All Good Things Come in Threes: Exploring the Royal Mansour Collection in Morocco

Peter
Aug 25
4 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Morocco was always blessed with some good hotel chains, but today we can truly say we have the one that spans the crown (literally, as the King is the main shareholder) of Morocco: Royal Mansour, the summum of quality. From the moment you enter the door, you feel the love and the dedication for le métier. Even the fall of a fork during the setup of a table seems more like part of a well-rehearsed pièce de théâtre than an isolated incident.

– Beyond the magnificent architecture and refined interiors, what truly sets Royal Mansour apart is its human capital. Natural smiles, an eye for detail, and an almost magical intuition where questions are answered before they’re even asked. This is the summum of well-being,

Royal Mansour Marrakech – Where it all started

If Marrakech is Morocco’s beating heart, then the Royal Mansour Marrakech is its soul. Commissioned by King Mohammed VI and inaugurated in 2010, it was conceived not merely as a hotel but as a statement — a crown jewel of Moroccan craftsmanship, luxury, and hospitality. At the time, Morocco’s high-end scene was dominated by the legendary La Mamounia, alongside Sofitel Marrakech, which held its rank as the address of la beauté et la noblesse. With the arrival of Royal Mansour, a new benchmark was set: it became the motivator of the city’s luxury segment, the crown that redefined Moroccan hospitality.

Instead of conventional rooms or suites, guests are welcomed into private riads — miniature palaces ranging from one to four bedrooms, each with its own courtyard, plunge pool, and rooftop terrace overlooking the city or the Atlas Mountains. Every inch of the property is a tribute to Moroccan artisans: hand-carved plaster, intricate zellige mosaics, cedarwood ceilings, and marble fountains that whisper history.

Ownership Context: Royal Mansour remains a personal project of King Mohammed VI, who is the principal shareholder, giving the property a unique royal endorsement and control over its vision. In contrast, La Mamounia — long a symbol of Marrakech’s luxury heritage — has seen its ownership evolve over the decades. Originally fully held by the King, in 2000 approximately 80% of the shares were sold to ONCF (Moroccan National Railways). In June 2024, the Moroccan government sold most of its remaining stake to the state-owned OCP Group, which now holds 58.92%, while ONCF retained less than 10%. This transaction positioned OCP as the majority shareholder, demonstrating a shift from direct royal control to strategic state-backed investment while maintaining La Mamounia’s iconic status.

This contrast between Royal Mansour’s direct royal ownership and La Mamounia’s majority held by state investment groups highlights how Marrakech’s luxury scene blends personal royal patronage with institutional stewardship, shaping a dynamic, evolving landscape of high-end hospitality.

Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay – Mediterranean Bliss

Before extending its presence to Casablanca, Royal Mansour looked north to Morocco’s Mediterranean coast. In July 2024, the collection unveiled Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay, a serene haven between Tétouan and Tangier. Unlike the vibrant pulse of Marrakech, Tamuda Bay embodies calm: turquoise waters meeting the horizon, soft white sands brushed by gentle breezes, and an atmosphere of pure tranquility. Long cherished as one of His Majesty’s favourite summer retreats, this coastline has become the discreet playground of Morocco’s elite.

At Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay, the signature concept of private riads continues — this time opening onto lush gardens and intimate pools that dissolve into the Mediterranean landscape. The architecture blends Andalusian-Moorish elegance with contemporary refinement, creating a sanctuary where every detail whispers sophistication. The spa deepens the sense of escape, combining Moroccan rituals with thalassotherapy for transformative moments of indulgence.

Each summer, Tamuda Bay takes the yellow jersey of Morocco’s luxury scene, leading with its style, exclusivity, and serenity. This enclave is unique in the country: a stretch where dedicated luxury resorts stand side by side, forming a Riviera-like private club. .Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay sits proudly among its distinguished neighbors — Banyan Tree Tamuda Bay, St. Regis La Bahia Blanca, and Sofitel Tamuda Bay — together shaping the coast’s refined aura.

Here, summer is elevated to an art of living. Private beaches, shaded gardens, and al fresco dining infused with Mediterranean flavors create an atmosphere where leisure is ritual and luxury is instinct. More than a resort, Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay is a destination in itself — a place where Morocco’s beauty, style, and sophistication converge, offering the ultimate expression of coastal bliss.

Royal Mansour Casablanca Urban Finesse.

At Royal Mansour Casablanca, the story begins in 1952, when the original Art Deco building first opened its doors, reflecting the golden age of Casablanca’s architectural and cultural rise. For decades, it stood as a symbol of the city’s elegance — a rendezvous for travelers, visionaries, and the international elite drawn to Morocco’s Atlantic gateway.

In 2019, an ambitious transformation was set in motion, carefully orchestrated under the vision of King Mohammed VI. What followed was not merely a renovation but a rebirth — a meticulous restoration that honored the soul of the building while elevating it to the rarefied standards of Royal Mansour. After years of refinement, it finally reopened on April 15, 2024, unveiling a masterpiece where historic Art Deco grandeur and contemporary luxury coexist in perfect harmony.

Today, Royal Mansour Casablanca is more than a palace hotel: it is a cultural landmark, a bridge between eras, which you feel the moment you step into the lobby and linger in the thoughtfully curated décor of each room. For lovers of Art Deco like me — a passion inherited from my father and nurtured through countless stays in 1990s Havana, where architecture itself lives and breathes — the hotel becomes a living museum. Every line, every curve, every detail resonates with the elegance of a bygone era, yet is infused with the quiet sophistication and modern comforts that define the Royal Mansour experience. Without forgetting the quality service that has become an ongoing leitmotif of the Royal Mansour Collection, here Morocco’s cosmopolitan past converges seamlessly with a future of discreet, world-class luxury, offering a journey through time as much as a stay in one of the country’s finest hotels.