I’VE arrived at Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr, a glamorous coastal property whose name aptly translates to “Palace by the Sea”. From decadent hand-tiled floors and cedar wood balconies to plush velvet furnishings and lush gardens, the hotel’s opulent décor certainly makes one feel like royalty.
Having just opened in October 2024, Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr is bathed in a rich history. Built in the 18th century as a majestic residence for Morocco’s Sultan Moulay Slimane, the space was later transformed into a military hospital to cater to the local community’s needs.
Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr
Despite undergoing a series of sparkling renovations, the hotel pays homage to this history, with many visages and ornate minutiae expertly crafted to resemble its prior look. As I wander around the hotel, the property oozes authentic Moroccan sophistication through its architectural adornments. For example, stone of Salé – a traditional Moroccan stone used for construction dating back to the Roman era and the Almohad period – is used to decorate looming archways and Corinthian pillars.
A similar level of detail is echoed amidst the hotel’s 200 rooms and suites. Where other hotels may opt for a simple, minimalist look, Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr adopts a different approach, one where authenticity and originality take centre stage. Rooms and suites have been decorated with stained glass windows, brass and copper fixtures, and carpets embellished with an abstracted map of the city’s meandering streets.
Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr
Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr
However, the most luxurious of them all is certainly the Sultan’s Riad – a suite set within the Sultan’s original residence. Originally built in 1792, the newly restored riad features three bedrooms spread over two floors, a private terrace, and an infinity swimming pool.
Similarly, another ocean-view infinity pool is located at the hotel’s spa, which lies just a stone’s throw away from the Sultan’s Riad suite. Despite the spa not having officially opened yet, I enjoy a Senses Awakening Massage by marocMaroc in the hotel’s temporary suite-turned-treatment room, which seems to iron out residual physiological stress from my journey, leaving me feeling relaxed and restored. Alongside the pools, the spa’s facilities will include ten private treatment rooms, a traditional Moroccan hammam, a full-service salon, and an indoor saltwater pool.
After enjoying my indulgent spa treatment, I venture to Bar Atlantique – the hotel’s international cocktail bar – to try a gentle aperitif. Now, if one enjoys occasional comedic play-on-words, Bar Atlantique’s menu will not disappoint. One of the standout drinks on the menu is the Ta-Gin, which visitors may be delighted to discover does not possess the same flavour profile as a hearty Tagine. Instead, the Ta-Gin blends gin, apricots, saffron syrup, and Schweppes Tonic to subtly allude to the traditional Moroccan dish, while also creating a fragrant, delicate drink to enjoy whilst watching a sunset.
For those eager to try an actual Tagine, the hotel’s Flamme restaurant is the must-visit dining venue. Open for breakfast and lunch, Flamme specialises in Moroccan and international cuisine, providing aromatic and spicy dishes for all to enjoy.
Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr
For evening dining options, Verdello and Brasserie Marie are popular destinations. Verdello is the hotel’s Mediterranean dining concept, where Italian cuisine reigns true, with robust, flavourful offerings featuring field-ripened vegetables and freshly caught seafood.
Meanwhile, Brasserie Marie taps into Parisian traditions, providing guests with rich hors d’oeuvres and classic specialities such as snails with parsley-garlic butter, grilled fondant camembert, and oysters from Oualidia. Then, if one wants to finish the evening with a sophisticated sundowner, the Laila Lounge is a club-like establishment located in the hotel’s oldest building, serving up special cognacs and whiskies.
With such facilities, the hotel is enough reason to visit Rabat alone. However, the capital of Morocco is home to many unmissable cultural and architectural hotspots. In particular, Chellah is one of Rabat’s most unforgettable historical sites. Set upon the banks of the Bou Regreg River, the intricate ruins have stood the test of time, once acting as a key space for previous Roman settlers and the ruling dynasty.
However, the ruins are still full of life. As I descend Chellah’s gently sloping hill, I notice its contemporary residents – storks. The site is home to a staggering 70 storks, who seem to keep a watchful eye over Chellah, acting as the archaeological site’s long-legged guardians.
Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr
For an additional dose of culture, Rabat’s Andalusian gardens are a wonderful location for a soothing mid-afternoon stroll. Visitors can admire vibrant flowers, sweet-smelling herbs, and towering orange trees before stopping in at the National Museum of Jewellery and Adornment.
So, if one is looking for a relaxing city break with a cultural focus, delicious cuisine, and authentic Moroccan flair, a visit to Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr should definitely be on the table.
By Sophie Richardson
Rates at Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr start from around £415 for an entry-level room. Breakfast can be added for an additional £33. For more information and to book, please visit here.