms of popular dances: ahwach dances and ahidous dances among others.

Ahwach, a Berber dance, collective and traditional, widespread in the High Atlas, this dance varies from region to region and from tribe to tribe, while keeping the same basics. This collective dance is performed to the rhythm of a traditional song: the tawala, orchestrated by a soloist.  The ahwach is a joyful and convivial dance. It is a beautiful demonstration of Berber traditions in Morocco.

Ahidous, a millennial practice that is an integral part of our Moroccan artistic heritage. The Ahidous is a traditional dance practiced by the Berber tribes of the Atlas, in which women and men, attached, form undulating circles, accompanied by songs in Berber by rhythms of the bendir.

In addition to the famous Ahwach and Ahidous, Berber songs are collective songs of several types: tamawith, tariffareth, izlan, afardi, izran and asalaw. 

Sufi

This beautiful mystical religions style of moroccan music can be traced back in its origins in the country of Morocco to the red city of Marrakech, the sufi music comes from sufism, it belongs to what it’s called tariqas or orders and some of the most famous tariqas in morocco are tariqa issawiya, boutchichiya, Hamadcha, Cherkaoua and Dar Dmana among others.

Sufism is the mystical side of Islam, and its history is traced to the very early days of the religion. The tariqas or Sufi brotherhoods get together, and music is an essential part of their spiritual tradition which seeks to reach a trance state to inspire a mystical fantasy. Sufi music is also strongly focused on poetry and as a form of devotions and worship.

Moroccan Sufi Music is a mystical, musical, cultural, and religious style that the Sufis believe it brings one spiritually closer to the Prophet Muhammad and Allah, typically performed with an oud (Arab lute), vocals, percussion, and sometimes with a reed flute called a “Ney,” and of course, the most essential element to it is that the poetic component produces a trance-like state.

Issawa 

Issawa is what could be the most famous tari9a sufiya (a Sufi musical method or order), which means a religious form of Moroccan folklore, Meknes and Fez are the birthplaces of Issawa. Issawa was founded by Sidi Ben Aissa also called shaykh lkaml in the 15th century, the term Issawa or Aissawa comes from the founder’s name ben Aissa.

Issawa are Sufi brotherhoods, Moroccan folklore groups that sing Islamic songs but in special and rhythmic ways and are known for their spiritual music led by a “mqdm” head of the group. Bendir, taarija (percussion instruments), raita (small pipes) and n’far (large one-note trumpets) are some of its most used musical Instruments.

A “Issawa” night is a must on your next visit to the cultural and spiritual capital Fes. There are many riads in the old medina of the city that offer musical Issawa nights that would leave you wanting more.

Gnaoua 

Gnaoua music, listed on December 12, 2019 in the intangible heritage of Unesco, is a tradition perpetuated in Morocco by the descendants of former slaves from sub-Saharan Africa. Combining African rituals and worship of saints venerated by local populations.

Gnaoua music was widely popularized by the Gnaoua Festival of Essaouira that was created in 1997 in the city of Essaouira in southern Morocco. For its part, Gnawa music is practiced by a religious brotherhood. The moroccan music of the gnaoua has a very particular rhythm, a mixture of African and Arab-Berber rhythms. The dancers perform impressive acrobatic figures inspired by Moroccan melhoun.

Gnawa music is definitely one of the most characteristic music of the Moroccan heritage with its beautiful unique rhythms, its sounds, colors, outfits, dances but also its rituals and traditions.

Gnawas use 3 main musical instruments: The Guembri, an instrument with chords, is the main instrument of a gnaoua group. It is the instrument of the maalem. The maâlem or master musician is also the singer of the group. The qraqebs or karkabous are percussion instruments where the sound produced comes directly from the material of the instrument (metal). And finally the tbel, the tbel is a drum and there are often 2 tbel players in a Gnaoua music group.

Andaloussi 

Known formerly under the name of “musiqa Al Ala, موسيقى الآلة” translated to “instrumental music”  to differentiate it from vocal music, of a religious nature, where the use of musical instruments is forbidden, with the exception of those used for show the rhythm, this heritage is today commonly called “at-Tarab al-Andaloussi,” or “al-Musiqa al-Andaloussia,” meaning Andalusian music.

