DAYPASS — A TREND HERE TO STAY

Adam Peter
Apr 21
5 min read

Daypass experience, Marrakech, February

Luxury Day Passes: The Perfect Way to Try Out Your New Luxury Experience

I feel blessed, as I live in a nice apartment with a view. I’ve got my walk-in shower that gives me the Tarzan feel, natural light, and a place that often smells of slow-cooked tagine — my preferred perfume that even Calvin Klein cannot offer me in one of those sleek bottles. This is my absolute Sunday feel and my sanctuary, really.

But every now and then, I feel this twinkling inside. Not quite restlessness, not quite boredom — just a craving for a little more.

Where I used to brunch at the Sofitel or book a picnic-style lunch at Amanjena, I now have a new favourite indulgence: the hotel day pass.

A day pass gives me just enough of Tapetenwechsel — like the Germans put it so well — to feel like I’ve escaped, without the fuss of an overnight stay. For a few hours, I get the poolside elegance, the curated atmosphere, the service with a smile — and I’m still home by evening, back to my familiar bed that knows how to cuddle me better than any hotel suite could.

It’s like pressing pause on the everyday. You walk into a place like the Fairmont Royal Palm or the Mandarin Oriental Marrakech, and the world outside just fades. You trade in noise and errands for a lounger by a palm-fringed pool, a cold drink in hand, and maybe even a discreet playlist in your earbuds whispering something jazzy in the background.

The Feeling of Escaping Without Leaving

Sometimes, I just want to feel like I’m being taken care of — without packing a suitcase, forwarding emails, or solving the daily puzzle of which charger fits which device. Just the sheer simplicity of stepping away from my routine and into a space that whispers calm, beauty, and maybe even a touch of glamour.

That’s where the day pass comes in. It’s my antidote to that quiet craving for something else. You arrive, exchange that knowing smile with the concierge, slide into your swimwear, and suddenly — you’ve checked into a mini-vacation. No jet lag, no boarding pass, no overthinking what to wear to dinner.

And then comes my favorite part: choosing my corner of paradise.

Now, this isn’t random. This is precision work. This is where my inner Sheldon Cooper (Bing Bang ...) wakes up and takes control — because there is such a thing as the optimal sun-lounger position. It's the one with the perfect vantage point, ideally slightly elevated, with a clear line of sight to both the pool and the bar (because hydration is important). A gentle breeze from the West (anything stronger than 9 km/h ruins the experience) and, most importantly, a palm tree that casts exactly 63% shade — not too bright, not too dim, just the kind of balanced light that keeps your book readable and your skin Instagram-ready.

You sit back, sip something with ice cubes clinking like wind chimes, and smile at the fact that you haven’t actually gone anywhere… but feel as though you’ve gone everywhere.

Because sometimes, luxury isn’t about far — it’s about right here, right now, just for a few

hours.

And When You Want More… Wellness is Waiting

If lounging isn’t enough — and let’s be honest, sometimes the soul craves more — these luxury escapes offer wellness options that elevate the experience. A spa treatment, a hammam ritual, a deep tissue massage or simply a moment in a steam room can turn a short escape into a complete reset.

At the Mandarin Oriental, for example, the spa facilities are world-class, with treatments that blend Moroccan tradition with Asian calm. And Fairmont? Their signature massages are practically made for people like me who spend a little too much time at their desks — or behind the wheel chasing group tours.

It’s the kind of pampering that makes you feel taken care of, where you leave not just rested, but somehow… renewed.

Why It Works — And Why It’ll Stay

What makes day passes so popular? It’s the perfect mix of flexibility and indulgence. You don’t have to commit to a full getaway, yet you get all the perks: ambiance, service, facilities, and sometimes even a glass of chilled chilled white Cabernet, beads of condensation running lazily down the glass. Not too dry, not too fruity — just enough personality to keep you sipping slowly while time seems to politely excuse itself.

It is a perfect investment in luxury and this for a fraction of the price of a night’s stay, you access everything that makes a five-star experience — without the hefty bill. You choose your hours, your vibe, your level of indulgence.

And let’s face it: life is stressful enough. Knowing that you can slip away for a few hours — and return without disruption — is a mental health strategy I recommend to everyone.

A Few Things to Look Out For

Timing is everything If you’re like me and prefer the sound of palm leaves over poolside DJ sets, go midweek or early in the day. And if you can, steer clear of top season crowds — serenity is a luxury too.

Know what’s included Some day passes roll out the red carpet — think fluffy towels, food & drink credit, maybe even a steam room that smells faintly of eucalyptus and success. Others? A bit more no-frills. Always worth checking what’s actually part of the deal, so expectations stay in line with reality.

Gastronomy matters A good kitchen turns a pool day into a full-on experience. Whether it’s a perfectly grilled sea bass or just fries that arrive crisp and hot, food can elevate your escapade. A forgettable lunch? That’s not in my plan.

Explore the extras Some properties go the extra mile with curated bundles: day pass + lunch + massage = perfection. These combos are often well-priced and give you that “I’ve treated myself properly” glow.

Call ahead or book online Especially during weekends or holidays. There’s nothing more anticlimactic than showing up ready to indulge — towel in one hand, sunglasses in the other — only to hear “we’re fully booked.” A quick call saves the day.

Final Thought

The day pass isn’t just a temporary trend. It’s part of a shift in how we experience luxury — short, intentional moments of beauty and comfort woven into our lives without disruption.

A day away… just a few hours… to pause, reset, and breathe deeply in a setting that feels just right.

It’s a habit I’ve picked up — and I’m not planning to let it go anytime soon.

Time for a chilled white Cabernet.

Peter.

A Few Hotels in Marrakech Offering Day Passes

Here’s is my quick list of luxury hotels in Marrakech that offer day passes. But keep in mind, it's not just limited to this city — many other hotels across Morocco are jumping on the day pass bandwagon.

I always give them a quick call and sort out the deal. The reception staff are always more than happy to assist, and they'll let you know if your timing is spot-on or if it’s already a bit too busy for that much-needed escape. Trust me, a little heads-up can make all the difference when it comes to securing your slice of calm.