“With 3 nights in Marrakech and 2 nights in Rabat, this itinerary was the perfect sampler of Morocco’s welcoming yet exotic personality. If you are looking for a quick international getaway, you can experience Morocco with complete confidence.”
— Chris Alestra
In January 2025, the annual Suite Club, honoring top preferred hotel sellers, convened in the Kingdom of Morocco. Hosted by The Oberoi Marrakech, Fairmont La Marina Rabat-Salé, and the Moroccan National Tourism Office (MNTO), this remarkable journey was seamlessly operated by Abercrombie & Kent Morocco (A&K Morocco), who provided expert private guides, luxury transportation, and extraordinary VIP access throughout.
With 3 nights in Marrakech and 2 nights in the coastal capital of Rabat, our itinerary demonstrated how easily Morocco can be enjoyed as a 4-to-5-night getaway, a stand-alone celebration, or the grand finale of a European journey. With new non-stop transatlantic flight options expanding accessibility, the Kingdom of Light is closer than ever.
The majestic entrance and reflection pool at The Oberoi Marrakech, set amidst 28 acres of fragrant olive groves.
Getting There: Seamless Transatlantic Access
Reaching Morocco has never been more straightforward for North American travelers:
Direct Flight Highlights to Morocco:
- United Airlines Non-Stop from Newark (EWR to RAK): Operates 3x weekly seasonally. Flight UA628 departs Newark at 9:45 PM and arrives in Marrakech at 10:20 AM the following morning. Return flight UA627 departs Marrakech at 12:20 PM and arrives at Newark at 4:25 PM.
- Delta Air Lines Direct from Atlanta (ATL to RAK): Starting October 2025, direct service connects Atlanta with Marrakech. Flight DL186 departs at 7:45 PM, arriving at 8:55 AM (+1 day).
- Royal Air Maroc: Offers daily direct non-stop flights from New York (JFK), Washington D.C. (IAD), and Miami (MIA) directly into Casablanca (CMN).
- European Connections & Ferry Options: Convenient 1-stop flights connect through major hubs like Amsterdam or Paris. Travelers exploring Southern Spain can also take a short scenic ferry crossing from Tarifa across the Strait of Gibraltar to Tangier.
Where to Stay: Palace Splendor & Coastal Sophistication
1. The Oberoi Marrakech: A 28-Acre Desert Oasis
Located just a 30-to-40-minute scenic drive from Marrakech Menara Airport, The Oberoi Marrakech opened on December 1, 2019, set within an expansive 28-acre heritage olive and citrus grove. Guests arrive through an enchanting avenue of century-old olive trees before reaching a breathtaking grand courtyard anchored by a monumental reflection pool framing the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains.
Stepping into the palace lobby, you are greeted by lofty vaulted ceilings, exquisite Andalusian-Arabesque marble appointments, and the soothing fragrance of sweet Moroccan incense. The main courtyard is a marvel of handcrafted detail, featuring intricately carved stuccowork, zellige tile patterns, and sculpted marble walls crafted over two years by more than 200 master Moroccan artisans.
Master craftsmen spent two years sculpting the detailed plasterwork and geometric arches honoring traditional Moroccan architecture.
The accommodations at The Oberoi emphasize light, space, and understated opulence. Deluxe villas and suites feature grand ceilings, hand-selected artisanal furnishings, and floor-to-ceiling glass doors opening onto private courtyards with private heated plunge pools surrounded by fragrant citrus trees.
The Oberoi Spa is a sanctuary unto itself, boasting an indoor heated swimming pool, state-of-the-art fitness studios, private yoga pavilions, and authentic Moroccan Hammam rituals alongside Western therapeutic massages. Beyond relaxation, guests can enjoy private cooking masterclasses with master chefs, falconry demonstrations, traditional zellige tile making, vintage sidecar tours through the Palmeraie, and visiting the estate’s two resident donkeys (who love receiving carrots brought from breakfast).
2. Fairmont La Marina Rabat-Salé: Modern Elegance on the Bou Regreg
Following Marrakech, our journey continued north to Rabat, Morocco’s sophisticated Atlantic capital. Situated just 20 minutes from Rabat-Salé Airport and 1 hour 40 minutes from Casablanca, Fairmont La Marina Rabat-Salé makes an immediate architectural impression with its sleek, curved exterior sculpted to resemble a luxury ocean liner moored on the riverbanks.
The modern, cruise-ship inspired silhouette of Fairmont La Marina Rabat-Salé along the Bou Regreg River.
The hotel boasts 274 impeccably designed guest rooms, suites, and residential apartments overlooking the river and the historic ramparts of Rabat. At Le Deck, the property’s rooftop restaurant and panoramic lounge, guests enjoy craft cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine beside a 360-degree infinity pool overlooking the estuary, the Kasbah, and the Atlantic.
