Nobu Hotel Marrakech: A Luxurious Escape

Never has a hotel made me blush so much. On a sunny January day, I stepped off the plane in Marrakesh to attend the opening weekend of the hotly anticipated Nobu Hotel Marrakech, the brand’s first introduction to the African continent. After making it through passport control, I found myself embraced immediately in the arms of Nobu, or at the very least, the driver who was there to take care of my every need.

Welcome to Nobu Hotel Marrakech

Within 15 minutes, we made it to the hotel, where once again, I was barely out the car door before someone had taken my bag, already knew my name, and sat me down with a delicious pot of Moroccan mint tea (with sugar, of course), poured in fanciful fashion from as high as she could muster. For a moment, I sat chatting with my fellow guests, taking in the new lobby, which transformed The Pearl Hotel into a sleeker version of its former self. The hotel remains in a perfect circle, surrounding a living tree in its center, giving it a fresh breath of life.

Accommodations and Suites

Before I could get too good of a look, I was escorted to my room, one of 71 suites (you know it’s an all-suite hotel) circling the tree. In the rooms, remnants of The Pearl remain, including older tile in the bathrooms, though renovations are ongoing. Guests can choose from 44 Junior Suites, six Deluxe Junior Suites, 18 Deluxe One Bedroom Suites, two Miyabi Suites, and one Nobu Suite, all rewarding guests with views of either the Atlas Mountain Range or Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakesh’s biggest mosque.

Dining Experience

However, one should never leave without experiencing at least one meal inside the Nobu Restaurant and Bar. Featuring classic dishes such as black cod miso and yellowtail sashimi, the restaurant also offers exclusive dishes crafted by chef Nobu Matsuhisa that utilize locally sourced ingredients.

Wellness and Spa

Moreover, I indulged in a soothing massage using Moroccan oils at the 2,000-square-meter spa. With its subterranean pool, heated to just the right temperature, the spa offers a serene escape. The integration of soft music, red linens, and intriguing decor all felt like a sweet invitation to unwind.

Exploring Marrakesh

Consequently, Nobu’s prime location makes it easy to access famed attractions like the Medina. This bustling area is a shopping epicenter filled with artisanal goods and aromatic spices, only a short walk away. Additionally, the YSL Museum, located next to the fashion icon Yves Saint-Laurent’s former home, is just down the street.

After just 48 short hours at this luxurious retreat, it was time to leave. For now, quick glances at its Instagram page will have to suffice until our next encounter.