Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr

Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr is a rare opening: an urban resort with historical depth, and a seaside sanctuary that seamlessly blends Moroccan heritage, architectural grandeur, and modern luxury.

To begin sketching our Four Seasons Hotel Rabat review, we reflected on the multiple lives this place has known. It started as an 18th-century Sultanic palace; later served as a French military hospital, but perhaps its greatest time is yet to come: as a Four Seasons resort, reimagined and reborn.

Set on the cliffs where the Atlantic meets the city, the Four Seasons Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr boasts a setting that makes an immediate impression. Its architecture whispers of history—arched porticoes, intricate plasterwork, and historic zellige details—and yet everything feels light, airy, and new. From the moment we arrived, we felt that regal heritage mingled effortlessly with contemporary comfort.

Walking through the majestic gates into the Noora lobby—a high-ceilinged, arched pavilion centered by a sculptural fountain—felt like stepping into a living museum. Details were restored rather than recreated: gilded brass lanterns, carved plasterwork, and geometric tile motifs echo textiles and patterns seen in Moroccan palaces, but the overall effect is calm and modern.

Four Seasons Hotel Rabat review: perfect for couples

As a couple, we found the hotel ideal for slowing down and indulging. Our room overlooked the sea, with tall windows that drew in soft morning light and the sound of distant waves. The interiors were beautifully understated—local touches, such as zellige patterns, handcrafted lighting, and textured fabrics, were balanced by clean lines and a calming, neutral palette. Every detail felt intentional, from the room’s layout to the carefully curated scent in the corridors.

The life of the resort revolves around the swimming pool area during the day and the serene, gorgeous Lobby courtyard in the afternoon, when Moroccan tea is served accompanied by live local music—a gentle nod to the palace’s past as a gathering place for nobility.

Dining was a highlight. Breakfasts were long and indulgent, with fresh local pastries, eggs cooked to order, and fruit platters presented with Four Seasons finesse. Flamme by the pool offered relaxed lunches with a Mediterranean influence. Late-night dinners were a culinary treat (shout out to the hotel’s sommelier, who gave us a masterclass in wine-tasting). We also loved the Sunday brunch—lively and generous, it had the feel of a local ritual in the making.

The spa was only partially open during our stay, but that didn’t stop the team from arranging a wonderful experience for us. We both had 60-minute treatments; they were deeply relaxing and beautifully delivered. The space is polished and inviting, with its warm tones, soft lighting, and a strong sense of ritual. The indoor saltwater pool, tucked beneath a vaulted ceiling and surrounded by natural textures, was another quiet highlight—a place to pause and breathe between city outings.

Rabat: a rising star

As for Rabat itself, we found it full of quiet surprises: less touristy than Marrakech, more polished than Tangier, and rich in contrast. The old medina is vast and lively, a maze of souks, artisans’ workshops, and everyday commerce; we found it to be more authentic than the one in Marrakech. See Rabat highlights on TripAdvisor.com

It’s Morocco’s capital, but Rabat still feels relatively undiscovered. That’s bound to change, especially with the impressive new airport under construction. And when it does, Four Seasons at Kasr Al Bahr will be the perfect base from which to watch the city’s quiet renaissance unfold. (More 5 star hotels in Tangier: Booking.com)

in our opinion

From the moment we stepped through the gates, it was clear this wasn't just another luxury hotel. This is a carefully restored piece of Rabat's past, now offering something altogether different: a true sense of place. It's perfect for couples seeking a slower pace and a tranquil atmosphere.

What we love

• A unique sense of history. Staying in a beautifully restored royal residence allows you to connect with Morocco's heritage in a way few hotels can.
• Elegant interiors with local character. Moroccan craftsmanship—zellige tiles, brass lanterns, carved wood—is tastefully balanced with contemporary comfort and clean design. The hotel designers preserved the ornate arches, horseshoe windows, and decorative stucco, while opening it up to light, the sea, and the sky.
• Sunday brunch is worth planning around: generous, relaxed, and cosmopolitan, with live stations and a thoughtful mix of Moroccan, Mediterranean, and Asian flavors.
• Afternoon Moroccan tea in the lobby lounge became a daily ritual. Served with delicate pastries and accompanied by live traditional music, it was one of the most atmospheric moments of our stay.
• Spa experiences that impress. Our 60-minute treatments were deeply relaxing, and the indoor pool—a serene saltwater oasis tucked under a vaulted ceiling—was a quiet highlight.
• Thoughtful service. Staff were warm and intuitive throughout, always attentive yet never overbearing.

What you should know

• Rabat remains under the radar—for now. As Morocco's capital, it offers a refined, less frenetic alternative to Marrakech, rich in culture and history. With a new international airport underway, it won't stay quiet for long.
• The hotel is a short drive from the medina. While it's technically walkable via the scenic seafront promenade, we suggest car transfers, especially on hot days. A taxi costs around 10 USD, or you can opt for the hotel's fleet of elegant Mercedes-Benz limousines.
• The main infinity pool overlooks a busy coastal road. For more tranquility, we recommend the garden pool or the spa's indoor option.
• At the time of our visit, the hotel was still in soft-opening mode. Some wings remained closed, though nearly all core facilities were operational. While the finished property will be large, the current experience feels more intimate.
• The transfer from the Rabat-Salé International Airport (RBA) takes approximately 30 minutes by car, and 90 minutes from Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN).