Max Simon is our young adult Families writer, who is sharing his insights and experiences with Galavante as he travels to some of top places in the world, at only 15 years old.
Only a 15-20-minute drive outside the hustle and bustle of the heart of Marrakech is The Oberoi. It is a hotel unlike any other in the area. The Oberoi provides a tranquil experience, offering guests a chance to relax in luxurious privacy, away from the lively Medina.
Lay Of The Lands
You enter The Oberoi’s beautifully landscaped twenty-eight-acre property through an iron gate, down a path surrounded by olive orchards. As soon as I was inside, the only thing that came to mind was, “This is exactly where I want to be.”
The vast property feels like an oasis. Think stunning landscaped gardens, fragrant citrus orchards, and olive groves with views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains.
And there’s so much to explore. Upon arrival, you are given a tour, taking in the breathtaking Moroccan architecture, starting with the main Ryad. Walking through it was more magnificent than any museum I had visited on all four of my trips to Morocco. Surrounding you are intricate mosaic tiles, arched doorways, and carved woodwork – perfect Instagram photos everywhere.
The main Ryad is where the restaurants are located. The view through the opening of the Ryad is stunning, and overlooks the gazing pool, which stretches almost 100 feet across the gardens. Separately on the property, the villas are isolated between olive groves for each guest to enjoy their privacy, just a short walk through the gardens from the Ryad.
Atmosphere
With that said about the lay of the land, the atmosphere of the hotel feels private and sophisticated. With the main Ryad and every villa spaced generously from each other, everyone has their own spot on the property. The Oberoi offers a quiet and meditative environment, allowing you to have your own space and exclusivity. There are few luxury hotels that are able to create such a private feel. So, if you are a couple looking for alone time, there are few experiences that can match The Oberoi.
Service
Moroccan hospitality is some of the finest in the world. The Oberoi is very well-staffed with people whose mission is to make your stay as easy and relaxing as possible. From the moment you enter the gate, the staff pampers you, and accommodates your every need. Whether it’s the waiter or the gardener, they greet you with their right hand to their heart, as a sign of friendship. The service is exceptional, and the hotel staff show kindness as they welcome guests to their hotel, and their country. If there is one thing I love about Morocco, it’s the people.
Rooms
Each villa and suite is designed with comfort and with opulence in mind. The rooms’ style is new and modern, with authentic Moroccan details, such as arched doorways and classic architecture. Each spacious room features a private pool, royal bathroom, and large bedroom. My favorite part is the assortment of delicious condiments laid out, such as dates, apricots, and traditional Moroccan pastries. There’s even a fresh bottle of olive oil, made from the trees planted on the property. Every room is private, offering the epitome of luxury. The Oberoi Marrakech has thoughtfully considered every detail, with attention and care.
Spa
The Oberoi spa is like no other. This space takes up an entire separate Ryad – it’s over the top. The spa is located on the other side of the grounds, surrounded by a peaceful pond. Once you enter, there is a sophisticated yet simple design. I immediately felt relaxed. This spa’s environment felt clean and soothing. It allowed for me to stop, put my phone down, and enjoy life at its highest quality. Grounded, and in the moment.
For my treatment, I took the 90-minute hammam ritual – my favorite experience any spa offers. Hammams are popular in Morocco. In this ritual, you engage in a full-body scrub, while in a sauna. Then, your therapist rubs argan oil, honeycomb and olives on you, completely reviving your skin. They also offer a variety of massages and many more options, which I also tried and loved.
This spa includes a fitness center with two separate rooms, both overlooking the pond. One is just for yoga, and the other is for your standard equipment. The spa also includes a sauna, steam room, and a stunning indoor pool, with huge glass windows overlooking the pond and nature. It’s all about peace and zen, so you can sit and sip your warm Moroccan mint tea, fully embracing life.
For the rest of the day, I was filled with a light and joyful spirit.
Food + Drinks
The Oberoi offers an upscale Indian-style cuisine dinner restaurant called “Rivayat,” which is located in the main Ryad. The gourmet kitchen is mentored by Michelin-starred chef Rohit Ghai. The cuisine reflects Indian influences, which is fitting, given that The Oberoi is an Indian resort chain. The interior of the restaurant looks almost like a palace.
As for the food, everything was delicious and the ingredients were all sourced locally. But my favorite part of that evening was when Chef Rohit Ghai went around thanking everyone for coming. He sparked friendly conversations, which showcased the kind atmosphere.
Let’s move on to breakfast. I usually keep track of my favorite breakfast buffets as I travel, and The Oberoi far surpassed my expectations. It was full of a stunning gourmet assortment of fresh, authentic Moroccan morning cuisine. I started my day off with a detox juice, an omelet, and a plate of dried fruit and Moroccan pastries. All this, while overlooking The Oberoi’s beautiful pools, gardens, and the Atlas Mountains. After the first breakfast, I didn’t hit snooze on my alarm for the next two days.
Overall score: 9
If you are a luxury hotel traveler who enjoys staying in the finest high-end places the world has to offer, The Oberoi Marrakech definitely has to be next on the list. The Oberoi has unique attributions that stand out, including its gorgeous property, stunning architecture, and private experience.
FAQs
Q: How many rooms are there in The Oberoi, Marrakech?
A: The Oberoi, Marrakech features 84 luxurious rooms and villas, many of which include private pools and gardens.
Q: Is the Oberoi, Marrakech child-friendly?
A: Yes, The Oberoi, Marrakech is very child-friendly. It features a dedicated Kids’ Club for children aged 4 to 12, offering activities like cooking classes, art workshops, treasure hunts, and more.
Q: What is the best time of year to travel to Marrakech?
A: The best times to visit Marrakech are during spring (March to May) and fall (September to October).
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