Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr- A true “Palace by the Sea”.
When the Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr opened on 1 October 2024, it was heralded as one of the most exciting new luxury addresses in Morocco. Now that we’ve experienced it for ourselves, we can confirm—it’s more than just a hotel; it’s an oceanfront palace reborn, where history, elegance, and Moroccan warmth converge.
About
Part of the allure lies in its past. Once a Sultan’s summer retreat and later a military hospital, Kasr Al Bahr—“palace by the sea”—has been lovingly restored into a destination that feels both timeless and contemporary. Nestled in Rabat’s historic Quartier l’Océan along the Atlantic coast, the property spans roughly 12 acres (50,000 m²). Spread across twelve acres of manicured gardens, the resort blends six heritage buildings with five new constructions in a way that feels seamless. Wandering the grounds, we were constantly aware that we were walking through layers of history—yet everything gleamed with the polish of modern Four Seasons luxury. The location itself is unbeatable: only minutes from the Kasbah, Medina, and Rabat’s most iconic landmarks, yet cocooned enough to feel worlds away.
What elevated the experience, though, was the staff. Moroccan hospitality is famous, but the Four Seasons team embodied it so effortlessly—every smile was genuine, every request handled with grace. Whether it was something small, like adjusting my dining reservation, or something larger, like arranging a last-minute private tour of the Medina, nothing was ever too much trouble.
Accommodation
The resort comprises 11 buildings—a harmonious mix of six restored historic structures and five modern additions, all richly adorned with classic Moroccan elements such as domed roofs, arched passages, custom Zellige tiles, and stained-glass window.
With around 200 rooms and suites, most feature ocean or garden views and include private balconies or terraces. Our room was a sanctuary of light and space. Sun-filled and expansive, it opened onto a private furnished balcony with sweeping views across the pools, courtyards, and gardens that stretched to the Atlantic beyond. The interiors are a study in refined Moorish design—arches, patterned details, and warm tones that made the entire place glow at golden hour.
The crown jewel of the property is the Sultan’s Riad, an 18th-century palace-within-a-palace, complete with its own infinity pool. Though we didn’t stay there, we toured it—and it was simply breathtaking, the kind of setting where you could imagine both grand family gatherings and intimate, private escapes.
The Noora Lobby Lounge quickly became our favourite spot. A true opulent oasis, it centres on a marble fountain, and each evening, live Moroccan music floated through the space, transforming the lobby into something almost cinematic. It was a setting that begged you to pause, order a mint tea (or a glass of champagne), and simply stay awhile.
Food and Drink
Dining here is truly a feast for the senses. Indulge in the artistry of Verdello, where Mediterranean flavours are crafted with sophistication and flair, or savour the rich traditions of Flamme, where Moroccan heritage comes alive through unforgettable culinary creations.
At Flamme, we discovered the tagine of slow-cooked lamb shank, served with eggplant fondue, mint, and spiced ras el hanout jus, was tender and fragrant—every bite carried the depth of Morocco’s spice heritage. The pastilla, with its delicate pastry filled with chicken and almonds, perfectly balanced savoury richness with a subtle sweetness. These were dishes that spoke directly of place and culture.
At the same time, the Four Seasons culinary scene bears the signature of Executive Chef Sebastiano Spriveri, whose Sicilian roots shine through at Verdello. His Acquerello risotto with rosemary, lemon, marinated sardines, and red pepper coulis was one of the most extraordinary dishes I’ve ever tasted—bright, layered, and deeply comforting. Another standout was the creamless chickpea soup with roasted octopus and parsley oil—light yet full of flavour, a perfect expression of Spriveri’s philosophy.
Evenings often ended at Bar Atlantique, sipping cocktails that felt like works of art, and a stolen hour in the moody Cigar Bar, tucked into the oldest part of the palace, where rare whiskeys and fine cigars made time feel deliciously slow.
Wellness & Spa
The spa was an experience in pure restoration. Anchored by a shimmering indoor saltwater pool, it offered everything from a traditional Moroccan hammam to private treatment rooms and a serene yoga terrace. The outdoor infinity pool, with its uninterrupted ocean views, became our daytime retreat, fringed by palms and scented with citrus blossoms. It was the kind of place where a “quick swim” easily became an entire afternoon.
Events in Style
We weren’t here for a wedding or conference, but it was impossible not to be impressed by the event spaces. The Royal Ballroom—large enough to host 1,000 guests—looked like a stage set for a modern fairy tale. The open-air terrace, with views over the gardens, seemed designed for evenings that linger well past midnight. We could only imagine the kind of celebrations that will unfold here.
Culture Fix
Of course, Rabat itself was just as captivating. We wandered through the Old Medina, a maze of winding streets, souks, and hidden courtyards where every turn seemed to reveal something new. The Oudaya Gardens offered a moment of serenity, with fragrant orange blossoms and sweeping views of the Bouregreg River—a true secret garden in the heart of the city. And standing before the Hassan Tower, its unfinished grandeur etched against the skyline, we felt the weight of history and the promise of a city forever looking forward.
For reservations please visit www.fourseasons.com/rabat