Checking in to Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr

It is in fact the light filled lobby of the Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr that sets the tone of the whole project, as the first carefully crafted stitch in a design thread that runs throughout the property – a sensitively balanced fusion of traditional and contemporary design.

The high ceilings and traditionally ornate decorative elements, sit comfortably alongside statement modern design features, immediately draw you in visually, while the central fountain, and mosaic tiles reference all the notes of Morocco. If first impressions are what hotel design is all about, this one not only delivers, but is quietly accompanied by the gentle lilting of a traditional Moroccan oud player in the background.

Image credit: Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts

Before diving further into the present-day design, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on the rich history and storied past of the buildings that make up this reimagined Four Seasons Palace. The property sprawls across a substantial chunk of fabulous Rabati oceanside real estate, and was originally built in 18th-century as the summer residence of Sultan Moulay Slimane. Over the years it has served various purposes, including being a military hospital, before emerging in all its butterfly-winged glory, as a luxury hotel. This transformation was guided by architect Roger Nazarian, Founder of Nazarian Architecture, who took on the task of breathing new life into the old, while at the same time, imbuing a sense of history and design into the new.

The vibrant colours, intricate patterns, and elegant geometric shapes of Moroccan art deco captivated us and are reflected in our design – Roger Nazarian

Image credit: Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts

Having sipped on some mint tea and been suitably impressed by the luxury of the lobby, the journey continued through the hotel, leading us back into the sunshine and out into the gardens. The large outdoor pool, punctuated by palm trees and bold orange cabanas, is clearly a focal and gathering point, situated in the centre of the new buildings which shelter most of the guestrooms. Delivering Instagram-worthy ocean views, the location lives up to its name – Kasr Al Bahr, Palace by the sea – making it undeniably the best seat in the house for a sunset cocktail or two.

“The landscape design of our project in Rabat was created to complement the Moroccan art deco style of the interior,” explained Nazarian. “Water features, ornamental plants, and natural stone create a peaceful and serene environment that is perfect for relaxation and contemplation.”

Central to the design story is its impressive art collection, showcasing nearly 500 remarkable pieces! The collection was developed by the Double Decker studio, based on the concept of ‘Captivating Rabat,’ which delves deep into this capital city, seamlessly interweaving history with contemporary elements. On a mission to represent Morocco’s thriving art scene and both uncover emerging talents, while championing established artists, the result is clearly visible around and on every well-curated corner.

Image credit: Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts

Stopping to admire the art every few minutes on my way to my room, meant that it took a while – but finally swiping the lock and gazing out across the Atlantic Ocean made every step worthwhile. The 200 rooms and suites are spread across both the modern and historic buildings on this expansive Four Seasons site, and all feature an ocean or garden views. The accommodation ranges from the luxury of the Sultan Suite to the slightly more modest but equally luxurious suites and guestrooms.

A notable design detail for me is the carpet that runs through the hotel, a woven illustration of the roads of Rabat – a street map underfoot directing your journey. It is discovering layers like this in any interior that takes the narrative a little deeper and gives an indication of the thought and consideration that goes into every element when successfully ‘creating a sense of place.’

Image credit: Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts

Again, the guestroom experience is that comfortable combination of classic Moroccan touches alongside contemporary comforts. The custom-made zellige tiles make the perfect frame for a fabulous freestanding bath – again with that view! When you get excited about taking a bath at sunset in a hotel, you know the design is working for you!

The floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door separating the bath and bedroom space is, in my opinion, one of the most generous and successful ‘blurring of boundaries’ in a hotel guestroom that I have seen in a while! As lovely as it is to have the bathroom integrated into the bedroom, it is equally lovely to be able to effortlessly glide the door closed and remove your toothbrush from the design landscape!

Image credit: Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts

Sun both admired and set, it was time to explore the restaurants and eateries sheltered within the palace walls. The hotel’s dining experiences provide another layer of luxury, with guests spoilt for choice of both design and cuisine, as each space presents a unique ambiance reflective of its menu. After wading through an incredible meal full of flavours of the Mediterranean, we meandered through the palm trees, across to Laila Lounge. Housed within the oldest building on the property – and certainly one of my favourite corners – its piano bar design is all velvet and mirrors, which, complete with the original features, exudes an effortless glamour. Maybe it was the smoky glass of Moroccan red, but it wouldn’t have surprised me to stumble across a louche Bogart trading secrets in the privacy of an alcove…

Another statement piece of this property is unquestionably the Spa – an entire complex on its own, the treatment rooms and hammam are discreetly wrapped around an impressive indoor saltwater pool. Unfortunately, the pool wasn’t yet open for business during this stay, so while my good intentions of swimming a few laps to counter-balance the indulgence of the night before did not play out, the opportunity for relaxation was certainly not lost.

Image credit: Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts

After a luxurious hot candle massage that evoked all the scents of Morocco, it took every ounce of relaxed energy in my body to roll off that massage table and head up to my room – just in time to catch that sunset over the ocean for one last time.

Main image credit: Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts