Morocco’s Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay resort is fit for a king

Last fall, His Majesty Mohammed VI opened Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay, an ultraluxurious palace resort on the Moroccan riviera. The property is the third in the monarch’s hotel portfolio, joining the award-winning Royal Mansour Marrakech, an opulent 53-riad retreat that ranks as one of the finest hotels in the world, and the new Royal Mansour Casablanca, a reimagined Art Deco landmark unveiled in the spring of 2024.

Tamuda Bay, nestled between the Rif mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, is like the Hamptons of Morocco. Full of charm and character, the exclusive enclave is located in northern Morocco, some 50 miles from Tangier and just 12 miles from Tetouan’s medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site. With a glorious, sunny climate, gentle breezes and wide, sandy beaches, it’s a three-season destination for the Moroccan jet set. 

The king himself keeps a residence next to the resort, and is often seen Jet Skiing or cruising on his Badis 1 yacht with his Gen Z children, Crown Prince Moulay Hassan and Princess Lalla Khadija. The 62-year-old sovereign has been known to drop by the hotel and greet the employees, who say he is friendly and down to earth.

Like the Marrakech location, the new hotel showcases Moroccan culture, craftsmanship and hospitality. Decorated in a chic, contemporary style, the 55 suites and villas feature handmade zellige tiles, textiles, marble mosaics and works from local artists. Guests can zip from room to restaurant or spa on bikes (parked throughout the 25-acre property) or call for a golf cart pickup.

Service is impeccable and discreet, thanks to a network of underground tunnels. Uniformed housekeeping and maintenance staff move through the subterranean passages, where the laundry rooms and tech hubs are housed, and enter the guest rooms via private elevators. 

For peak splendor, the more than 18,000-square-foot, three-bedroom Royal Villa boasts direct beach access, indoor and outdoor private pools, a game room, a movie theater and a spa, plus a dedicated butler. It’s perfect for a family, and children can play at La Plage de Lila, an adorable kids’ club with everything from a paddling pool to calligraphy lessons to keep little ones engaged.

Adults also play at the property. Every imaginable water toy is available to borrow or rent at the private beach, including banana boats, wakeboards, water skis, kayaks and seabobs (underwater scooters). Guests can also charter a Riva yacht — the glamorous Italian boat seen in vintage James Bond movies — for sea outings. As for sightseeing, day trips to magical Tangier, Chefchaouen (the blue-washed town in the mountains) and other destinations can easily be arranged, along with tee times at the nearby 18-hole Cabo Negro golf course.

Temptation is on the menu at four superb restaurants helmed by Michelin-starred chefs. Éric Frechon oversees La Table, an innovative French sanctum, while Massimiliano and Raffaele Alajmo head up Coccinella, a masterful Italian ristorante. Chef Quique Dacosta, recognized on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, leads Le Méditerranée and Pool Beach restaurants. 

For further pampering, guests can head to the palatial medi-spa, said to be Morocco’s first. The wellness center houses an Insta-worthy “quiet” pool with celestial nighttime lights, a swimming pool, a gym, hammams, steam rooms, saunas, a Himalayan salt cave and numerous treatment rooms and medical cabins. Both high-tech and holistic services are on offer, from a firming facial using premium MarocMaroc skin care to Reiki sessions.  

For the ne plus ultra, sign up for an eight-day personalized longevity journey created by French integrative medicine specialist Dr. Denis Lamboley. The transformative experience starts with a comprehensive health assessment via bloodwork, VO2 max cardiovascular analysis, aerobic endurance measurement, nutritional evaluation, sleep diagnostics and more. Based on the results, a team of experts — including a naturopath and an Ayurvedic coach — makes detailed recommendations and prescribes on-site treatments ranging from cryotherapy and mindfulness training to Watsu massage. Guests depart with a customized three-month plan, and the spa team checks on their progress.

With service so exceptional, you’ll feel like an heir to the throne. 

Rooms from $770 a night at Royal Mansour