Marrakech has experienced a huge tourist boom over the past several years and the hotel possibilities are endless, particularly for couples in search of a romantic retreat. For families, however, the list of optimal options is quite small. Staying in a riad , a traditional Moroccan house or palace with an interior courtyard, seems appealing at first blush as many are in heart of the atmospheric old city medina.
The challenge of this accommodation category for families — particularly those with young children — is that there is zero room for kids to run around. The interior gardens of many urban riads are ornamental. Moreover, the streets outside the medina -based riads are exciting but stressful with people, animals, bikes, carts — you name it — vying for the right of passage.
The Four Seasons Marrakech , located 10 minutes outside of the medina, is set within 40 acres of glorious gardens. The value of this set-up for families? This would be enough for a family-friendly gold star, but add in a laundry list of best-in-class Four Seasons amenities and services, and you have an unbeatable luxury resort option for families with kids of all ages. Opened this past June, the Four Seasons Marrakech is brand new. The property was developed and designed from scratch.
With only rooms and suites, this hotel feels intimate despite the expansive grounds. Exceptional, highly personalized service is a Four Seasons trademark and is in full force in Marrakech. Our 8-year-old, Devon, received the same royal treatment and the staff made sure to include him in all communication. Zid Zid Kids , a local designer, is responsible for the wonderful space in Marrakech.
The program is designed to entertain kids who are staying at the resort for days at a time with themes and activities that continually change. While we were there they had a treasure hunt that sent dressed up kids on an excursion around the property. From a front desk stick up to dancing in the teen center, the event produced giggles far and wide. Not so here. The family pool is a little slice of heaven with an irregularly shaped edge that creates nooks and crannies inside and outside of the water so everyone can find their own space.
