Fairmont expands into North Africa

Luxury hotel brand Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is planning the development of a new luxury hotel in Morocco, Fairmont La Marina Rabat-Salé. The 200-room hotel, set to open in 2019, will be located in La Marina Morocco, a coastal mixed-use development strategically located between Rabat and the ancient city of Salé.

“We are extremely excited to be entering a destination as beautiful and culturally rich as Morocco, and more specifically the diplomatic and business hub that is the country’s capital,” said Jennifer Fox, president, FRHI International and Fairmont Brand. “With its remarkable architecture, historic sites and emerging culinary scene, it’s a hidden travel gem that captures the spirit of the country unlike any other in Morocco.”

Fairmont La Marina Rabat-Salé will be situated in a prime location on the Bouregreg river-mouth benefitting from triple water frontage: marina, river and ocean. Close to key heritage sites in Rabat such as Kasbat Oudayas and Tour Hassan as well as being close to the Hassan district, the project offers uninterrupted views over the Atlantic Ocean from the north and Bouregreg River and The Mausoleum of Mohammed V from the south.

Luxury accommodations will include 200 Fairmont guestrooms and approximately 90 Fairmont branded residences, soon to be available for purchase. Ample meeting space and a range of restaurants including an all-day dining concept, lobby lounge and bar, specialty restaurant and pool bar & grille will boost the city’s already vast choice of culinary options. Rounding out the experience are the Fairmont Spa and fitness facilities complete with an array of leisure options.

The project is part of the rejuvenation of the historical area of the Valley of Bouregreg and is being developed by Eagle Hills, an Abu Dhabi-based company specialized in the development, creation and reinvigoration of urban centers. Eagle Hills develop advanced city hubs and flagship destinations that aspire to energize and diversify local economies including the creation of new jobs, attracting local and international investments and positively impacting business and tourism. The company currently has major developments ongoing in Morocco, Bahrain, Jordan, Nigeria and Serbia.

“This partnership with Fairmont provides another element to the vibrant experience and luxurious environment we are seeking to create for our guests and residents. La Marina Morocco promises to be an exciting venture, providing economic stimulus to the area and offering a unique hospitality experience,” said M’hammed El Merini, General Manager of Eagle Hills Morocco Properties.

The addition of Fairmont La Marina Rabat-Salé complements a growing portfolio of Fairmont hotels currently under development in the Middle East, Africa and India region, including four openings in 2016 – Fairmont Fujairah, Fairmont Amman, Fairmont Riyadh, Business Gate, Fairmont City Stars Sharm El Sheikh – plus Fairmont Lagos (2017).