An 18th-century palace on the Moroccan coast is being transformed into a luxurious Four Seasons hotel, set to open on October 1, 2024. Nestled in the heart of Rabat, the newly restored Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr seamlessly blends historical grandeur with contemporary elegance.
The hotel is housed in a complex of buildings, some of which date back to when the property served as a summer palace for Sultan Moulay Slimane. Lush gardens and oceanfront views frame the estate, offering guests a unique retreat in Morocco’s “City of Lights.”
Gregory Viaud, the hotel’s General Manager, emphasizes that this new establishment marks the beginning of a glamorous chapter for Rabat, a city he believes is ready to shine. Viaud highlights that the hotel will elevate the Four Seasons’ renowned service with an added personal touch, ensuring both international visitors and local residents feel at home in this iconic, yet completely revitalized, setting.
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Strategically positioned, the hotel offers guests quick access to Rabat’s historic sites, such as the Kasbah and the Medina, while also being close to the city’s key business hubs. Travelers can reach the hotel within 30 minutes from Rabat-Salé Airport, with Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport a 90-minute drive away. Morocco’s efficient high-speed rail network also makes connections to other major cities like Casablanca and Tangier a breeze.
The transformation of the Kasr Al Bahr—meaning “Palace by the Sea”—into a Four Seasons hotel represents a significant evolution for the historic site, which originally served as a royal residence and later as a military hospital. UAE-based Modon Holding has led the restoration of the five-hectare site, which includes both new and historic buildings.
The Group CEO of Modon Holding, Bill O’Regan, expressed his excitement about this collaborative project, underlining the shared commitment to innovation and excellence that has brought this luxury hotel to life. H.E. Jassem Mohammed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi, Chairman of Modon Holding, also shared his enthusiasm, noting Rabat’s rich history and cultural heritage make it a prime destination for travelers seeking authentic experiences.
The hotel offers an array of accommodations designed to cater to both business and leisure travelers, with 200 rooms and suites, many featuring private balconies or terraces with stunning ocean views. The Sultan’s Riad, a standout among the suites, is located in the original palace residence from 1792 and has been meticulously restored. Spanning two floors and nearly 10,000 square feet, the Riad includes a private terrace and an infinity pool, providing an opulent experience that echoes the palace’s royal origins.
Dining at the Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr promises to be a vibrant experience with seven distinct venues. Guests can enjoy a range of culinary offerings, from French bistro dishes at Brasserie Marie to Mediterranean and Italian flavors at Verdello.
The Flamme restaurant, with its expansive veranda, serves oven-baked specialties alongside Moroccan-inspired dishes. Additionally, the Noora Lobby Lounge is poised to be the city’s go-to spot for luxurious afternoon tea, while Bar Atlantique offers innovative cocktails crafted by expert mixologists. The Laila Lounge, tucked away in the palace’s oldest building, provides an intimate setting for celebrations, complete with live entertainment and creative drinks.
The hotel’s amenities are designed for relaxation and recreation, featuring a spa with ocean views, a traditional Moroccan hammam, and an indoor saltwater pool. Two outdoor pools are set amid lush gardens, offering a resort-like atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Guests can also maintain their fitness routines at the 24-hour gym, which includes a yoga terrace overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel’s Kids For All Seasons program ensures younger guests are entertained in a safe and engaging environment.
For events and meetings, the hotel boasts 29,000 square feet of versatile space, including a grand Royal Ballroom that can host up to 1,000 guests. The event center is equipped with a junior ballroom, breakout rooms, and an open-air terrace with ocean views, making it an ideal venue for both business conferences and romantic weddings. A team of experienced Four Seasons event planners is on hand to perfect every detail, ensuring each event reflects the royal heritage of the historic palace.
To celebrate its grand opening, the hotel is offering a special promotion with a 15 percent discount on room rates. Guests eager to be among the first to experience this luxurious oceanfront retreat can make reservations online or by contacting the hotel directly.
This new addition in Rabat will join the other Four Seasons properties in Morocco, including the Four Seasons Resort Marrakech and the Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca, further expanding the brand’s presence in the country.
Modon Holding, a UAE-based group known for developing iconic destinations, has spearheaded this ambitious project. Established in 2005, the company is recognized for its expertise in destination development and management, operating a diverse portfolio of properties across the UAE and beyond.
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