On the ground level, Dahlia serves contemporary interpretations of Moroccan culinary heritage, blending slow-cooked tagines with fragrant saffron and fresh herbs. The hotel also curates immersive guest workshops, including private zellige tile crafting, pastry masterclasses with executive pastry chefs, Moroccan fine wine tastings, and private boat excursions embarking directly from the marina dock across the river.
Rooftop leisure at Le Deck, boasting views across the Bou Regreg River toward Rabat’s historical ramparts.
Discovering the Imperial Cities: Marrakech, Casablanca & Rabat
The Magic of Marrakech
Marrakech is the most famous of Morocco’s four historic imperial cities. Its ancient historic core, the Medina, is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site filled with labyrinthine alleys, artisan workshops, vibrant souks, and historic riads.
Towering pyramids of fragrant spices, medicinal herbs, and hand-painted tagines in the souks of Marrakech.
Wandering through the souks with our private A&K guide, we browsed authentic Berber rugs, hand-stitched leather babouche slippers, pure Argan oil, healing botanical essences, and hand-hammered brass lanterns. Jemaa el-Fnaa square pulsates with energy, street food stalls, musicians, and traditional storytellers.
The iconic cobalt blue walls and rare desert flora of the Majorelle Garden.
Ornate 14th-century carved cedar and plasterwork inside Ben Youssef Madrasa.
Other essential cultural highlights include:
- Jardin Majorelle & Yves Saint Laurent: Celebrating its centennial (1924–2024), this botanical sanctuary created by Jacques Majorelle and lovingly restored by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé showcases hundreds of exotic cacti, bamboo groves, and vibrant cobalt blue pavilions.
- Ben Youssef Madrasa: Founded in the 14th century, this former Islamic college was once the largest in North Africa, featuring mesmerizing cedar carvings, marble basins, and intricate mosaic zellige tiling.
- Koutoubia Mosque: Marrakech’s most prominent landmark, with its 253-foot minaret serving as the architectural blueprint for the Giralda in Seville.
- Atlas Mountains & Agafay Desert: Within a short drive, travelers can embark on sunrise hot air balloon flights over the plains, hike through traditional Berber villages in the High Atlas, or enjoy camel rides and sunset banquets in the Agafay Desert.
Sunset camel trek and private desert dining under starry North African skies.
Casablanca: Architectural Splendor on the Atlantic
En route from Marrakech to Rabat, a stop in Casablanca allows guests to witness the monumental Hassan II Mosque. Positioned dramatically over the Atlantic Ocean, this architectural masterpiece features the world’s second-tallest minaret (standing 689 feet / 210 meters tall) and accommodates over 105,000 worshippers.
The towering minaret of Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, showcasing Moroccan craftsmanship on a monumental scale.
Rabat: Modern Capital Rooted in Heritage
Rabat offers a calmer, coastal contrast to the kinetic energy of Marrakech. Clean, green, and beautifully preserved, Morocco’s capital blends centuries of royal history with modern cultural investments.
The tranquil blue-and-white stone passages and Atlantic coastal overlook of the Kasbah of the Udayas.
Key sights in Rabat include the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the adjacent 12th-century Hassan Tower; the historic Kasbah of the Udayas with its peaceful blue-and-white alleys, Andalusian gardens, and ocean overlooks; and the soaring 820-foot Mohammed VI Tower standing beside the futuristic Grand Théâtre de Rabat designed by Zaha Hadid.
The sleek skyline of modern Rabat featuring the Mohammed VI Tower and the Grand Théâtre de Rabat.
Essential Morocco Travel Tips from an Advisor
Insider Guidance for Your Moroccan Journey:
- Best Time to Visit: January and the spring months offer ideal, mild weather (mid-40s to mid-70s °F) with crisp mornings, sunny afternoons, and far fewer crowds at premier monuments.
- Friday Etiquette: Friday is a holy day in Islam. Many medina artisan stalls and shops pause in the afternoon for communal prayer (Jumu’ah), making it an ideal day for leisurely spa treatments or private museum visits.
- Cultural Attire: Attire is relaxed and welcoming, though modest dress (clothing covering shoulders and below the knee) is respectful when exploring historic medinas or visiting religious monuments.
- The Value of Private Guiding: Partnering with a premier destination specialist like Abercrombie & Kent Morocco unlocks priority entry, insider artisan introductions, stress-free market navigation, and expert commentary.
- Culinary Delights: Moroccan cuisine is celebrated for depth rather than fiery heat. Savor slow-cooked lamb and prune tagines, chicken pastilla dusted with cinnamon and sugar, and freshly brewed mint tea.
Plan Your Tailor-Made Moroccan Expedition
Connect with a Vincent Vacations luxury travel advisor to craft an unforgettable Moroccan itinerary featuring private palace suites, chauffeured desert transfers, and VIP access.
Request a Custom Morocco Quote