Where there is a glam destination, there is usually a Nobu. While the group originally garnered its beloved fans for its Japanese-inspired restaurants, in the 2010s it branched into the hotel sphere and has been on a meteoric rise ever since.
There are plenty of Nobu Hotels in the works (Abu Dhabi, Madrid, Tulum and Rome are all on the horizon) but the brand’s latest news comes from Morocco, where Nobu Marrakech began welcoming guests on January 23.
As the first Nobu Hotel in Africa (there is a restaurant outpost in Cape Town, though) Nobu Marrakech is set to deliver a new level of luxury in this extraordinary destination. Situated in a prime location in the “Golden Triangle” in the Hivernage district, the new destination hotel places its guests just moments away from all the culture, history and sights the Red City has to offer.
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Stay
As an all-suite property, space is all but guaranteed at Nobu Marrakech. There’s a total of 71 accommodations, ranging from the 495-sq-ft Junior Suites all the way up to the singular Nobu Suite, which clocks in at an impressive 2,368 sq ft.
The Nobu Suite is where the hotel really flexes its muscles, with two guest bedrooms, each with their own marble bathrooms; an elegant dining area; a private bar, and a wraparound veranda. Marrakech is a city known for having some seriously luxe suites, and Nobu is putting itself firmly among them.
What all rooms share, however, is a warm yet understated design that neatly nods to traditional Moroccan design while simultaneously integrating Nobu’s distinct Asian influence. The hotel’s prime position means the views are great too – each suite either looks out to North Africa’s Atlas Mountain range or Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech’s biggest mosque.
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Dine
Expect big things when it comes to dining – this is Nobu after all. The hotel’s signature restaurant will have all the Nobu classics (including that black cod and yellowtail sashimi), as well as a selection of location-specific dishes, created by chef Nobu Matsuhisa to reflect the traditions of Moroccan cuisine.
As well as the main restaurant, Nobu Marrakech will also have a showstopping rooftop garden, which is set to become one of the city’s most coveted destinations. The space is designed around a circular all-seasons pool, with cabanas, sundecks and relaxed dining areas creating a beach club-style vibe.
As well as a selection of signature cocktails, the rooftop bar will serve up Mediterranean and Moroccan dishes, as well as fresh sushi. Three-sixty views promise some jaw-dropping sunsets, too.
Relax
Spa facilities are at the top of the agenda at Nobu Marrakech. Measuring in at an enormous 21,530 sq ft, the hotel’s Pearl Spa is the biggest of any in the group and features a subterranean mosaic pool, 14 treatment suites and a private hamman complete with spa bath, steam bath and sauna.
Treatments on offer will fuse Nobu’s signature therapies – which take inspiration from Japanese traditions – with the wellness principles that are so ingrained into Moroccan culture.
The spa will also encompass a fitness space complete with state-of-the-art gym equipment, weight training space, a comprehensive class schedule and personal training programs.
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Explore
While the arrival of a Nobu hotel makes Marrakech all the more appealing, it is the city itself that is the real draw here. The property’s prime location makes it the perfect base for exploring all of what Marrakech has to offer, from browsing for treasures in Souk Semmarine and marveling at the beauty of the Koutoubia Mosque to cooling off in one of the city’s lush parks.
The city’s long and storied history has also resulted in an abundance of can’t-miss museums – the Museum of Marrakech, Yves Saint Laurent Museum and Boucharouite Museum are among the best.
The hotel’s team can also help organize adventures further afield that showcase the very best of this diverse country, including camel rides through the desert, dinners under the stars, hot air balloon rides and helicopter flights above the Atlas Mountains.
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