Park Hyatt Marrakech finally gets its long-awaited debut

Park Hyatt is making a much-hyped debut in Morocco.

The property officially opened this week after a soft opening phase at the beginning of this year. The debut is more than a decade in the making, as the 19-acre resort was first announced in 2008 with a planned opening for 2011 … only to see that slip over the years to, well, this year. But good things come to World of Hyatt members who wait.

“As a key market in our regional growth strategy, we are delighted to open Morocco’s first Park Hyatt hotel in Marrakech. The property has been a highly anticipated addition to our portfolio as Morocco receives a resurgence of interest as a top-tier cultural destination among travel connoisseurs,” Javier Águila, Hyatt’s group president for Europe, Africa and the Middle East, said in a statement.

“Offering a wealth of new experiences across the arts, culture, and gastronomy, alongside the area’s historic and ancient treasures, Park Hyatt Marrakech provides guests an enviable opportunity to discover the beauty of the Red City through this modern sanctuary of timeless luxury,” Águila continued.

Park Hyatt Marrakech is located at the base of the Atlas Mountains, about 5.5 miles from the city’s historic Medina district, and is the first resort to open in the Al Maaden Golf resort.

The Imaad Rahmouni-designed resort leans into a modern take on Arab-Berber heritage in its architecture and design, which is also mindful of the property’s surrounding natural beauty — so expect plenty of expansive windows to soak in the views of the Atlas Mountains and nearby Mount Toubkal.

The hotel’s 130 residential-style guest rooms and suites feature traditionally woven Berber carpets and modern works of art. Overall, there are more than 700 works of art designed specifically for Park Hyatt Marrakech by artists from Senegal, Morocco, Benin, Spain, France, Italy and Japan.

Spaciousness appears to be the name of the game when it comes to the chic accommodations. Outdoor terraces and soaking tubs are standard features in Park Hyatt Marrakech’s guest rooms.

Splurge on a suite for added features like walk-in closets, more entertaining space and, in larger suites, an en suite hammam. A three-bedroom duplex suite even features a fitness room, a hairdressing station and a private kitchen.

Dining options will include Tfaya, an Arab-esque brasserie from Moroccan chef Issam Rhachi. Le Pavillion is the resort’s all-day restaurant, while the Park Hyatt brand’s mainstay, The Living Room, offers bar bites and cocktails.

But the real showstopper has a wellness wow factor: The more than 23,000-square-foot Spa Park Hyatt Marrakech utilizes products from brands like Sodashi and Nectarome. Guests will also have access to a hair salon, a fitness center, an outdoor pool and a heated indoor pool.

Park Hyatt Marrakech is part of a gradual expansion for the Park Hyatt brand in Africa, where there is already Park Hyatt Zanzibar and Park Hyatt Johannesburg is slated to open next year.

“We are looking forward to welcoming our discerning Park Hyatt guests to Marrakech,” Pascal Leprou, general manager of Park Hyatt Marrakech, said in a statement. “True to the brand promise, we have created a refined home-away-from-home that unlocks unparalleled enrichment for guests, while upholding and honoring Moroccan traditions. The result is an intimate sanctuary of exceptional and magical surroundings for the curious and adventurous traveler.”

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