AccorHotels has announced the signing of a hotel management agreement (HMA) with New Mauritius Hotels Limited for a hotel near Marrakech in Morocco.
The new agreement will see AccorHotels relaunch the existing property under the Fairmont Hotels and Resorts brand in May 2017. The reflagging will mark a major step for the luxury brand in Africa.
Located just 12 km 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 and 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. 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.”
Featuring 134 guestrooms including five presidential suites, one penthouse suite, and 10 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 sq m for a two-bedroom to over 500 sq m 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.
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-m year-round heated, ozonised swimming pool as well as a 3,500 sq m 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.