Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr opens in Morocco

Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr in Morocco has opened its doors, unlocking a new, luxurious option in the capital city's historic Quartier l'Océan on the shores of the Atlantic.

"At Four Seasons we are always inspired by the destination that surrounds us in planning a new experience for our guests, and that is certainly the case in Rabat as we had the opportunity to bring new life into the walls of such a storied landmark," said Rainer Stampfer, president, global operations, hotels and resorts at Four Seasons, in a press release.

"Our collection of luxury hospitality and residential properties in Morocco is as diverse as the country itself, with each new opening introducing something entirely new for both our local guests and international travellers. We are so pleased to unveil the latest in this collection and open our doors in this beautiful capital city."

Rabat was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012, thanks in part to its "fertile exchange between the Arabo-Muslim past and Western modernism," with its notable green spaces part of one of the continent's most successful urban development plans.

From the 12th century Kasbah des Oudaias with its boutiques and bistros to the colourful shops that line the medina's alleyways nearby, the magnificent Andalusian Gardens, and the ultra-modern Grand Theatre of Rabat designed by Zaha Hadid, the Four Season’s concierge team can plan an itinerary to suit every interest.

"Rabat is a small city with a big story to tell, from tales of its past as a pirate's haven to its modern role as a world capital, and its bright future as an emerging must-visit destination for global travellers," said hotel General Manager Gregory Viaud.

Reached via Rabat-Salé Airport (RBA) or from Casablanca just 45 minutes by high speed train or 90 minutes by car, Four Seasons is extending a Grand Opening Offer with 15 percent savings on the regular room rate.

The hotel's 200 rooms and suites are spread across several modern and historic buildings featuring ocean or garden views, with most including either a furnished balcony or terrace, and some also offering a private plunge pool.

It features classic Moroccan touches such as custom-made Zellige tiles, stained glass windows and brass and copper fixtures in modern rooms and suites.

The hotel's crowning glory is the two-storey Sultan's Riad, offering 950 square metres (more than 10,000 square feet) of lavish living, including a rooftop ocean-view infinity pool.

Signature dining concepts

The new Four Seasons is home to dining concepts overseen by Executive Chef Sebastiano Spriveri, whose Four Seasons career has taken him around the Mediterranean and throughout the Middle East for close to three decades before arriving in Morocco.

Signature dining experiences include Brasserie Marie, a Parisian-style bistro where guests can enjoy grilled meats, fresh seafood and more for lunch and dinner, either indoors or out on the patio.

At Flamme, hearty Moroccan-spiced aromas tempt as fresh breads, pizzas and other baked dishes emerge from three enormous copper-clad ovens in the open kitchen at the heart of the restaurant, which is open for breakfast and lunch.

In the sunlit setting of Noora Lobby Lounge, Executive Pastry Chef Gregory Chrismant's French training and international experience are showcased.

Bar Atlantique is open for after-work drinks with colleagues through pre-dinner cocktails and late evening nightcaps, offers both the classics and mixologist interpretations of the latest global trends.

Later this year, Four Seasons will debut another signature concept at Verdello, offering a culinary tour of the Mediterranean's famous coastal cuisines.

Also opening later this year is the Laila Lounge, a glamorous, club-like venue hidden within the Palace's oldest building, serving rare cognacs and whiskies.

The Spa and Wellness Centre, opening later this year, is highlighted by an elegant indoor pool surrounded by columns lit from a skylight high above. (Spa treatments can currently be enjoyed in a temporary space, or in the privacy of one's room or suite).

The new Four Seasons will soon add a complimentary children's program, Kids For All Seasons, in its own dedicated facility that includes an outdoor garden.

With 2,700 square metres (29,000 square feet) of event spaces, including the Royal Ballroom that can host up to 1,000 guests, the new Four Seasons offers myriad opportunities for meeting planners, event hosts and wedding couples to create the ideal setting for work or celebration.

There's also a junior ballroom, a selection of breakout rooms, and an outdoor terrace.

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