The Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay has officially opened, embodying an elegant, comfortable, and ultra-sophisticated tribute to the rugged beauty of northern Morocco, the kingdom’s richness, and the Mediterranean lifestyle. Our editorial team stayed there, and here are our impressions.
Following the success of the Royal Mansour in Marrakech in 2010 and its recent debut in Casablanca in April 2024, the Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay is the third jewel of the collection, located along Morocco’s Mediterranean coast, between Martil and Fnideq. As a team of lifestyle enthusiasts and lovers of Morocco’s stunning yet lesser-known northern regions, we couldn’t wait to explore this new seaside palace.
Rooted in Tradition
Our first impression upon arrival? The authenticity, true to the DNA of the Royal Mansour Collection. The guiding principle? “To be rooted in a region andblend intimately with its unique attributes to showcase them.” In Marrakech, the Royal Mansour is a tribute to the city’s ancient crafts and medina culture. In Casablanca, it celebrates the Art Deco era with an ultra-urban twist. Tamuda Bay embodies the “Mediterranean dream,” with its clean lines and sandy hues that blend seamlessly with the turquoise waters of the Alboran Sea, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean.
This elegant, contemporary, and decidedly nautical setting (the lobby walls are covered in thousands of seashells gathered from the beach!) evokes a French Riviera vibe from the 1970s with a cinematic, slightly retro charm. The editorial team could easily picture themselves as movie stars here.
The Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay spans ten hectares along a stunning 700-meter stretch of beach, surrounded by lush gardens filled with palm, lemon, and hackberry trees. Guests can choose from 55 luxury suites and villas, ranging from 80 square meters for one-bedroom suites to the 1,700 square meter Royal Villa. Each accommodation offers views of the sea, gardens, or the Rif Mountains.
Inside, the cozy yet contemporary decor merges Moroccan craftsmanship—marquetry, zellige tiles, woven textures, and marble mosaics—with subtle maritime touches, including mother-of-pearl chandeliers illuminating works by renowned Moroccan artists like Ghizlane Sahli, Malika Agueznay, Najia Mehadji, and Ben Cheffaj. Additionally, room temperature, lighting, and curtain control are managed by touchscreen tablets—a high-tech luxury that quickly becomes addictive.
The aptly named Royal Villa is essentially three villas in one, featuring a reception room, dining room, cinema room, private spa with a hammam, music room, and indoor pool. For ultimate privacy, it’s separated from the beach by a small dune—a dreamlike experience.
A Holistic Experience
One of the Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay’s greatest strengths is its holistic approach, offering an inclusive experience that nurtures both body and soul. At Marrakech, Royal Mansour pioneered a unique, multi-sensory experience that our team covered in a previous episode of Viens je t’emmène. We highlighted innovations like watsu (a blend of water and shiatsu), art therapy, and nature-inspired BBQ lunches at an artist’s table, alongside personalized wellness programs.
At Tamuda Bay, the experience retains this speciality but with a fresh approach, blending a natural escape with coziness and cutting-edge self-care technology.
Destination Medi-Spa
At the heart of this approach is the Medi-Spa, one of the resort’s key features. Combining therapeutic and medical treatments, it is run by a team of doctors and professionals in a classy 4,300-square-meter facility, complete with emerald marble pools and contemporary mashrabiya screens. With two stunning pools (one filled with seawater and the other, the “Quiet Pool”, featuring impressive moon-shaped artwork), relaxation is maximized. Additional facilities include a hammam, eight private treatment cabins, a cryotherapy room, a watsu pool, and an innovative Himalayan Cave with Himalayan salt diffusion—known for detoxifying the lungs, the foundation of our immune system.
The Medi-Spa offers anti-aging, dermatology, Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, naturopathy, and dietary consultations, all based on the latest scientific advancements. Custom wellness programs (Detox, Aging Well, Weight Control) are also available and monitored for three months post-stay. Guests can pamper themselves with face, body, nail, and hair treatments from top brands like Dr. Burgener, marocMaroc, CND Shellac, and Leonor Greyl. Additionally, the Medi-Spa is the only facility in Morocco to offer a Reax machine, combining fitness training with neuroscience. In short, the Medi-Spa is a destination in itself.
While the full medical spa experience will be available from next spring, wellness and beauty treatments are already open.
Epicurean and Social Lifestyle
The Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay’s Medi-Spa reflects the establishment’s philosophy of fostering well-being and the Mediterranean “dolce vita.” Take, for instance, the Alboran Club, a cozy and refined space featuring a now-iconic shell-shaped staircase. Here, guests can relax in a variety of settings, including a plush, intimate library stocked with board games or a panoramic terrace for sunset views accompanied by piano or live band music.
Providing this serene ambiance requires an almost magical level of service. The Royal Mansour Collection refers to it as “couture service,” facilitated by a modern underground labyrinth where staff manage laundry, decorations, and catering behind the scenes.
Gastronomic Eden
When it comes to dining (a priority for us), the Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay spares no expense, featuring four restaurants led by three Michelin-starred chefs: the Alajmo brothers, Eric Frechon, and Quique Dacosta.
At Coccinella, styled as a traditional trattoria, the Alajmo brothers, Massimiliano and Raffaele, transport guests to Italy with a decor inspired by Venetian gardens. Breakfasts feature an unforgettable cappuccino and homemade pastries, alongside the Moroccan harcha, a favorite of our team. For lunch or dinner, guests can enjoy fresh pasta, pizzas, and specialties like lobster Catalana or veal tonnato.
The chef Frechon helms La Table, where his innovative and refined cuisine combines Moroccan flavors with subtle Japanese nuances. For example, locally sourced lobster with yuzu kosho mayonnaise or slow-cooked beef cheek with red miso and ginger-infused carrot puree. The dessert menu is more classic, but the chocolate soufflé with roasted coffee ice cream is irresistible.
At Méditerranée, decorated in white and blue with a breezy feel, Quique Dacosta (with seven Michelin stars) showcases Spanish seafood specialties. If you’ve never tried sea urchin gratin, now’s the time!
Chef Dacosta also oversees Pool Beach, where his culinary creativity has inspired Palmas, a bento box-style tapas selection inspired by global cuisines.
A World of Its Own
The Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay is entirely kid-friendly. Upon arrival, children receive a plush lion toy, the hotel’s mascot and a symbol of Morocco. Children ages 4-12 are welcomed at the colorful and cozy Lilas Beach Kids Club, complete with Moroccan tents, swings, and zellige tiles. Activities range from Arabic calligraphy and tagine painting to music, cooking, mixology, botany, and boat trips—not to mention beach ice cream parties. The professional, energetic team ensures kids have the time of their lives.
This family-friendly approach extends to the resort’s philosophy: to be a luxurious yet welcoming destination for all, from couples and families to fitness enthusiasts and leisure seekers alike. The goal is simple: to make everyone feel at home.
Picture © : Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay
