Riads, Roses, and Royal Treatment

Looking to lounge like Moroccan royalty while avoiding the chaos charm of Marrakech’s Medina? Let me introduce you to The Oberoi Marrakech. This isn’t just a hotel—it’s a sprawling, 28-acre palatial retreat. I need you to picture olive trees (2800 to be exact), citrus groves, and the Atlas Mountains as your Instagram backdrop. Oh, and your own personal butler? Sure. Welcome to the good life. No. Like. The REALLY good life. Marhaba

Location, Location, Luxury

Located about 30 minutes from Marrakech’s lively souks, The Oberoi feels like a world away from the medina’s traders, who are a smidge too enthusiastic about selling you rugs. (Side bar: if you venture to the souk, you shouldn’t not be prepared to be asked you if you’d like to “try a scarf”…
… and by “scarf” they mean snake and by “try”, they mean wear).

The hotel is “Less barter, more blissfulness”. (Yes it’s a word). Imagine perfectly manicured and scented gardens of jasmine, roses, citrus… Like a live and in-concert Aesop store but with the soundtrack of the kind of “nature sounds” that make even David Attenborough relax. In fact…if you need a minute away from the bustle of where you are now; put your AirPods in and take 20 seconds to immerse yourself:

*And just like that. We’re back on the Northern Line…

However, if perfect tree lined avenues aren’t your vibe, you can always trot to the seclusion of your villa’s private (actually swimmable) pool.

The Villas: Morrocco x Palatial chic

The villas here are nothing short of extravagance. Think Alhambra meets modern Morocco. Each villa comes with its own butler, enough room to do yoga, host a cocktail party, or just swan about in a silk robe like Zsa Zsa Gabor smelling overwhelmingly of Oudh (I’ve gotten too personal here). The décor is a subtle blend of Moroccan elegance with western chic, but let’s not kid ourselves—the real star here is your pool. Start your morning with a post coffee dip, with a side of Moroccan pastries and fresh dates. Don’t beat yourself up if you still haven’t left by midday mimosas (no judgment).

For the really indulgent (or those who want to splurge), there’s the Royal Suite, very morrocco x palatial. Triple the size, triple the opulence, and let’s be honest—triple the amount you’d be willing to spend unless it’s a one-off or you’ve landed a part in “Made in Marrakech” (No. It’s not a real show. Yet).

Dining: Moroccan Magic, Indian Spice

Dining at The Oberoi is special. Whether you’re in the mood for local Moroccan or Indian or Mediterranean food, the hotel had this girl covered. Firstly there is Rivayat, Mentored by Michelin-starred chef Rohit Ghai, and this is the fine dining restaurant. Throw on something silk and schprawnsy and get the Raan Feast (Slow cooked lamb) or their Tandoor Scallops and thank your girl later.

Head over to Tamimt for Modern Moroccan. Smart casual, dreamy viewpoint dining—because I mean, nothing says “vacation” like spider crab tartare and pigeon pastilla under the stars. If you’re feeling more “I just want to lounge by the pool,” Azur will hook you up with light bites like wraps and pizzas and several bottles of ice cold rosé (which frankly hunsy, you’ve earned after your morning yoga session).

And breakfast? If you’ve ever dreamed of being flanked, first thing by cronuts, shakshuka and Msemmen pancakes (because, well that’s just fun to type isn’t it), this is your moment. Super delicious and has the, (you guessed it) birds-eye-view of the Atlas mountains and their grand waterway.

If you want up the romance, they also provide private, curated dining experiences (and photo/video capture) for couples or small groups at a private in villa barbecue or on the waterway. (“Influencers Assemble”)

Activities: Astronomy to Al Fresco cheffing

The Oberoi isn’t the kind of place where I’d sit idly and only eat all day (total lies). As beautiful as the hotel is… sometimes you need some entertaining and they have a pretty eclectic selection. The cooking classes are super special. Three hours, learning Morrocan dishes like tagine, msemen, and harira soup, using ingredients sourced straight from the hotel’s own garden. It’s giving Nigella Lawson. If Nigella was a B-standard cook like me.

If you’re more into exploration, the Oberoi also offers curated excursions like a helicopter ride over the Sahara Desert (Mais oui) or sidecar motorbike excursions through Marrakech, stargazing, tennis on the private courts and petanque under ancient olive trees. And while I maintain, that wicker baskets held in the air solely by fire inside petrol filled sheets is a non from me…..they also offer hot air balloon rides at dawn, as the sun rises over the Atlas Mountains.

Of course, if you’re here for pure relaxation, treat yourself to a traditional hammam (Personal favourite) or a volcanic hot stone massage in the spa. They also have daily yoga classes, where you will not find me.

Final Thoughts: Worth the Splurge?

In short: YES. If you’re the kind of person who enjoys the finer things in life—luxury villas, bespoke dining, and narcolepsy inducing spa treatments —The Oberoi Marrakech is for you. It’s a little slice of heaven just outside Marrakech, where you can explore the city’s vibrant culture and then retreat to your villa like the luxury “nomad” you are… If you need ANY more convincing…. click away on the reel below

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Oberoi Marrakech – Marrakech Route de, Rte d’Ouarzazate, Marrakech 40000, Morocco. +212 525-081515