The Ritz-Carlton Rabat, Dar Es Salam

Ritz-Carlton Rabat, Dar Es Salam is a tranquil Moroccan palace set on sprawling, meticulously landscaped grounds next to a world-class golf course.

Our Ritz-Carlton Rabat review captures a few days of quiet indulgence, where luxury feels effortless and time slows down—for to arrive at this sprawling resort is to step into a modern dream of a Moroccan palace—complete with soaring gates, lush gardens, palm-lined pools, and sculpted olive groves.

We captured some of the first impressions in our Instagram Stories—make sure to check them out.

Our Experience at the Ritz-Carlton Rabat

When saying “palace,” we do mean it quite literally. Sweeping muqarnas ceilings, carved zellij tilework, and Arab‑Andalusian décor—and especially the crouching panther sculptures and oversized hunt-themed painting reproductions—speak to Arabian indulgence. Yet the interiors remain tasteful, curated for sophisticated taste.

In many ways, the resort’s design reflects Rabat itself. Morocco’s capital blends European, Arab, and African influences into a highly refined, cultured style.

Perhaps our favorite aspect of the Ritz‑Carlton Rabat experience was the refreshing sense of it feeling private yet grand. The vastness of the grounds offered both intimacy and freedom—room to roam, breathe, and unwind—but our Deluxe Garden View room was perfectly tailored for us as a couple, too. It came with a comfortable salon area, a spacious bathroom with a separate tub and shower, and our own piece of garden lawn, with an elegant chaise longue set up amid the olive trees.

Dining at the Ritz-Carlton Rabat

We often say breakfast is our favorite part of the day, but if we didn’t, we would start now. The ones at Brasserie Méditerranéenne set a new standard for us, with à la carte ordering and excellent service. We loved the regional specialties (try the Amlou with yellow almonds!).

Come lunchtime, we’d return to the same spot, despite other tempting options—like the relaxed, Mexican-style Palapa, which serves casual bites poolside.

Dinner and sommelier pairings at Rihla were elegant and inventive. Blind Tiger, the bar we loved to linger in, offered tranquil ambiance, a masculine interior, and a relaxed outdoor terrace—with cocktail craftsmanship worthy of Paris or New York.

The Spa & Grounds

One of the most beautiful spaces at the resort is the spa. Treatment rooms are filled with soft scents and ambient music, and look out onto calm gardens. Hammam rituals, rosewater steam rooms, and saunas are available, along with ten treatment suites (two designed for couples). An indoor pool flooded with daylight and a 24/7 fitness centre complete the experience.

The spa is just off to the side of the hotel entrance. Aesthetically, it might be the space that defines the hotel. From the driveway, a pathway leads through a dreamlike grove of olive trees, planted within a shallow reflective pond, and on to the grand lobby. It’s a beautiful blend of nature and modern architecture; a place where white stone, set against mature greenery and still water, sets the mood of a tranquil refuge from the moment you arrive.

This—to wrap up our Ritz-Carlton Rabat review—is what encapsulated our experience of this resort. It was the perfect escape after a few days of exploring historic Rabat.

in our opinion

Ritz‑Carlton Rabat, Dar Es Salam, represents the swanky side of Morocco's capital. Located just off an embassy-laden boulevard, it's defined by refined elegance, tranquil gardens, and timeless craftsmanship.

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What we love

• Rich Arab‑Andalusian design, spacious public areas, and—most of all—the serene, lush gardens. Courtyards, fountains, sculpted olive trees, landscaped lawns, and tropical flowers create a lush, restorative environment ideal for long strolls.
• Large, well-appointed rooms—ours was tucked away in the gardens and offered complete privacy. Its décor struck a balance between Moroccan artistry and plush modern comfort: velvet rugs, gilded Geb panels, and a palette of rich blues and greens throughout.
• From Mediterranean brunch to inventive fusion at Rihla and evening cocktails at Blind Tiger, the dining is a standout.
• An immersive spa experience, with hammam rituals, couples' treatments, indoor pool, and complete fitness facilities.
• Golf enthusiasts will appreciate direct access to Royal Golf Dar Es Salam's shaded, immaculately maintained fairways.
• Genuine warmth from a multilingual team—casual, friendly, and always gracious.

What you should know

• The grounds are expansive: buggies are available, but if you prefer to walk less, request a room near the main building.
• Spa and restaurant bookings are best made a day in advance, especially for dinner at Rihla.
• While located outside the city proper, the hotel remains within easy reach of Rabat's key sights. It's a comfortable base for sightseeing followed by indulgent downtime.
• Our favorite sights in Rabat were the Kasbah of the Udayas and Chellah. The medina is also worth exploring, but plan extra time for the souk as it's enormous. It's well worth exploring, though. The prices are better than in Marrakech, and the experience is just as authentic.
• Golfers can book tee times directly with Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, but the hotel concierge would be happy to assist.
• At the time of our visit, the hotel's ATM was out of service. The nearest alternative is at the golf club nearby.
• The hotel is about 20–25 minutes from central Rabat and roughly 30 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic.
• If arriving by taxi, be sure to have the hotel address handy—our driver had difficulty understanding where we wanted to go just by hearing the hotel name. Blame it on our bad French.