Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay

This exclusive beachfront spa resort expertly blends exotic Moroccan charm with a relaxation-inspiring Mediterranean vibe, with the guest accommodation, exclusively pool villas, as the absolute highlight.

We adore the Singaporean brand of Banyan Tree and enjoyed our stay at their outposts in Seychelles, Koh Samui, Bangkok, and the Maldives. Tamouda Bay in Africa is their first resort along the Mediterranean, so we could not miss the opportunity of checking it out when in Morocco.

A world unto its own

The north coast of Morocco is not the first stop for many tourists vacationing in the country, and neither it was for us, but it ended up being a great place to wrap up the journey. We traveled in and around Marrakech, then to Tangier, from there to Chefchaouen, and finally to the coast. But even as the geographical distances were ultimately not vast, Banyan Tree could just as well be a world away from the heaving medinas of Marrakech or Tangier, or the colorful pathways of the “blue city.”

Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay is striking. Facing a vast, flat beach, the property combines the Andalusian-Moorish legacy of the region with the Moroccan heritage, resulting in a serene but grand architecture, stylistically anchored in the sense of place.

The palatial reception building is cut through with long corridors and tall arched doorways and laced with hand-cut mosaic tiles and wrought ironwork. While the exteriors are austere, the interiors are sumptuous, elegantly decorated with intricate Moroccan panels, and set in rich bronze and blues.

Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay is an all-villa resort, spread across a 69-acre beachfront site, with buildings surrounded by neat lawns and palm trees.

The villas

The guest accommodation is a highlight of the resort — we could write the entire review about the villa we stayed in.

As we entered our villa, we immediately recognized Banyan Tree’s hallmark style that always takes subtle cues from the local traditions. The design channels Moroccan charm and a Mediterranean spirit while infusing the living spaces with contemporary elegance. The décor carries a theme of floral Arabesque, set in neutral tones.

The living room is naturally connected to the spacious master bedroom to the side and the garden with an outdoor swimming pool. Indeed, all interior spaces, including the beautiful en-suite bathroom with the spectacular stone round bathtub, open up to the swimming pool, allowing one to step into the cool water directly from the rooms.

Things to do

The resort facilities include various restaurants and bars, as well as a cigar parlor and beach club, located in front of the beach, and behind a man-made lake that reflects the brilliant architecture of the resort. The beach is vast and flat and stretches ad infinitum in both directions, though it clearly is publicly accessible, and other resorts and complexes are visible not far away. The resort offers water sports and activities, and the sea is calm in the Tamouda Bay.

A must-try is the fantastic Banyan Tree Spa, with the signature Rainforest Experience as a particular highlight. The experience includes a hydrothermal path leading guests from one watery sensation to another, from pattering rains to mists of varying temperatures.

If chilling by the pool or indulging in the spa is not enough, the concierge can organize sightseeing trips, e.g., to the Blue City, one of the prettiest towns in Morocco.

in our opinion

From among dozens of hotels we explored in Morocco, Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay stands out as one of the very few genuinely luxurious beach resorts. We capped an enriching trip across the country with a stay here and loved the combination of refined elegance and Mediterranean relaxation from this well-known spa resort brand.

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What we love

• The villas. Ensuring complete privacy thanks to tall walls lined with greenery and offering a good amount of space in and outside, the guest accommodation is designed to satisfy even the most discerning guests.
• In particular, we loved the outdoor space contains a good-sized swimming pool, loungers, and seating areas, with a beautifully designed canvas roof stretched above the space.
• The architecture and decor. Inspired by the region’s Andalusian-Moorish legacy and Moroccan heritage, the design bears all the hallmarks of the refined Banyan Tree luxury style.
• The resort’s public spaces are stunning, with long corridors of towering arched doorways in the reception building leading to the vast pool area and the beach.
• The spa. We try the Banyan Tree Spas whenever we get the chance, and the Tamouda Bay version is a must-visit. The facilities are world-class, and they include a hammam and the “rain walk” experience. The building is a real beauty, too, inspired by an Andalusian courtyard.
• The Saffron restaurant. Already established as one of the most renowned dining options in the region, this standout Thai restaurant is a destination all on its own.

What you should know

• This beach resort is located close to Tangier (the international airport is a 90-minute drive away) and is well-placed to explore some of the sights in the region, including Chefchaouen, the Blue City. The town is known for the striking, blue-washed buildings, and is a truly remarkable place (see how we captured the Blue City on Instagram, in this set of photos or this one). Located less than a two-hour drive from the Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay, Chefchaouen can make a great day trip.
• The resort’s facilities include a state-of-the-art gym, plenty of lounging spaces, and an excellent library. The Kids’ Club will take care of the little ones with a range of attractions, from face painting and pottery to cooking lessons and even yoga.
• We visited in an off-season month, and some facilities were not available. The beachside restaurant, Azura, was closed, and the beach club was inoperational, with the beach loungers unprepared and the staff missing. The rooftop bar seating above the main areas was closed as well, with tarpaulin-covered seats (our requests to make at least a few seats available led to a fruitless 45-minute wait)