MOROCCO: Oberoi Marrakech Set To Open December 2019

Oberoi Marrakech is set to open on December 1st 2019.

Marrakech presents a tale of two cities. Vibrant arts and culture, world class golf courses and fashionable night life, juxtaposed with spiritual mystique, beautiful gardens, Andalusian architecture and traditional souks.

The Oberoi, Marrakech is located within twenty-eight acres of Mediterranean orchards with fragrant citrus trees and centuries old olive groves.

Its beautifully landscaped gardens are punctuated by water features and its authentic architecture is inspired by palaces of ancient Morocco.

The courtyard of the main building incorporates the design of the historic Medersa Ben Youssef, built in the 14th century and one of Marrakech’s most famous historic monuments. The resort offers picturesque views of the majestic snow-capped Atlas Mountains.

Spacious accommodation, personalised wellness offerings, restaurants serving authentic Moroccan and international cuisines and an engaging children's activity area are complemented by our warm sincere hospitality for an unforgettable experience in the Ochre City of Marrakech.

The property is located in twenty-eight acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, fragrant citrus orchards and olive groves with spectacular views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains.

The resort is located twenty-five minutes from the Djema el-Fna square and the ancient walled city.

The design of this luxury resort has been inspired by the magnificent history of Moroccan architecture.

The courtyard of the main building incorporates the design of the historic Medersa Ben Youssef, built in the 14th century and one of Marrakech’s most famous historic monuments.

The Oberoi, Marrakech has 84 spacious and luxurious rooms, suites and villas; seventy-six of which have large private pools and private gardens.

The rooms and suites have been thoughtfully laid out for maximum privacy.

Announcing the opening of the resort, P.R.S. Oberoi, executive chairman, the Oberoi Group, said "We are delighted to announce the opening of the Oberoi, Marrakech".

“We look forward to extending the Oberoi Group’s presence in one of the world’s most exotic destinations".

“Several Oberoi Hotels & Resorts have been recognised as amongst the best in the world".

“I am confident that the Oberoi, Marrakech, with its exceptional location, aesthetic design and committed team will offer the distinctive Oberoi service to travellers from around the world.”

The Oberoi, Marrakech has three restaurants featuring diverse International and Moroccan culinary experiences.

The bar and the terrace overlook the extensive gardens and the Atlas Mountains.

The Oberoi Spa with an indoor pool is an oasis of peace and tranquillity.

The spa is located on a natural water body and is surrounded by orchards.

The Oberoi, Marrakech offers 84 plush rooms, suites and villas, out of which 76 come with large private pools and gardens. The resort has three F&B outlets serving international and Moroccan food. The bar and terrace overlook a beautiful garden and the mountain.

For corporate and social gatherings, there is a 300 sqm function room and small meeting rooms. Recreational facilities include a children’s activity centre and the Oberoi Spa with private therapy suites offering authentic Moroccan and Ayurvedic treatments.

Tourism Observer

UNITED KINGDOM: British Airways To Begin Heathrow To Marrakech Flights

British Airways has announced that the launch of its new service between London-Heathrow (LHR) to Marrakech for their Winter 2018/19 operations.

The services will commence from October 28t this year on a four times per week basis using the airline’s Airbus A320.

The airline already operates to Marrakech but from London-Gatwick (LGW) up to eight times per week.

This new LHR route will cement the connectivity that Marrakech currently has.

Flights are to depart Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Marrakech adds another exciting destination to our leisure network at Heathrow and is a fantastic starting point to explore Morocco.

From trekking in the Atlas Mountains to discovering the amazing deserts and beaches and soaking up the atmosphere of the many medinas, Sean Doyle, British Airways’ Director of Network and Alliances, said.

Marrakech is one of the key tourism destinations in North Africa, so we’re excited to serve it from two of our London airports.

On top of these flights, BA is increasing frequencies on other destinations from Heathrow.

Prague will be increasing from 27 flights weekly to 34 per week, Budapest from 20 to 23 per week, Barcelona from 46 to 53 per week, Gibraltar nine to 13 times per week, Larnaca seven to ten times per week as well as Malaga from four to six times per week.

On top of these frequency increases, the carrier has recently launched international services to Durban, South Africa as well as Nashville in the U.S.

It shows that in terms of expansive growth, British Airways are not looking to stop anytime soon and that this will continue.

This regardless of the competitive and economic climate the carrier is facing against the likes of Ryanair, Norwegian and other low-cost carriers in the region.