Andalusian moroccan music is the main musical genre in Fes and Tetouan, composed of a repertoire organized into instrumental openings, songs of poems and improvised choruses, according to a musical system: Nawba. It is a classical music inspired by the songs of religious poems, it includes individual or collective songs like Moual. There are various subgenres of Andalousian moroccan music such as Gharnate, consisting of a mandolin and lute and can be heard in north of morocco in the cities of Tangiers and Tetouan.

Imported to North Africa by the Arabs expelled from Spain from the 11th century, As its name suggests, it contributed to enriching the Moroccan musical heritage, thanks to an oriental mixture of Arab, Berber and Iberian artistic data. 

This Moroccan music is an elitist musical genre, often reserved for the celebrations of notables. The repertoire of the musicians, dressed in white djellabas, consists of several noubas, kinds of instrumental and vocal suites. Each piece is led by a soloist and played, with the support of songs, by the whole orchestra. 

Chaabi 

A highlight of Morocco’s traditional musical heritage, one of the most popular in Morocco, “Chabbi” meaning popular in Arabic, is indeed the most popular music listened to in Morocco. made its appearance thanks to the moussems celebrated in the four corners of the country. 

The chaâbi nowadays is a moroccan music that is frequently found in weddings and this style is often associated with the party. The use of popular language and the creation of new rhythms have made this style an essential complement to dance. 

The instrumentation of the Moroccan chaâbi can be varied: bendir, derbouka, violin, lute or gembri, and since the technological innovation, the electric guitar and the keyboard have appeared.

During musical performances, Moroccan women dance by swaying their hips, sweeping their hair and tapping their feet on the ground or on a metal sound box, a dance called in moroccan dialect derdigue. This specifically Moroccan dance is not found in any Arab-Muslim country. The derdigue would either be a vestige of Arab-Andalusian Spain found in Flamenco or (like hair sweeping) from trance ceremonies.

Nowadays, the artists of urban Châabi are more and more numerous and of different artistic quality, and among which we find: Abdelaziz Stati, Tahour, Daoudi, Daoudia, Haj Moughit, Saïd Sinhaj and Abidat Rma.

Melhoun

True poetic art, A heritage of inestimable value, Melhoum meaning “the melodic poem”, is a form of traditional Moroccan music that dates back to the fifteenth century originating from the region of the Tafilalet oasis and the zawias in southern Morocco to then have spread to the rest of the country . 

Originally, malhun started as a pure literary creation with poems that sing of daily life in the medinas, sung words, a poetic genre today known in Morocco under the name of “qasida”. 

This form is today accompanied by instruments such as the “oud” (from the family of plucked string instruments) or the “bendir” (percussion instrument). It has been influenced through the ages by the rhythms of Andalusian moroccan music and popular songs which gave birth to Melhoun as we know it today.

Sahraoui Music

In the Saharaoui oral tradition, music and poetry have always been inextricably intertwined, allowing for a greater understanding and transmission of poetry by combining classical Arabic poetry, which consists of at least seven verses with a single rhyme, a musical form played in a specific defined order starting from when the lute player begins his melody

This type of song, called “Al Haoul” in Hassaniya language,  frequently stimulates as much fear of the Saharan expanse as it does solitude.

Hassani poetry, an important part of Sahraoui culture, comes from the Amazigh/berber and arabic culture as much as the Mauritanian griots and is particularly inspired by the daily life of the desert. The poetry equally expresses the hopes and fears, traditions and the relationship between men and women. Religious faith is also a source of inspiration with hadiths and Koranic verses serving as a basis for poems.

The instruments employed, like the poetry they accompany, are the result of cultural hybridization between the Sahara and Sub-Saharan Africa. The Saharan instrumentalists tend to reside in two areas in particular: Noun and Saqua el Hamra.

It is also from Noun that the “guedra”, a famous Saharawi dance is native. As for Saquïa el Hamra, it has always been a rather mythical place and destination of the “Iggaouen”, the stray griots coming from Mauritania.

Some of the most famous Sahraoui moroccan music instruments are: the “tbal” used indifferently in the two Saharan parts of Noun and Saquia el Hamra. And the “Tidinite ” is a four string lute reserved for men, a privileged instrument of the Mauritanian griots and strongly reminiscent of the “guembri” gnawa.

Moroccan jewish music

The Jews of Morocco have always been part of the socio-economic landscape of the Kingdom. Without abandoning the Jewish heritage which has enriched the Arab-Muslim heritage. Making the Moroccan identity a base of several cultures and religions.

