Morocco Part IV, Rabat
Part 4 of a 4-Part Morocco Travel Series - Rabat Royalty, Coastal Calm, and a Final Farewell to Morocco
Mausoleum of Mohammed V
Arriving in Rabat on February 21 felt like stepping into an entirely new Morocco — not louder, not brighter, not more dramatic, but calmer. More refined. More coastal, diplomatic, grounded. After days of mountains, medinas, desert roads, and sensory immersion, Rabat greeted us with clean boulevards, soft ocean breezes, and a kind of effortless elegance that took me by surprise.
Palm trees lined the streets. The Atlantic shimmered in the distance. White façades glowed in the sun. And everything — truly everything — moved at a slower, more intentional pace.
This wasn’t the Morocco of swirling souks and ancient alleyways.
This was Morocco’s capital — its political heart, its administrative hub, and its sophisticated coastal anchor.
To help you fall in love with Rabat the way I did, I put together a custom map of my favorite viewpoints, historic sites, cafés, and the calm, coastal corners that make this city unforgettable.
Table of Contents
Rabat — Morocco’s Coastal, Political, and Cultural Soul
Coastal Influence — Weather, Food, and Energy
Weather in February
Food
Pace of Life
The Ritz-Carlton Rabat, Dar Es Salam — A Stay That Still Feels Surreal
A Day Exploring Rabat’s History, Heritage & Beauty
Kasbah of the Udayas
Hassan Tower
Mausoleum of Mohammed V
Rabat Medina & Souk
A Resort Day + The Best Hammam of the Entire Trip
Back to Marrakech for One Last Night
Flying Home & Feeling Changed
Final Wrap-Up — Travel Expands You. Diving Expands You Even Further.
Walking around the Ritz
Rabat — Morocco’s Coastal, Political, and Cultural Soul
Rabat may not be the first stop on every traveler’s itinerary, but it should be — because you can’t understand Morocco’s identity without understanding Rabat.
Rabat is:
the political capital
the seat of the Royal Palace
home to Morocco’s government ministries
a UNESCO World Heritage site
a blend of old medina + French colonial boulevards + modern diplomacy
shaped by its location on the Atlantic Ocean
Founded in the 12th century as a military ribat (a fortified outpost), Rabat later became a haven for Andalusian refugees, then Barbary corsairs (yes, pirates), and eventually the chosen capital of French Morocco in 1912. It kept that status after independence in 1956.
It’s a city that has reinvented itself many times — and you feel that complexity in its architecture, neighborhoods, and natural rhythm.
A view of the Hassan Tower
Coastal Influence — Weather, Food, and Energy
Rabat’s coastal setting gives it a personality unlike any inland city.
Weather in February
mid-60s°F during the day
mid-50s°F at night
a cool, refreshing Atlantic breeze
golden sunlight
mild, pleasant humidity
It felt soothing after the dry heat of Marrakech and the crisp, continental air of Fes.
Food
Because of its location, Rabat’s cuisine leans toward:
grilled sardines
sea bass, sole & calamari
shrimp tagine
seafood couscous
fish pastilla
citrus-herb chermoula marinades
The flavors here feel lighter and more Mediterranean while still rooted in Moroccan tradition.
Pace of Life
Rabat is calm. Safe. Orderly. Polished. A city where locals stroll at sunset, where cafés face the ocean, and where tradition blends seamlessly with modern life.
The Souk
The Ritz-Carlton Rabat, Dar Es Salam — A Stay That Still Feels Surreal
We used Marriott points to book three nights and — in one of those truly pinch-me travel moments — were upgraded to the Majestic Suite. I cannot overstate how surreal that felt. My husband and I have spent years on the road for work, loyal to Marriott through countless early flights and late check-ins, and somehow all of that travel culminated in this moment. He’s now Lifetime Titanium Elite, which still blows my mind. (And yes — the AMEX Platinum giving Marriott Gold absolutely helps with upgrades and late checkout perks.)
The Majestic Suite was exactly that — majestic. A grand salon with plush velvet seating, carved stucco archways, intricate Moroccan detailing, and towering windows overlooking manicured gardens that glowed at golden hour. There was a sense of scale and elegance that made you slow down just to take it in. The marble bathroom felt like its own private spa with a deep soaking tub and expansive vanity — every detail thoughtful and refined.
I’ll be honest — when we first arrived, I felt a little out of place. Like I had wandered into someone else’s life. But within hours, that shifted into gratitude. A quiet, emotional pause where you recognize how far you’ve come and allow yourself to fully receive joy.
The resort grounds were just as stunning — palm-lined pathways, reflecting pools, lantern-lit courtyards, and forested edges that made the property feel expansive yet serene. It never felt rushed. It felt intentional.
Dining at the Ritz
We were fortunate to experience the festivities of Iftar at Rihla during Ramadan. While we were not fasting ourselves, being present for the breaking of the fast was incredibly special. There was a palpable sense of community and celebration in the air. The presentation was beautiful — dates, traditional soups, refined tagines, fresh seafood, delicate pastries — all thoughtfully curated and abundant. It felt meaningful to witness and respectfully participate in such an important moment of the evening.
