The Moroccan Files

The Ritz-Carlton, Marrakech: When the Resort Becomes the Destination — The Marrakech Luxury Paradox Marrakech is adding another ultra-luxury layer with a 50-hectare polo-led resort on the city's outskirts. On paper, it is a compelling concept: space, privacy, equestrian life, and a globally recognized brand. In practice, it lands in a market where luxury supply is growing faster than the seasonal window it relies on. When a property sits 20 minutes outside the medina, the re

The story behind Lancaster Palace Tamuda Bay, originally planned as a Marriott. A fascinating look at the latest palace on Morocco’s Mediterranean coast.

A concert can bring back a person, a landscape, or a season. I was not collecting concert names; I was collecting places and moments. Each destination gave the music a different colour. Essaouira does not need a festival to create atmosphere—the Atlantic wind, medina, and port already give it rhythm. MOGA’s tenth anniversary gives travellers a reason to come. But Essaouira gives them a reason to stay. Come for the music. Stay for the destination.

Hotel La Renaissance in Guéliz is currently closed, inviting a thoughtful examination of its architectural heritage, operational history, and commercial capacity. Moving past simple nostalgia, this analysis evaluates the property through a practical lens—exploring its boutique scale, structural design, and market positioning alongside public guest feedback. The central question for its future is how asset restoration realities align with recovery potential.

Escape Marrakech’s scorching heat without driving to the coast. Less than two hours away, Imlil sits at nearly 1,800 metres in the High Atlas, offering cooler days, cold nights and a completely different rhythm. Discover Imlil, Asni and Ouirgane — plus where to stay, what to pay and how to choose intelligently.

Morocco's Ultimate Solar Eclipse & Perseid Meteor Guide Special events 2026 Ultimate Solar Eclipse Morocco & Perseid Meteor Guide 2026 Discover Morocco's prime high-obscuration viewing locations (>80%) for the August 12, 2026 solar eclipse, paired with the moonless Perseid meteor shower peak. There are nights that become memories, and there are nights that become stories told for decades. On 12 August 2026, Morocco will experience both. As the sun sinks toward the Atlantic

Is tap water safe to drink in Morocco? After nearly two decades in Moroccan tourism, here's my honest advice on bottled water, filters, food safety and avoiding stomach problems.

Morocco's Mediterranean hotels are synonymous with luxury, yet international headlines can reshape a destination overnight. An analysis of how the Ceuta crossings affected perception, reputation and the communication strategies of luxury hospitality brands.

Be prepared before you travel. Save Morocco's official emergency numbers, police contacts, medical services, Tourist Police information, and practical emergency phrases—all in one essential reference for travelers.

From legacy assets to integrated hospitality experiences, the group is quietly redefining how destinations are created in Marrakech—and perhaps across Morocco. Editorial Illustration: Peter.ma © Peter Manshoven. All rights reserved. Last week, we looked closely at Accor Risma — its asset-heavy footprint, strategic posture, and the way it continues to shape Morocco’s hospitality map. This time, the lens turns to another pillar of the sector: Atlas Hospitality. The two groups s

Discover the Marrakech Medina with this complete guide to its historic gates, neighbourhoods and landmarks. Learn how the Marrakech Medina is organised, how each Bab leads to a different district, and how to explore the old city without getting lost.

Most guides recommend riads without explaining the noise—and they recommend Hivernage without warning you. Here's where to find quiet luxury in Marrakech, including the hidden gem of Targa, the luxury estates on the city's edge, and the quiet corners of Gueliz that still exist.

Most guides say "book early" without giving you a timeline. Here's when to book luxury riads and desert camps in Morocco—by season, property type, and with insider knowledge on cancellation flexibility and group bookings.

Merzouga or Chegaga? Both are part of the real Sahara, but they offer very different experiences. One is Morocco's iconic postcard desert, the other remains wonderfully wild and remote. Discover which desert matches your travel style—and why the ultimate Sahara adventure may simply be walking through the dunes until, with every kilometre, the silence becomes louder.

Planning an 8-day Morocco itinerary? Discover five carefully designed routes that balance iconic destinations with realistic driving times. Whether you want to explore Marrakech, the Sahara Desert, the Imperial Cities, or Morocco's Atlantic coast, this guide helps you choose the best 8-day Morocco itinerary for your travel style while avoiding the most common planning mistakes that turn holidays into endless road trips.

Luxury desert camp in Morocco at sunset with private tents and red sand dunes The Short Answer Yes—but only if you plan it smart. Fly into one airport and out of another to avoid backtracking. And never underestimate the fatigue on the return leg. What Most Travel Guides Won't Tell You About a 5-Day Sahara Trip in Morocco Most blogs will tell you "yes, go to the desert" without mentioning the reality: the drive is long, the return feels twice as long, and by day five you're c

The sign above the entrance still says Accor. But behind the reception desk, the business has changed completely. In this edition of Behind the Lobby, Peter examines RISMA's transformation from property owner to hotel operator, the financial logic behind the move, and why the success of this strategy will ultimately be measured not by annual reports, but by the experience of every guest who checks in.