Moroccan Jews preserved religious and secular musical traditions, improvised upon them and popularized them. Frequently performing alongside Muslims, they contributed to the development of an authentic Moroccan music scene.

Moroccan music: A rich diversity 
Must Visit Morocco

So, what to see in Casablanca?

Well, we got you, we present to you the ultimate Casablanca guide from its monuments, squares and districts to its malls and museums.

The Old Medina

In the north of the city between the port and the seafront Hassan II Mosque, this Historic district of the white city contains the last vestiges of pre-20th century Casablanca. 

The old media was destroyed by an earthquake in 1755 and rebuilt in 1770 by Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah. Though the modern Casablanca has grown in all directions, the old medina remains a maze of dark narrow alleyways, sprawling souks and dilapidated buildings. Walking there feels like a trip back in time, it transports you to an authentic setting where customers are rummaging through piles of goods in the stalls haggling for bargains, or sipping mint tea in front of the shop and watching the world go by.

Although the old town of Casablanca does not have as much atmosphere and exoticism as the Medina of Fez or Marrakech, this maze of alleys still hides a lot of things to discover and you’ll even find it much easier to navigate in comparison. No Casablanca guide would be complete without it, you can find everything there, from delicious Moroccan food, weird antiques, wooden statues, hand-made soap and vintage memorabilia. Next time you’re in Casablanca, don’t forget to hit the old medina and  start your visit at United Nations Square, then pass by the Great Mosque and the Kouba Sidi Bou Samra. Finally, end your visit with the Sqala square.

Quartier Habous (New Medina)

Habous Quarter, in the southeastern part of the city, about four miles from the city center, mostly known as the New Medina, is one of the city’s most atmospheric districts. 

Built by the French between 1918 and 1955 to create a new Medina who were occupying Morocco at the time. The new Medina, or new town resembles traditional old Moroccan towns with a few more things: bigger streets and modern facilities. 

The district is today a successful example of a modern medina which has kept a traditional style. Also, a home to different traditional markets as well as the Royal Palace which is worth seeing while walking around.

Habous is certainly one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Casablanca and an valuable part of any casablanca guide. a calm and relaxing landmark that is also full of monuments with attractive architecture, cozy restaurants, trendy bars, etc. It is the ideal area to settle down for a vacation with family in Casablanca or for couples.

The best thing to do in this charming part of the white city is to get lost wondering its magical alleys and take the opportunity to do some shopping!

Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca, Morocco

No Casablanca guide is complete without the one and only Hassan II Mosque. And no walking tour of Casablanca would be complete without encountering the city’s most impressive mosque. Located by the sea, with its large capacity and stunning architecture, the majestic Hassan II Mosque is one of the best destinations and must-sees in Casablanca.

A monument of exceptional beauty, on the shore, just beyond the northern tip of Casablanca’s medina (old town), the Hassan II Mosque dominates the entire city. Completed in 1993, it is the fourth largest mosque in the world, covering 9 hectares with the tallest minaret in the world (201m high). The prayer hall can accommodate 25,000 worshipers while the courtyard (which has a retractable roof) can hold another 80,000. Its decoration from surprisingly intricate Moroccan craftsmanship covers every centimeter of its surface. Located by the sea, its location is quite spectacular. 

Non-Muslims can also visit the mosque on guided tours that start from the west entrance of the mosque several times a day. So, we really recommend that you take a trip there to admire its exquisite architecture. This impressive religious monument of Morocco is to be visited at all costs during a stay in the white city. 

King’s Palace

Located in the Habous district, the former royal palace of Casablanca is certainly one of the most beautiful monuments in the city. Built in the 1920s in a relatively modern Arab-Muslim style, it has superb Mediterranean gardens. And like all the many properties of the Moroccan King, this royal palace is of an exceptional beauty. Huge from every point of view, the royal palace has huge windows and especially breathtaking external facades. However, like all the palaces held by the King in many Moroccan cities, that of Casablanca is extremely well guarded. It is extremely difficult if not impossible to get inside. However, its incredible external architecture is well worth a look… even from a distance!

A high place in the history of the city not to be missed!

Malls of casablanca: guide 

Morocco mall 

Shopping, cafés and restaurants with a sea view, ice skating, arcade games and an IMAX (the only one in Morocco) , Morocco Mall has it all. A stay in Casablanca would necessarily be incomplete without visiting the largest shopping center in the Maghreb.

