The Four Seasons hotel in Rabat, Morocco, housed within a 19th-century castle overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, will open in 2023.
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and Atlantic Coast Hospitality, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi-based real estate development business Q Holding, have announced plans for the forthcoming Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr, which is scheduled to open in 2023.
Kasr Al Bahr, which means “castle of the sea,” was erected in the 19th century as a vast royal summer palace and eventually became a military hospital before closing in 1999. Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr will usher in a new era for the ancient resort with 204 elegantly designed rooms and suites overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, following substantial renovations of the five-hectare (12-acre) cliffside retreat.
“As Four Seasons continues to grow its presence in Morocco, we are proud to build upon the success of our existing properties in Marrakech and Casablanca while introducing a complementary experience, this time in the nation’s capital city,” says Bart Carnahan, President, Global Business Development and Portfolio Management, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “We are honored that our partners at Atlantic Coast Hospitality have chosen Four Seasons as the stewards of Kasr Al Bahr, and we look forward to introducing guests to this dynamic destination through a new luxury hospitality experience marked by our renowned personalized service and quality excellence.”
Rabat, Morocco’s capital city, is located on the Atlantic Ocean’s coast and seamlessly integrates its ancient treasures with vibrant offers for the modern luxury traveler. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its ancient buildings, including the Hassan Tower and the Kasbah of the Oudayas, illustrate its past French and longstanding Islamic influences. Visitors will also appreciate the city’s seaside backdrop, which includes gorgeous beaches, vibrant music festivals, and more than 202 hectares (500 acres) of green area, which includes calm parks.
“As we transform Kasr Al Bahr for the future, we are proud to showcase Rabat’s history and culture while creating a world-class hospitality experience for all who visit,” says Malik Awan, Director of Q Holding. “Four Seasons is the ideal partner for this important project, and together we are dedicated to honoring this exceptional property while offering guests the service and experiences they have grown to expect from this legendary brand.”
The Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr will have seven restaurants and lounges, as well as a spa with well-appointed treatment rooms and an indoor pool, three outdoor resort-style pools, and ample meeting and event space. The Hotel’s meticulous restoration has been supervised by Moroccan-based architect Karim Chakor of META Atelier d’Architecture, with Roger Nazarian and Associates in charge of interior design, landscaping, and other aspects.
Gregory Viaud will serve as the General Manager of the hotel. Gregory will handle the Hotel’s pre-opening activities, the second in his career after his position at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center. He has more than 19 years of expertise across a diverse array of Four Seasons hotels worldwide. Gregory was most recently the Resort Manager at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort. Gregory and his Rabat team have already begun preparing to greet guests with the real heart and desire for excellence for which Four Seasons is known around the world.
Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr will join the Four Seasons collection of Moroccan properties, which already includes Four Seasons Resort Marrakech, Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca, and Four Seasons Private Residences Marrakech at M Avenue. The Hotel will be a 20-minute drive from Rabat-Salé Airport and a 90-minute drive from Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport, providing easy access to significant international and regional centers. Visitors can also use Morocco’s high-speed train network to get from Rabat to the important commercial hubs of Casablanca (45 minutes) and Tangier’s pristine beaches (1 hour 45 minutes).
[Source: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Press Release]