Tourism Observer

AccorHotels Expands In Africa

AccorHotels today announced the signing of a hotel management agreement (HMA) with New Mauritius Hotels Limited, one of the oldest and largest owning and management hospitality companies based in Mauritius.

The new agreement will see AccorHotels relaunch the existing property under the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts brand in May 2017.

The reflagging will mark a major step for the luxury brand in Africa.

Located just 12 kilometers from the bustling city of Marrakech, Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech is nestled within the heart of a century-old olive grove, spanning 231 hectares with uninterrupted views of the Atlas Mountains.

The hotel also boasts unmatched resort amenities including an expansive 6,608 meter, 18-hole golf course created by renowned architect Cabell B. Robinson.

Olivier Granet, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director, AccorHotels Middle East & Africa said: “We are delighted to have the first Fairmont hotel in operation in Morocco, a unique brand that represents some of the most iconic and distinctive hotels in the world. ”

He further added: “Morocco is a strategic market for us and one in which we are witnessing solid growth and momentum. With 37 hotels currently within our portfolio, we look forward to complementing the country’s already robust tourism development plan, and to reinforce our global development objective for Africa overall by doubling our network to reach 200 hotels.”

Gilbert Espitalier-Noël, Chief Executive Officer, New Mauritius Hotels Limited said: “We are delighted to have signed this management agreement with the luxury division of AccorHotels.

The Royal Palm Marrakech is an exceptional resort which we are proud to have developed.

We are confident that the management and commercial strength of the AccorHotels Group, with its newly acquired Fairmont brand, will contribute to establishing the Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech as Morocco’s premier resort.”

Featuring 134 guestrooms including five Presidential Suites, one Penthouse Suite, and 10 Prince villas, the resort currently also offers 94 private residences consisting of two, three and four-bedroom villas.

Subsequent phases of the development will include both Fairmont Royal Palm Residences and Fairmont Royal Palm Estates, joining Fairmont’s exclusive portfolio of branded private residences.

Currently under development, the branded residences will be serviced by Fairmont, enabling residents to enjoy the full benefits of a resort lifestyle.

Each Residence is elegantly designed, ranging from 200 square meters for a twobedroom to over 500 square meters for a four-bedroom villa. Optional furniture packages will be available, featuring inspired designs that reflect local heritage and cultural influences, as well as high quality materials, fabrics and appliances.

Hamid Bentahar, Executive Vice President, Luxury & Upscale Brands, Africa & Indian Ocean, AccorHotels, added: “We’re delighted to announce this new mixeduse property that combines luxury residences and a five-star hotel. Our exceptionally strong residential expertise means we offer one of the most attractive hospitality options to guests.

Fairmont Royal Palm is the latest step in our journey to becoming one of the premium luxury operators in Morocco.”

The resort currently features four restaurants and lounges including Le Caravane, an international restaurant on the terrace; L’Olivier, overlooking the swimming pool and serving Mediterranean cuisine; Al Ain, a traditional Moroccan restaurant; and Le Bar, offering an evening respite with its own cigar cellar.

Due to open shortly, The Golf Course Country Club will add even more options for guests. Serving also as the club house for residence owners, The Country Club will comprise of a lounge, restaurants, and a health club and swimming pool.

Leisure options include a 25 meter year-round heated, ozonized swimming pool as well as a 3,500 sqm spa including a bespoke private area.

In addition to its own golf club, highlighted by an expanse of 75 hectares, Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech is surrounded by three of the eleven golf courses in the city.

It is also the nearest resort to the acclaimed Assoufid Golf Club, award winner of the World Golf Awards 2016 in Morocco.

The vast estate, which lies at the foot of the Atlas mountain range and only a 10minute drive from Menara Airport, is within close proximity to the mythical Red City offering travelers a culturally enriching and quaint experience with a range of local attractions.

The addition of a landmark hotel in a strategic African market supports AccorHotels’ goal of brand growth and expansion, particularly in the luxury sector.

With more than 70 hotels worldwide, Fairmont continues to expand globally with recent openings including Fairmont Quasar Istanbul, Fairmont Chengdu in Western China and Fairmont Fujairah the Middle East.

New luxury hotels scheduled to open later in 2017 include the 317-room Fairmont Amman in Jordan, the 298-room Fairmont Riyadh in Saudi Arabia and the 1048-room Fairmont Austin in Texas.

Beyond that, other hotels in development include Fairmont Kuala Lumpur, Fairmont Jeddah Hotel & Resort and Fairmont Costa Canuva in Mexico’s burgeoning Riviera Nayarit region, to name a few.