Opened in 2011, the Morocco Mall is the 20th largest shopping center in the world and the 2nd largest in Africa. True national pride, it is a shopping paradise and one of the most important symbols of Casablanca’s economic dynamism. 

Located at the end of the beautiful Corniche, the Morocco Mall is a shopping hub that allows you to do several fun activities. You will find absolutely everything in the Morocco Mall: large boutiques (Dior, Channel, etc.), modern restaurants, cinemas, aquarium (to the delight of children), ice skating, etc. And, for those who cannot travel to the old medina, the Morocco Mall has specially created souks on its premises. 

And when it rains, Morocco Mall is a shelter of choice. Indeed, the Morocco Mall is an extraordinary economic complex that allows you to do several activities with family, friends, girls or as a couple. The places have been specially created to please both the young and old among you!

So, Morocco Mall is a must visit on your next trip to the white city Casablanca.

Anfa place 

AnfaPlace mall in Casablanca offers a wide choice of stores, restaurants, it’s among the best malls in Morocco. Ideally located on the cornice of Anfa, it lies directly on a beach! 

Designed by Sir Norman Foster, Anfaplace Mall was inaugurated in 2013 and is part of a mixed-use complex located on the Atlantic coast, west of Casablanca. Anfaplace Mall comprises two floors of commercial spaces and offers two levels of underground parking, including more than 1000 parking spaces spread over the 2 levels.

In November 2018, the renovation site was launched. Objective: to offer a unique shopping experience to Casablanca residents, to propose an intelligent layout of the food court and to add a touch of modernity to the spaces as well as green elements.

Marina mall 

You can see this stylish mall on Boulevard des Almohades. On a walking distance from the Hassan 2 mosque with a beautiful view on the sea facing the Atlantic Ocean shore. Marina mall is a shopping center over a dedicated area totaling 43,000 m2 of leisure spaces, restaurants and famous store brands. In total, Marina Shopping includes 147 stores spread over two levels. There is a huge parking lot. The general space of the mall is very artistically decorated. It is an open, congestion free shopping mall with a stunning ocean view.

Mesumes of casablanca guide

Musée Abderrahman Slaoui

A visit to the famous museum named after and dedicated to the life of the Moroccan businessman and art collector, Abderrahman Slaoui is also to be included in your list of things to do in Casablanca. A unique addition to our Casablanca guide. This will be an unexpected opportunity to learn more about the life of the man and his travels all while learning more about Moroccan culture.

The tiny and beautiful Abderrahman Slaoui Foundation Museum is a small building hidden in the middle of downtown Casablanca city. 

In this calm and enriching space, you will find a showcase of engravings, Moroccan jewellery, figurative paintings by Muhammad Ben Ali Rbati, landscape paintings by Jacques Majorelle and crystal objects and above all the incredible private collection of Abderrahman Slaoui.

A morning spent in this gem will give you a new appreciation for the art of Morocco and beyond. 

Villa des Arts

For those who want an even more cultural visit, the Villa des Arts in Casablanca opens its doors to discover an exhibition of Moroccan art.

Built in 1934 in an Art Deco style, the Villa des Arts in Casablanca hosts many cultural events with the aim of sharing and promoting Moroccan culture.

As an integral part of the ONA foundation, the Villa des Arts is the museum to visit at all costs in Casablanca and a must on our Casablanca guide’s list. Located near the Arab League Park, this museum houses nearly 800 works of art and regularly hosts exhibitions by the most talented contemporary artists. Visiting this museum in Casablanca will be an opportunity for you to take a closer look at all of Moroccan history and culture.

Cathedrals of Casablanca: Guide

Sacré-Coeur Cathedral 

Featuring both gothic and art-deco architecture, this charming church was completed around the 1930s. Although left unrestored, the Church of Sacré-Coeur is a monument that has lost none of its beauty . 

Just a few places from the Arab League Park, We really advise you to visit this church with its rich and exceptional history. Even if the facades of the church have not been renovated, it still retains its legendary appeal!

Also, not far away, you can see the Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes cathedral, built 24 years later. and do not hesitate to visit the vast garden and public park of the Arab League that are around the area too.

Notre Dame de Lourdes Cathedral

Next to the Cathedrale Sacré-Coeur, the church of Notre Dame de Lourdes is the next stop on your Casablanca guide. 

