Marrakech is a city that is finding itself being brought up in international traveller’s conversations more and more.
In 2030, Marrakech will co-host the FIFA World Cup alongside Portugal and Spain, and between now and then it’s estimated that the number of hotels will double, according to our local taxi driver who picked us up from the airport. As we drove into the city, I didn’t disbelieve him. Construction is taking place everywhere. As I sat in the back of the car looking out of the window, I felt excited by the thought of what this city will look like in ten – or even five – years from now.
After a short fifteen-minute car journey from the airport, we arrived at Nobu Marrakech. An architecturally distinct, circular building, the hotel is certainly standout. It’s deep red facade is a gentle nod to the ‘Red City’ in which surrounds it, while the metallic bubble-like structure that encases the hotel brings an element of modernity.
The building was originally designed by renowned French designer, Jacques Garcia, who chose to blend traditional Moroccan craftsmanship with modern techniques to create a design rooted in local aesthetic while still appealing to an international audience.
Nobu Marrakech opened just three years ago and marks the global brand’s first hotel venture into Africa. Located in the heart of the city’s “Golden Triangle” in the Hivernage district, Nobu Marrakech is just steps away from the city’s cultural heart – think ancient souks, the Koutoubia Mosque, and Djemaa El Fna.
As I walked into the hotel entrance, I was drawn to the central floor-to-ceiling atrium which wraps itself around an impressive Bonsai tree – a nod to Nobu’s unmistakable Asian flair. Plush, velvet furnishings invited me to linger a little longer after the check-in pleasantries, but before too long I made my way to my room – or suite, I should say.
The all-suite property has 71 suites split across three floors, all embodying the Japanese concept of Kokoro. Of the 71 suites are 2 Miyabi Suites and 1 Nobu Suite – all three of which have views of either the Atlas Mountains or Marrakech’s biggest mosque – Koutoubia.
I was staying in one of the hotel’s entry level Junior Suites which had more than enough room for the two of us – a bed so big we lost one another, a separate seating area, and an en-suite bathroom complete with walk-in shower and double vanity unit. The yoga mat in the walk-in wardrobe was a nice touch, too.
A Nobu hotel wouldn’t be complete without a signature Nobu Restaurant. Here, at the Marrakech hotel, the Nobu Restaurant has its own private entrance, DJ deck, and poolside terrace. Signature dishes coming out of the open kitchen include Black Cod Miso and Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeño, but new dishes created by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa using locally sourced flavours and ingredients add something a bit different to the world-renowned menu.
The real star of the show at Nobu Marrakech, though, is the Rooftop Garden. It’s centred around a circular pool and offers 360 degree panoramic views of the city, including the old city walls surrounding the Medina district and in the far distance, the Atlas Mountain range. The Rooftop Garden is also home to a recently opened Rooftop Nobu Sushi Bar which can be ordered to your poolside lounger or cabana.
At night, the rooftop comes alive. Cocktails flow, dancers take centre stage (or flame-throwers, sometimes), and a DJ plays until late – all against the twinkling backdrop of Marrakech.
The morning after the night before, a trip to the spa felt very much needed, and it just so happens that Nobu Marrakech has one of the most expansive spas of any Nobu Hotel. The hotel’s Pearl Spa is an impressive 2,000 square metre space complete with a heated indoor swimming pool, hammams, jacuzzis, steam baths and saunas, as well as a VIP Spa Suite, gym, and a hair and beauty salon.
Those who love Nobu will love their exclusive-use guest residence which opened the summer before last. It’s located just a five-minute drive from the Nobu Marrakech hotel but is a six-suite private riad complete with spacious living and dining areas, a library, a rooftop pool terrace, a private courtyard, and a traditional hammam spa. And best of all? Nobu Restaurant’s world-renowned dishes can be delivered to the riad’s doorstep via the riad’s private dining set-up.
Stays at Nobu Marrakech start from £393 per night on a bed and breakfast basis.
@nobumarrakech | booking.com/nobu
Av. Echouhada et, Rue du Temple, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
