The ancient city of Marrakech, a bustling crossroads of African, Arab and European cultures, has the ability to dazzle and overwhelm visitors at once. But outside the city, where the Marrakech Oberoi is located, just a 25-minute drive away, life moves at a slower pace. For travelers who want to get lost in the markets and relax poolside under olive trees, the Moroccan outpost by India's iconic luxury hotel company offers the best of both worlds.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ERIKA HOBART OF @erikaexplores FOR PASSPORT MAGAZINE ASSIGNMENT
Palace with picturesque views
When you enter The Oberoi, you feel like you are welcomed into the home of royalty. After being served fresh mint tea, guests are led into the lobby, which showcases spectacular views of the Atlas Mountains and the surrounding 28 acres of Cypriot olive and orange groves. Oberoi hired the designers behind Marrakech's famous Jardin Majorelle to create a perfectly landscaped property. reason.
Most of the hotel's 84 rooms are private villas scattered across the gardens. Guests can rent bikes or request a golf buggy pickup to explore the expansive grounds, which include three restaurants, bars, indoor and outdoor pools, and a floating spa.
Architecture inspired by ancient Morocco
More than 200 of the country's best craftsmen participated in the construction of the Oberoi, a painstaking process that took several years. Through their talent and attention to detail, a resort was built from the ground up to resemble a 14th-century Moroccan palace.
![The Oberoi Marrakech Architecture](https://passport-cdn.kiwicollection.com/blog/drive/uploads/2024/02/The-Oberoi-Marrakech_Architecture-Inspired-by-Ancient-Morocco-L_Erika-Hobart-329x438.jpg)
![The Oberoi Marrakech Architecture](https://passport-cdn.kiwicollection.com/blog/drive/uploads/2024/02/The-Oberoi-Marrakech_Architecture-Inspired-by-Ancient-Morocco-R_Erika-Hobart-329x438.jpg)
The Oberoi's courtyard is particularly beautiful. It is a marble masterpiece decorated with intricate cedar carvings and colorful zellij (mosaic tilework). If the space looks familiar, it's because it is a tribute to Madrasa Ben Youssef, a historic Islamic school that is now one of Marrakech's most famous monuments.
Indian-centric fine dining
![Oberoi Marrakech Dining](https://passport-cdn.kiwicollection.com/blog/drive/uploads/2024/02/The-Oberoi-Marrakech_Fine-Dining-With-an-Indian-Focus-L_Erika-Hobart-329x438.jpg)
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Rivayat is Marrakech's first fine Indian restaurant and is well worth a visit to The Oberoi. Under the leadership of renowned Michelin-starred chef Rohit Ghai, the menu boasts a variety of delicately spicy yet savory dishes. Every curry is an absolute dream.
The international restaurant Tamimt serves Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine along with Indian favorites. This is the only place in the city where you can order an Indian breakfast from an a la carte menu that includes classics like chole puri and masala dosa. Guests can also choose from Moroccan and English breakfast options, as well as a buffet with cold-pressed juices, fresh fruit and eggs cooked to order.
![Oberoi Marrakech Dining](https://passport-cdn.kiwicollection.com/blog/drive/uploads/2024/02/The-Oberoi-Marrakech_Fine-Dining-With-an-Indian-Focus-L2_Erika-Hobart-329x438.jpg)
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In the evenings, the most in-demand seat is Vue, an aptly named cocktail and wine bar overlooking the Atlas Mountains. Most days of the year promise dazzling sunsets.
An oasis of healing and peace
![Oberoi Marrakech Pool](https://passport-cdn.kiwicollection.com/blog/drive/uploads/2024/02/The-Oberoi-Marrakech_An-Oasis-of-Healing-Peace-L_Erika-Hobart-329x438.jpg)
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The Oberoi Spa floats on a small island surrounded by reeds and orchards. To access the 2,000-square-metre space, guests must cross a bridge. This is an iconic design element that marks the beginning of a guest’s wellness journey. Both Moroccan and The Oberoi's signature treatments are offered in a tranquil setting, all taking place in therapy suites overlooking the sea. For those who want to stay active during their holiday, there are a variety of classes available at the gym and yoga studio.
About the author: Erika Hobart is a Japanese-American travel photographer and journalist based in Marrakech (but often elsewhere). Her work has been featured in National Geographic, BBC Travel, Lonely Planet, Travel + Leisure and Fodor's Travel.