Built in 1953, the Church of Notre Dame de Lourdes is another monument of the white city that is really worth a visit. It must be said that the exterior of this Casablanca cathedral is not very rosy. Which is the complete opposite of its interior! The beauty of this monument is celebrated with its incredible stained glass windows designed with a master hand by Gabriel Loire, that transports you to a setting that is both idyllic and spiritual. We really suggest that you gather in this sumptuous church during your future stay in Casablanca. And don’t judge it by its external appearance… it’s more beautiful than it shows!

La corniche (Ain Diab)

The Casablanca Corniche (waterfront) also known as Ain Diab, is a perfect backdrop for a walking tour of Casablanca. Indeed, this idyllic corner is known to house the most beautiful beaches, A popular spot for locals who go there for some fresh air on the weekends, to relax and have fun. 

The corniche is also home to some of the most welcoming restaurants, the trendiest bars and the largest shops in the white city. In the evening, the nightlife becomes lively, the corniche is definitely where you’ll find the hottest spots for a casaoui night so it definitely making it to our ultimate Casablanca guide.

And for those not a fan of the nightlife, the corniche is without a doubt the perfect spot to take a walk along the ocean during the day and enjoy the panorama!

Parc sindibad

We couldn’t do without adding this one to our Casablanca guide. SINDIBAD PARK is a subsidiary of SINDIBAD BEACH RESORT and is located in the heart of Ain Diab, in Casablanca, the park covers 32 hectares and includes 3 different universes: An amusement park, An animal park, and a forest recreational park. The park has more than 20 surprising attractions, more than thirty animal species, souvenir shops, themed restaurants, as well as sandwich shops. Diversified entertainment is also offered throughout the day for even more of a change of scenery.

Its 20 attractions  will immerse you in the depths of the new world of SINDIBAD and give you a breath of nature in the heart of the city, for young and old, solos and groups.

The ultimate Casablanca guide: the underrated gem of moroccan
Must Visit Morocco

So here is the best time to travel to Morocco by seasons!

Best time to travel to Morocco: Winter 

from December to February 

In the winter months, Morocco can get a bit chilly, especially up in the surrounding Atlas Mountains, despite that a big part of the country is in the desert. 

But worry not, Winter in Morocco lends itself to different activities: treks in the Sahara desert, by camel or on foot where the weather is a little warmer than the rest of the country. Or maybe even skiing in the resort of Oukaïmeden, which is quite busy during this period. What could be more exotic than skiing in Morocco? December is the best time to hit up Morocco’s top Oukaimeden Ski Resort. It’s 49 miles from Marrakech and equipment hire for the day will only cost $18!

The best thing about visiting Morocco in the winter months is that you’ll have the country’s main attractions all to yourself. Luxury riads in Marrakech are decreasing their prices, and the Sahara desert tours are available at much more optimal prices.

Best time to travel to Morocco: Spring 

from March to May 

Mid-season is the best time for a trip to Morocco. The climate is then very mild, conducive to many activities, such as hiking, in the Sahara desert or elsewhere, rafting, surfing, relaxation in hammams or swimming pools, beaches,.. you name it!

In the early months of spring the landscapes of Morocco are transformed into a sea of blooming flowers and  lush greenery. It’s the best time of year to visit if you want to tackle the country’s spectacular hiking trails and appreciate the stunning nature of Morocco.

Another bonus is that high season has yet to kick in. You’ll have an easy time finding deals on hotels and flights as well as fewer crowds in the main destinations of the country such as Chefchaouen and Fez.

One of the biggest highlights of visiting during March is the International Nomads Festival. Scheduled for four days every March, this festival brings together music, theater, storytelling, and art.

And in May, you can attend the Gnaoua and Sacred World Music festivals. The Gnaoua festival is a festival celebrating art, music, and culture  in the city of Essaouira while the Sacred World festival is held in Fes and promotes spirituality and tolerance through music.

Best time to travel to Morocco: Summer 

from June to August and even early September

Summer in Morocco is very very hot. Marrakech is then overwhelmed with sweltering heat, making any activity other than swimming in your hotel pool difficult. But if you can tolerate high temperatures, you can take advantage of your summer in Morocco to swim and laze on the beaches. On the other hand, it is much too hot in the Sahara to tackle a trek or a hike.

July and August are the least ideal months to travel to Morocco but they shouldn’t be ruled out. While temperatures are at their highest, there’s not a rain cloud in sight.

