FOUR SEASONS ’ LONG-AWAITED DEBUT IN MARRAKECH PROMISES GUESTS A CALMING ESCAPE IN THE HEART OF THE CITY .
By Ann Bagel Storck , managing editor
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts , Toronto , had been seeking the right project in Morocco for many years , and last June , the brand was finally able to make its debut with Four Seasons Resort Marrakech , a 40-acre ( 16-hectare ), 141-room new-build property in the heart of the city near the Menara Gardens , the Medina and Marrakech ’ s legendary souks . The timing could hardly have been better ; Morocco — Marrakech in particular — is one of Africa ’ s hottest spots , as evidenced by other recent high-profile luxury hotel openings such as Selman Marrakech and Oetker Collection ’ s Palais Namaskar .
“ It seems the political and economic stability of Marrakech has attracted additional business that is currently shying away from other parts of North Africa and the Middle East ,” observes Jean Claude Wietzel , general manager , Four Seasons Resort Marrakech . “ The destination is booming .”
Four Seasons wanted the destination to influence the property ’ s design without driving it entirely . GA Design International , London , aimed to offer a fresh , contemporary take on Morocco , and the overall design aesthetic , notes Su Ball , GA Design executive director , is that of a calming oasis amid one of the world ’ s busiest and most diverse cities .
“ We did manage to secure more of the accessories for the hotel directly from traders within the Medina ,” Ball notes . “ But I think the main influence happened while visiting the Medina for the first time and being shown around the riads where the locals live . The difference in atmosphere entering one of these houses with the central open courtyard was striking . We decided early on the resort should have this feeling of absolute serenity .”
Consequently , guestrooms and suites are relatively simple in their design , with the emphasis on natural light and views over the resort toward the Atlas Mountains . For a more complete escape , the property offers a spa with 15 treatment rooms in addition to a separate couples pavilion . Other amenities include five dining outlets , two pools — including one for adults only — and more than 3,700 sq ft ( 350 sq m ) of fitness facilities .
Although Wietzel declines to discuss specific performance numbers , he calls the resort ’ s first year of operation “ positive … with occupancy levels exceeding expectation . Average daily rates are strong , although slightly lower than anticipated . Our goal for the future is to introduce Marrakech to many more Four Seasons clients who have not yet discovered the magic of the destination .”
www . hotelsmag . com June 2012 HOTELS 43