7 Best Hotels in Tangier and the Mediterranean, Morocco

Tucked between Larache and Asilah and reached by an unpaved track, this design-led hotel from the La Fiermontina Family Collection is a game changer on this stretch of wild Atlantic coastline. Pale-stone villas—each with a pool—are scattered across a hillside, with stellar ocean views from every angle. They’re a masterclass in understated luxury, mixing bold Moroccan rugs and smooth tadelakt walls with European designer furniture and mid-century light fittings. You can transition from tagine to tiramisu in the indoor-outdoor restaurant, eat feet-in-the-sand at the chiringuito-style beach bar, or indulge in a private sunset picnic among the dunes. And it’s a sustainable project at its core, employing villagers from nearby Dchier, where they’ve created four traditional houses with uninterrupted views over serene countryside, a café and a hammam; don’t miss a delicious breakfast with a local family.

A pebble’s throw from a powdery-soft sweep of sand, St. Regis’ Moroccan debut is the perfect place for kicking back on Tamuda Bay. Its dazzlingly white, modern Mediterranean architecture takes its cues from traditional riads, with Moorish arches and Andalusian-style gardens. And the light, bright rooms and suites—in a palette of neutrals, whites, and blues—come with sea-facing balconies and celebrate local crafts with zellige tiles and intricate metalwork. If you can tear yourself away from the palm-lined Hockney-blue pool and the pampering spa, Tetouan and Chefchaouen are in day-trip distance, and there are water sports on the doorstep. Then dine at indoor-outdoor Baie Blanche, a French-style brasserie with Moroccan twists; there’s a a beachside grill and a stylish bar, too.

British designer Jasper Conran (of L'Hôtel Marrakech) has transformed the former home of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé into a magical boutique hotel. Much of the 1940s feel of the dazzlingly white Modernist villa has been preserved—where the six suites include YSLs Marrakech Suite—with the addition of contemporary comforts. Elegant decorative touches—Moroccan lanterns, classical artifacts, ancient Andalusian tiles—make it feel like the home of a friend with impeccable taste. A further six suites are spread around the gorgeous gardens, all manicured lawns, lofty palms, and fabulous flowers, within touching distance of Bab Kasbah but a world apart. Sightseeing may take a back seat to lounging by the glorious pool carved into a rock face or being scrubbed and massaged at the spa. The Roof Terrace Bar is the place for a sunset martini before dining on L'Orangerie's lovely terrace.

Morocco’s first Banyan Tree is an all-villa resort, each with a private pool and just a pebble’s throw from a sweep of shell-strewn beach, that pays homage to the region's history with its sparkling white Andalusian-Moroccan–style architecture. The large, ultraprivate villas are decorated in neutral tones without losing their sense of place. Abundant amenities include a host of water sports, a state-of-the-art gym, a kids club, and plenty of laid-back lounging spaces, one of which is an oud-scented library. Guests have no shortage of dining options, with Thai cuisine at Saffron, Moroccan at Tingitana, and catch of the day and pizza by the beach at Azura, plus tapas at Le Baga and cocktails at the chic Volubilis Bar. Head to the world-class spa's deluxe hammam for long, pampering sessions. If you can tear yourself away from your sun lounger, the resort also organizes a variety of excursions.

This 1920s hilltop palace has been reborn with an air of understated luxury. The rooms—along with some stunning signature suites—celebrate Morocco’s crafts in a contemporary way, with brass filigree lamps, wooden lattice screens, and bespoke fabrics. It can be hard to tear yourself away from the outsized black marble swimming pool and the expansive spa to go sightseeing. But later you can refuel at one of the six restaurants and bars—perhaps farm-to-table Mediterranean fare at Crudo or made-for-sharing Persian cuisine at the speakeasy-style Parisa.

Located above the Caves of Hercules, this luxury resort is popular with the Moroccan elite and visiting dignitaries. It blends traditional touches with contemporary comforts and a stunning panoramic view over the ocean. The 16 suites are very private, with lovely living areas and light, breezy bedrooms. Bougainvillea climbs up whitewashed walls and the sound of the surf is omnipresent. Enjoy the small yet verdant garden and perfect lawn, or walk down a staircase in the cliffs to the nearly endless stretch of Atlantic coastline. The restaurant, open to nonguests with a reservation, serves excellent seafood and international cuisine.

With its striking architecture, modern design, and vibrant colors, the Sofitel pays homage to the Riviera lifestyle, fusing the atmosphere of the Mediterranean and the Rif to create a unique resort. All the arty, chic rooms, done in primary colors, have outside spaces, and the gorgeous beach villas touch the sand. Guests can lounge around the turquoise-blue pool or in a beach cabana. Dining choices include Le Marche du Saveurs’s expansive all-day dining buffets and signature cocktails at the Koudiaz Bar.  At weekends, night owls will enjoy the SO Lounge, a full-fledged nightclub that hosts international DJs. The SoSPA is the place to unwind, with hammam rituals among the many therapies.