It’s the perfect excuse to spend the afternoon cooling off by the pool, or hit off the Moroccan beach cities, maybe a little suffering in Taghazout, imousane, Essaouira? or even go all the way south to Dakhla.

If you want to escape the heat, Travel to the coast of Morocco or to the Atlas Mountains for a cooler atmosphere and experience. You’ll have to book your trip in advance to avoid high season prices though.

Best time to travel to Morocco: Fall (autumn) 

from September to November

The best time to travel to Morocco is spring for sure. But also autumn! when the temperatures are the most pleasant. It is definitely a recommended thing to plan your trip to beautiful Morocco over September and October. Temperatures start to cool off making it the optimal time of year to explore Morocco’s Atlantic coast, hike its various trails or even explore the bustling markets in Marrakech and Fes.

A little advice though, pack warm clothes when visiting coastal cities or cities close to the Atlas mountains. Temperatures drop in the evenings and snowfall is common at higher altitudes. 

You’ll also be in time for Marrakech’s annual International Film Festival!

The Best Time to Travel to Morocco
Must Visit Morocco

Here is a selection of the top 9 luxury stays in the beautiful exotic city of Marrakech

La Mamounia 

Of course, this list wouldn’t be this list if it didn’t start with the one and only luxury Moroccan hotel La Mamounia. Did you know that Sir Winston Churchill, England’s former prime minister, lived there? Yeah me neither, not before writing this article. Since its 1923 debut—everyone from Winston Churchill to Nelson Mandela to Tom Cruise have stayed here, what started as a Beautiful Gift of land from father the Alaouite Sultan Mohammed Ben Abdallah to his  son  is now and without a doubt The most famous hotel in town.

As described by La Mamounia website “Timeless and wildly modern, radiant and intimate, oriental and outward-looking, luxurious and authentic, mythical and vibrant: La Mamounia is everything, all at once.”  La Mamounia is on the edge of the medina, in the heart of Marrakech, 270 rooms and suites, three riads, overlaid with intricate tiling and vivid colors courtesy of top French designer Jacques Garcia. With gardens of 700 orange trees, 200 olive trees and 5,000 rose bushes that are almost as famous as the guests, without forgetting to mention the vast outdoor pool, it is one of the top places to be seen in the city

Royal Mansour Marrakech

The Royal Mansour is definitely one of those few luxury Moroccan hotels that defy hotel excellencein the world. Some 1,500 Moroccan artisans were employed to build this palace hotel commissioned by the King of Morocco Mohammed VI, who wanted it to be ‘a medina within a medina’. Just a few steps away from the famous Jemaa El Fna square beats the heart of the Marrakesh Palace, laid out as a medina with 53 separate three-floor riads rather than normal hotel rooms. The spa is a focus, as are its three delight dining restaurants, including the Michelin-star Le Jardin.

The Royal Mansour truly has a touch of oriental magic to it that you will not forget in a hurry,  2 km from Bahia Palace, a 5-minute walk from the famous Djemaa El Fna square and a 15-minute drive from Marrakech-Menara Airport is a 15-minute drive away.

Royal Mansour is one of the most uniquely beautiful hotels in the world.

The oberoi 

This fairly new luxury Moroccan Hotel (opened October 2019) does not disappoint. The Oberoi Marrakechhas beautifully landscaped gardens punctuated by water features. Its authentic architecture is inspired by palaces of ancient Morocco. The courtyard of the main building assimilates the design built in the 14th century of the historic Medersa Ben Youssef, one of Marrakech’s most iconic historic monuments.

Set in Marrakech, 12 km from Yves Saint Laurent Museum, 13 km from Majorelle Gardens  and 14 km from theBahia Palace, The Oberoi Marrakech offers a restaurant, a bar, a fitness center, a magnificent garden and outdoor and indoor pools. 

Each of this luxury Moroccan hotel’s accommodation at the 5-star hotel has garden views and majestic snow-capped Atlas Mountains.

Spacious accommodation, personalized wellness offerings, restaurants serving authentic Moroccan cuisine and international cuisines and an engaging children’s activity area make for a promise for an unforgettable experience at one of the best luxury moroccan hotels in Marrakech.

Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech 

A little bit of city and a little bit of Mountains we ask?  Yes!, you say..  Well we present to you: Mandarin Oriental, one of the best five-star hotels in Marrakech, This Morocco’s luxury hotel is Within easy reach of the world-famous Medina and its main attractions and in laying close proximity to the Atlas Mountains, while at the same time being only 15 minutes drive from the airport, the Mandarin is perfectly situated to enjoy both the delights of the city and the relaxing beauty of The Atlas mountains. 

The hotel is composed of 54 luxurious villas with their own private gardens and private pools, 9 delightful suites, a gorgous 19,375-square-foot spa gives off the same vibes with private gardens surrounding each of the six treatment rooms, an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by towering palm trees and their signature restaurants offering an array of options: Moroccan with a modern slant, international, Chinese, and Mediterranean al fresco by the pool.

This luxury Moroccan hotel is near the Royal Golf course and only about 10 minutes drive from the medina of Marrakech. 

Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech

This luxury Moroccan hotel is undeniably the promise of a fantastic getaway. With 134 guest rooms, suites & villas overlooking landscaped gardens, the Atlas Mountains and the 18-hole Golf Course designed by Cabell B. Robinson, offering for a postcard backdrop.

The luxury Moroccan hotel of Royal Palm features six restaurants and bars, a huge lake-like swimming pool, an incredible spa, a fitness club and an enchanting 500 sqm Kids’ Club, considered the largest in Morocco. you won’t ever need to leave the hotel! 

Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech is located 12 km (about a 20 minutes drive) from the Medina, 13 km from Conference Palace and 15 km from Majorelle Gardens. and  10 km away from the Menara Airport.

Selman Marrakech

After designer Jacques Garcia redesigned La Mamounia, he designed Selman and seemingly took the style quotient up a notch, heaping on intense colors, sharp furniture, opulent chandeliers and towering columns, an Arabian decor fit for royalty. It’s s a short drive from Marrakech, However, that distance comes with something that many other properties lack: a stable (also designed by Jacques Garcia) housing purebreds Arabian horses, symbols of the greatness of a civilisation, guests can visit and admire these extraordinary horses, watch them perform or take a dressage lesson and indulge in its unique culture and the soul of the exceptional Selman Marrakech.

Situated at the foot of the Atlas Mountains , this luxury Moroccan hotel features three outdoor swimming pools, a luxurious spa, two bars and three restaurants The Le Selman, the La Pavilion and Assys, From exquisite cuisine to Mediterranean to authentic Moroccan style, there’s something for everyone.. Its spacious rooms are tastefully decorated with Arab-Andalusian style. Each includes a private bathroom fitted with a hot tub and shower and provides a large terrace with sweeping views of the swimming pools, perfect for enjoying a delightful cup of moroccan mint tea. 

And Marrakech-Menara Airport is 5 km away.

La Sultana Marrakech

“A romantic hideaway within the walled medina of Marrakech” La Sultana truly takes the cake for city Luxury hostels. At the beating heart of the kasbah, just moments from the royal palaces, museums and souks of the magical red city. 

This small, luxury Moroccan hotel offers a luxury outdoor swimming pool and a spa with massages are offered at La Sultana Marrakech. It also features a rooftop terrace, But what takes the cake is without a doubt their incredible spa, there’s a Jacuzzi, two hammams and sauna here too – not to mention candlelit pools. 

Moorish décor and Moroccan furnishings feature in all of its rooms and suites, La Sultana’s exotic ambiance carries through its high vaulted ceiling bedrooms, intricately carved woods, marble and copper echo the hotel’s rich heritage.

The 28-room luxury moroccan hotel also has a high-quality restaurant; a more casual café serving a market and street-food menu on the rooftop with views of the landmark tower of Koutoubia Mosque.

La Sutana is definitely perfect for your next stay in the heart of the red city, it offers the perfect amount of relaxation and nearability.

Palais Ronsard Relais & Châteaux

As one of Marrakch’s Moroccan luxury hotels, Palais Ronsard Relais & Chateaux takes the cake with all-around excellence. Surrounded by rose-scented gardens with century-old olive trees, Palais Ronsard occupies an elaborately adorned 1930s mansion, with interior design by architect Gil Dez. 

Made of 29 spacious rooms and suites with their terraces, gardens are each of multiple inspirations where the East is always present. A restaurant duo that alone is worth a stay – one is a fully gourmet affair and the other is an eco-friendly alfresco spot with ingredients sourced from the hotel’s beautifully manicured gardens. 

