Situated on the Bouregreg river in Rabat-Sale and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the new Fairmont Residences La Marina Rabat-Sale provides guests with stunning 360-degree waterfront views — notably sublime when enjoyed from the pool on its rooftop. Its architecture mimics that of a grand and elegant cruise liner outside, with Art Deco-inspired design inside. This is high-end living in the beautiful and historic UNESCO-recognised coastal location of Rabat-Sale. TLE recently stayed at this property so read on to discover why the property is making waves in the citys growing luxury hotel scene.
Fairmont’s Newest Flagship Hotel
On-site amenities include a rooftop swimming pool, a fitness centre, a spa and a variety of beautiful dining options, including a rooftop restaurant and lounge, a poolside bar, and a cafe. The building was a collaboration between Foster & Partners and Moroccan architect Abdelouahed Mountassir. As you step inside, you feel as if you’ve boarded a luxury liner in a bygone era; high ceilings, 1920s features, handcrafted finishes by local artisans and antique furnishings flow seamlessly alongside the most fashionable furnishings, with the ever-present backdrop of the glittering ocean. The result is timeless, elegant, authentic and ever so inviting.
About Fairmont
At Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, guests will find a unique combination of intimacy and endless possibilities. With over 80 hotels worldwide, Fairmont properties are renowned for the grand moments of life they provide, including personal milestones and cherished memories. Since 1907, Fairmont has developed iconic hotels that are steeped in the history, culture, and community of their destinations. Some of these locations include The Plaza in New York City, The Savoy in London, Fairmont San Francisco, Fairmont Banff Springs in Canada, Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai, and Fairmont The Palm in Dubai. Guests can expect engaging service, beautiful public spaces, locally-sourced cuisine, and memorable bars and lounges.
Discover One Of Morocco’s Four Imperial Capitals
La Marina Rabat-Sale is an ideal location for those who enjoy outdoor activities; its setting provides easy access to water sports, fishing, and boating. And, located across from the historic, UNESCO-listed city of Rabat (just a 10-minute taxi ride) or grab a boat and hop across the river straight into the Medina.
Learn of the legends and hear the ancient stories of Rabat and Sale, as you explore a slice of a settlement which dates back to the 12th century. Home to French artists, Moorish exiles and corsairs over the many centuries, the city combines a blend of Islamic, Hispano-Maghrebin and European architecture, alongside modern urban developments, such as the Grand Théâtre de Rabat and the Mohammed VI Tower (the latter being the highest building in Africa). And a wealth of green spaces — like the Andalusian gardens — enable visitors to seek a lush escape from the city bustle.
Immersive In This Captivating City
Spend time wandering through the many museums, or watch the sunset over the harbour with a picnic on a traditional Flouka boat. Rabat and Sale see a flourish of festivals and events throughout the year, with jazz, cinema, photography and fashion at the fore, as well as traditional religious celebrations to attend. You can also head to the medina in Rabat for some multi-sensory souvenir shopping and to observe artisan craftworks in action; here you’ll find antique merchants, carpenters and tanners at work, hand-painted pottery and fragrant spice stalls. The Golden Key Concierge is on hand to curate extra special experiences that you’ll remember for many years to come.
Getting to the hotel from the airport also couldn’t be easier taking around 15 minutes to and from the city’s airport by car.
Paying Tribute To The Kingdom’s Past
186 accommodations include 27 guest quarters and suites and 88 residences, ranging from one to four bedrooms with private pools. The design of each incorporates the legacy imprinted in the Kingdom by the Amazighs and Andalusians, while weaving in elements of the past, with up-to-date pieces by Moroccan craftspeople. The suites are especially representative of the land’s culture, paying homage to the likes of Sultan Mohammed V, a leader of the Moroccan independence movement; and a collection of art in the Ambassadors Suite depicts the life and work of Princess Lalla Aicha, a notable women’s rights activist, pioneer, diplomat and the first ambassador of the Arab world.
Our Room During Our Stay
During our stay we were in one of the Fairmont View Rooms which set the standard with a timeless and sophisticated atmosphere, featuring modern Moroccan decor. They come with either one King Bed or two Queen Beds, a luxurious bathroom with separate walk in rain shower and bath and luxurious amenities. Floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as a private balcony to complete the exceptional experience.
Fairmont Gold
If you want to elevate your stay (both literally and metaphorically), book a Fairmont Gold suite. These are situated in an exclusive area at the very top of the hotel, along with a separate concierge, a sublime terrace with a far-reaching view and a refined club lounge to meet and mingle. Members of Fairmont Gold have their stay personally planned, with indulgent extra treats, the best amenities in the house and a calendar of social events. Serving as both a home-from-home and a place to network, the Fairmont Gold spaces offer another level of service and comfort for those travelling on business and for leisure.
Ambassador Suite Gold
The best rooms in the property are the Ambassador Suites, situated at the pinnacle of the hotel, feature floor-to-ceiling windows and a spacious private terrace that provide a stunning vista of two celebrated cities. With Moroccan and contemporary design elements, modern amenities, and an unforgettable ocean view, these suites provide a one-of-a-kind experience that can’t be matched.
Farm And Ocean-to-table Dining
The tantalising culinary aromas of Rabat-Sale are quite the temptation, but with excellent in-house restaurants, the property exceeds gourmet expectations.
L’Ecume
The first, L’Ecume, is a French brasserie under the direction of Executive Chef Nicolas Warot. “L’Ecume” takes its name from the white foam left in the wake of the fishing boats of Lamrissa. Nicolas Warot, the Executive Chef, visits this Salé port daily to get fresh and local products. In the morning, breakfast stations full of healthy and gourmet food pay tribute to the land. Come lunchtime, the scent of the sea fills the air. On beds of ice, fresh fish and shellfish are brought out, their crispy skin glazed in herbs and spices. The butcher’s best pieces cook on the traditional Moroccan chwaya. Every week, before sampling the Chef’s signature dishes, a new flavoured butter from the restaurant’s collection gives a taste of the culinary journey to come.
Le Deck
Le Deck provides a breathtaking view of Rabat and Salé, with the Almohads, Alaouites, and the Bouregreg corsairs’ landmarks lighting up at sunset. The baldachin near the heated pool offers a serene environment to relax. Their mixologist provides creative drinks and the chef serves an exquisite menu with nikkei influences and featuring fish from the Moroccan coast and organic vegetables from the region.
La Verrière
The beautiful “La verrière” is the heart of the house, and its name comes from the glass dome which covers this modern version of the light-filled patios from our ancestors’ riads. The tasteful design of this living and social space honours Rabat’s cultural and artistic wealth, with art pieces that are inspired by Morocco’s mix of cultures and its colourful, eye-catching shapes. Starting in the morning, guests can have a delicious à la carte breakfast and sip their coffee either inside this winter house or on the terrace in the Orangeraie, to take in the first morning sun. As the afternoon begins, the piano keys create a jazzy atmosphere to signify the start of tea time, with a selection of treats and pastries crafted by Chef Hicham Khabata. As the sun sets, the barman, cook and musician come together at the counter to make music and replicate the atmosphere of a Moroccan medina.
Finally experience the enchantment of Morocco with “Le Dahlia”, the hotels refined Moroccan restaurant. Inspired by a visit to a vineyard in the region, the name of the restaurant is a tribute to the sweet and voluptuous fruit that creates an exceptional beverage and was the muse of Andalusian poets. Our house wine completes its fermentation in dedicated vats. The moment you walk in, you’ll be greeted with the aroma of freshly baked bread from our traditional oven, as well as the crackling of chwayas and Oriental Chill music in the background. Every week, they serve “khobz mzouwek” (decorated bread in Moroccan dialect), representing Rabat, and two other varieties of bread representing two new regions of Morocco.
Breakfast
The Fairmont Spa
As a refreshing haven for the body and soul, the Fairmont Spa stimulates all of the senses. It comprises ten treatment rooms, including a VIP Spa suite with an authentic Hammam room. Treatments designed to bring a sense of retreat and to nourish the face and body, feature the exclusive product ranges of Natura Bissé and Maison d’Asa. Book in for your own sensory journey, as the therapists perform ancestral care rituals using centuries-old local techniques and ingredients known to hold healing properties. A visit to the Fairmont Spa has both an international and a Moroccan feel and is exactly what’s in order following a long journey or day’s sightseeing.
Fairmont Fit
Running in tandem with the spa, the brand’s fitness concept provides a space to unwind and focus on your own personal wellness. Guests can take advantage of tailor-made programmes and state-of-the-art fitness facilities for their workouts, as well as cardio-training sessions and an aqua gym located in the year-round heated pool. And those seeking activities to soothe the mind and body in tandem can take yoga or guided meditation classes on the hotel’s stretch of private beach.
Final Thoughts
Rabat-Sale has long held fascination for many. And with the launch of the new Fairmont Residences in such a prime location, the magnetic draw to visit this part of North Africa has never been so strong.
This property is included in our guide to the best hotels in Rabat-Sale and Morocco
