Far from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech’s old town, and yet only a short car ride away, lies a pocket of calm that offers a completely new interpretation of tranquillity. The Oberoi Marrakech is a unique property in the region, where the philosophy on silent luxury is present in every corner of the resort. If you’re searching for a sun-soaked escape that blends city oasis with countryside retreat, this is a place that quietly delivers exactly that.
Marrakech-Safi, Marrakech
The Oberoi, Marrakech
(5 stars)Location
Set within 28 acres of landscaped gardens, blooming with citrus orchards and olive groves, The Oberoi Marrakech feels worlds away from the energy of the Medina. It is perfectly situated just 25 minutes from both the airport and Marrakech’s old town, with complimentary daily shuttles allowing guests to venture into the old town.
Unobstructed sweeping views of the Atlas Mountains further enhance the serene atmosphere, along with the surrounding greenery and reflective water features that define the stillness of the resort. By afternoon, you can find yourself immersed in the liveliness of the souks in the Medina, getting lost in the crowds of locals and tourists alike as they navigate the many narrow lanes of the old town, before retreating back to the calm of the resort. Part of what makes the setting feel so unique is the contrast it offers. It strikes a rare balance between countryside retreat and city escape, without ever feeling disconnected from either.
The Design
If you’ve explored Marrakech before arriving to The Oberoi Marrakech, the first detail you’re likely to notice is the courtyard. Inspired by the meticulous design of the 14th-century Medersa Ben Youssef, and bearing a striking resemblance to it, the space was hand-crafted by 200 artisans from Fez to create what can only be described as a masterpiece. The level of detail and intricacy within the craftsmanship is genuinely mesmerising.
Stepping into the courtyard immediately invites a sense of calm. The light softly reflects off carved stonework and muted tiles, whilst the expansive central water feature subtly enhances the surroundings rather than demanding attention, allowing an intimate experience of the space. Yet it is not only the courtyard that is breathtakingly beautiful. To the right, your eyes are immediately drawn through the symmetrical arches to the perfectly manicured gardens, with a backdrop of the Atlas Mountains adding to the allure and anchoring the entire setting.
The resort feels intentionally composed, balancing the opulence of traditional Moroccan architecture with the calm stillness that defines the resort.
My Room
One of the most distinctive features of this resort is that almost each of the 84 units comes with its own private pool, something rarely found elsewhere in Marrakech. I was fortunate to experience this during my stay in one of the Deluxe Pool Villa which I can only describe as a sanctuary, making it very difficult to leave at any time of day. Large enough to properly swim in rather than simply cool off, the 9-metre private pool offers complete privacy, and there was something incredibly indulgent about stepping straight from the villa into the water whenever the mood took me.
The rest of the villa felt thoughtfully designed, echoing the traditional-meets-modern aesthetic seen throughout the resort. Hand-painted traditional zellige tiles and hand-sculpted wall panels create depth and texture throughout, complemented by subtle Moroccan design touches that ensure each corner of the villa feels carefully balanced, retaining its character while still delivering contemporary luxury.
The combined living room and bedroom centres around a king-size bed dressed in soft, neutral tones, flowing naturally into the living area filled with a comfortable sofa and armchairs, all positioned to overlook the floor-to-ceiling doors that opened directly onto the private pool terrace. However, the standout feature for me was the expansive walk-in shower, one of the largest I’ve experienced, which also opened directly onto the private pool if required. What made it even more memorable was the way it transitioned into my own private hammam once filled with steam, creating a spa-like atmosphere within the villa itself. And of course, a feature I always appreciate and indulge in was the freestanding bathtub which completed the experience for me.
Culinary Journeys
With a choice of several restaurants on site, I was genuinely spoilt for options when it came to dining. The highlight for me, and the one I returned to, was Rivayat, the resort’s Indian fine-dining restaurant and a signature cuisine of The Oberoi Group. The innovative menu is designed by Michelin-starred Chef Rohit Ghai, and it elevates traditional Indian dishes by adding a twist to them. Chef Sumit, originally from India, is now three years into his residency at the resort, and it was clear in every dish how much depth and confidence there is in his cooking.
At the weekend, a lunch thali is served in the courtyard, which is the perfect backdrop to a leisurely lunch. I opted for the meat thali, which did not disappoint, with the velvety butter chicken and shish kebabs standing out in particular. For dinner, I tried the chicken tikka masala, dal makhani, and a personal favourite, the chicken chops, which were lifted by a subtle hint of black olive tapenade, a thoughtful twist that brought everything together in an unexpected but well-balanced way.
For traditional Moroccan cuisine, Tamimt Restaurant offers a selection of classic dishes alongside influences from other cuisines, creating a more well-rounded dining experience. The fish tagine and Persian kebabs were particular highlights, each full of depth and flavour. Breakfast is also served here and feels like a full-scale affair, with an extensive spread ranging from continental options and a live egg station to local dips, salads, pastries, and sweet treats. It’s the kind of breakfast that invites you to take a leisurely pace and move slowly between different stations to enjoy the full experience.
To start or end the evening, the resort’s main bar, Vue, is the perfect spot. The outdoor terrace, overlooking 113,000 square metres of landscaped gardens, offers a striking vantage point for sunset, while the darker, moodier interiors, complete with an ironclad fireplace and grand piano, create the ideal unwinding setting for a nightcap before calling it a night.
Moments in Between
When you find a moment to peel away from your villa, there is plenty at the resort to keep you occupied. The main pool, framed by poolside cabanas, offer an alternative spot to soak up the afternoon sun. On cooler or overcast days there is an inside pool at the spa which is as inviting as it is relaxing.
The spa itself offers multiple treatment options alongside a traditional hammam for a more immersive Moroccan experience. For something more active, there is also a well-equipped gym and yoga room, both designed with the same sense of quiet calm that runs throughout the resort. For a change of pace entirely, there are complimentary shuttles to and from the Medina, allowing a true experience into the local culture of Marrakech.
Final thoughts
The Oberoi Marrakech is a resort that feels defined by stillness. From the moment you arrive, everything has been intentionally designed to slow you down, from the symmetry of the courtyard, to the tranquillity of the gardens, and the privacy of the villas themselves.
Even with this complete seclusion, you still never feel disconnected from the city itself due to the connectivity the resort provides. One moment you can be wandering through the souks of Marrakech, immersed in local culture, and the next you are back soaking up the sunlight from your private pool. For me, it was not just the level of upmost luxury provided that is known of the Oberoi resorts, but the feeling it leaves you with long after you have left.
This is not a resort that tries to overwhelm. Rather, this is the perfect space inviting you to rest, reflect, and recharge.
Image Credits: Alan Keohane for Oberoi