There’s also a pool, a large outdoor swimming pool (you’ll have your own, too, if you book a Pavilion) and a decadent spa with classic hammam treatments. Too relaxing for you? The hustle and bustle of the Marrakech medina is a short spin away.

Truly one of the most well designed, stylish, unique and authentic luxury hotels in Marrakech,where novelty and nostalgia come together, sometimes meeting sublime frescoes by artists from all walks of life.

Amanjena

Inspired by the rose-hued buildings that the red city of Marrakech is known for, Amanjena is made from the same clay visible in many other structures throughout the town, set in its own expanse of gardens and grand open spaces. If to feel far away from the city (It’s a 15-minute drive to the medina.) or to relish the solitude is your thing, Amanjena is your answer one can even say “it’s in the middle of nowhere”. 

Shaded courtyards with fountains lead to the central basin, a stylized interpretation of a traditional Moroccan palace with long passageways, marble fountains, a large stone courtyard and walled villas laid out the same way that sultans designed their palaces, all with private gardens and many with private pools. Views stretch across the olive groves and palms of the oasis, extending to the High Atlas Mountains on the horizon. The spa has two hammams and the Amelkis Golf Club next door. 

A calm luxury stay done right

Hotels guide: 9 luxury Moroccan hotels in Marrakech
Must Visit Morocco

Here are and in no particular order the top most amazing Moroccan crafts to not miss out on when on your next visit to Morocco.

Fez’s leather

Fez is most known by its traditional Moroccan leather industry, that’s definitely something to not miss out on when visiting Fes, none less Leatherwork is a tradition linked to many cities in Morocco, such as Fez, Meknes, Marrakech, Rabat, Tetouan, Tangier, where half of the leather production comes from.

When it comes to leather products shoes, bags, purses, jackets, you name it Morocco has it and in many amazing designs too!

Pottery and ceramics 

One of the great artisanal specialties of Morocco is the work of ceramics. You can find most of Morocco’s finest potters in the Safi region.

The best-known and best-selling product is the essential tajine.

While most painted tagines that are sold in old medina’s shops are for purely decorative use, almost all Moroccan families own and use an undecorated “beldi” tagine, for food use, on a daily basis.

Moroccan pottery also produces ashtrays, vases, dishes, salad bowls….which I bet you when walking by one of Moroccan’s many beautiful ceramics shops, you won’t miss it. The colors, the pattern and the beauty of these incredible stores are unmatched, if you could resist the urge to buy them all, they’d make for the perfect background of your next insta pic.

Moroccan rugs

The Moroccan rug is probably the most famous Moroccan craft product in the world. Authentic and handmade, they’re known for their high quality which on top of their amazing designs and patterns makes them very durable.

It is one of the most attractive ethnic decorative pieces. Passed down from woman to girl for generations throughout history, the Moroccan rug has conquered the world thanks to the beauty and uniqueness of its colors and patterns.

Moroccan crafts: Woven work

Woven is a basic element in the daily life of Moroccans. It is a profession that was once most often reserved for men, they braid while drinking their tea and talking. This work has now been taken up by craftsmen of all ages with doum from the region of Essaouira, Massa and Marrakech.

Woven items (baskets, shopping bags, plate placemats, hats, etc.) are exhibited in the souks and alleys of the medinas.

if you need a cute little tote to take on the rest of your vacation in Morocco with style? A handmade cute woven basket is your answer!

Moroccan crafts: Metal work

During a visit to the medina of Fes or Marrakech, you will be challenged by the resonance of the sound of a hammer against metal. It’s the metal craftsmen who are at work! We find this craftsmanship everywhere in Moroccan architecture and furnishings. Several metals are shaped: iron, copper, brass, lead, zinc and magnesium… To make for amazing chandeliers, sconces,lamps and mirror frames.

Don’t miss out on the beautiful artwork while walking by the shops, don’t forget to check out the beautiful lights the Moroccan metal lamps casts.. definitely made of a dreamy pathetic ambiance 

Moroccan Jewelry

One of the most loved and admired possessions Moroccan women own is the Moroccan jewelry. Was in Gold, silver, stones and beads, Moroccan jewelry is a must have in every Moroccan women’s closet and why not yours as well!

The traditional art of making Moroccan artisanal jewelry can be attributed, for the most part, to Morocco’s Jewish population, back in the day. see more about the jewish heritage in morocco here 

Moroccan crafts: a testament of Morocco’s rich culture
Must Visit Morocco