Breakfast at Lumen each morning was expansive and elegant — vibrant fruit displays, Moroccan breads like msemen and baghrir, flaky pastries, fresh juices, and excellent coffee that made lingering easy. Blind Tiger became our evening ritual — intimate lighting, crafted cocktails, and small bites in a cozy setting that felt tucked away from the world.
The staff across the property were exceptional — warm, intuitive, and genuinely kind. That level of hospitality elevates a stay from luxurious to memorable. If I’m being completely honest, room service was the only element that felt slightly underwhelming compared to the excellence everywhere else.
The Spa
The spa was absolutely legendary. The indoor pool alone was breathtaking — tranquil, softly lit, and impossibly serene. It felt less like a hotel amenity and more like a private sanctuary. We moved between the whirlpool, sauna, and hammam spaces slowly, letting the experience unfold without rushing. The whirlpool area was especially calming — warm water, quiet surroundings, and space to just exist.
I booked the signature hammam experience, and it became one of the highlights of our entire Morocco journey. The ritual began with steam that softened everything — skin, breath, pace. The exfoliation was thorough and grounding, followed by cleansing and rinsing that felt almost ceremonial. It was immersive, deeply rooted in Moroccan tradition, yet delivered with the polish and precision you expect at a Ritz.
The products used were by MarocMaroc, and they were exceptional — rich textures, subtle earthy scents, and that unmistakable post-hammam glow. My skin felt completely renewed.
This stay wasn’t just luxurious — it felt reflective. Rewarding. A quiet celebration of hard work, loyalty, and allowing yourself to fully step into moments that once felt far away.
A Day Exploring Rabat’s History, Heritage & Beauty
We dedicated this entire day to Rabat — and it became one of the most unexpectedly moving days of the trip.
Kasbah of the Udayas
This 12th-century fortress sits dramatically above the Bou Regreg River and the Atlantic. Once the home of Andalusian refugees and later a base for corsairs, today it’s a peaceful maze of white and blue walls, flowering plants, quiet pathways, and views that take your breath away.
It feels like stepping into a painting — and Chefchaouen’s calmer, older sibling.
Hassan Tower
Commissioned in the 12th century by the Almohad dynasty, Hassan Tower was meant to be the tallest minaret in the world. Construction stopped after the caliph’s death, leaving a forest of half-finished stone columns surrounding a magnificent, unfinished structure.
It is haunting and beautiful — a testament to ambition frozen in time.
Mausoleum of Mohammed V
Perhaps the most elegant building in Rabat, clad in white marble, emerald zellij tile, and intricately carved cedar. Inside lie the tombs of King Mohammed V and his sons, including King Hassan II.
Ceremonial guards stand watch in traditional dress.
It feels reverent.
Sacred.
Pivotal to Morocco’s modern identity.
Rabat Medina & Souk
Rabat’s souk is one of the most pleasant in Morocco — clean, organized, and local-focused. Vendors are kind and respectful, prices are fair, and everything feels genuine.
Rabat is perfect for buying:
rugs
ceramics
kaftans
jewelry
high-quality argan products
No pressure, no overwhelm, no chaos. Just an easy, enjoyable shopping experience.
Back to Marrakech for One Last Night
We packed slowly that morning, made the drive back to Marrakech, and checked into Le Méridien N'Fis for our final night — once again booked with Marriott points.
We chose this property strategically for its proximity to the airport. If you have an early flight, it’s convenient and easy. That was the goal.
Location-wise, it’s not ideal if you want to spend meaningful time exploring the Medina or Marrakech’s main historic sites. It’s about a 30-minute walk or a short taxi ride, so accessible, but not immersive.
The grounds are lush and green, with mature palms and garden pathways that feel removed from the city’s intensity. On the surface, it has that classic resort feel.
However, during our stay there was construction happening at various hours, and it did impact the overall experience. There was visible debris in certain areas of the property, and the atmosphere felt more worksite than retreat at times. It wasn’t a quiet, polished environment.
And this is where I’ll be candid.
Our suite was not very clean. We found used Q-tips on the floor, which is simply unacceptable at this price point and brand level. Basic cleanliness should never be in question at an internationally recognized property.
The room itself was spacious, but the overall upkeep felt tired rather than refreshed. Between the construction debris and the lack of attention to detail in housekeeping, it didn’t feel elevated. It felt overlooked.
Breakfast, however, was excellent — a generous spread of Moroccan breads and pastries, fresh fruit, hot dishes, juices, and strong coffee. It was the perfect slow start before a long travel day.
That evening, we still ventured into the Medina one last time — wandering the alleyways, sipping mint tea on a rooftop, and soaking in Marrakech’s warmth before heading home.
Marrakech itself remains unforgettable. This particular stay just didn’t match the magic of the city.
Folk Marrakech
Our final night in Marrakech ended at Folk Marrakech — and it was the kind of evening that feels cinematic from start to finish. The decor alone sets the tone: rich textiles, warm lantern light, intricate details layered everywhere you look. It feels immersive the moment you walk in. The service was exceptional — attentive without hovering, warm, and genuinely welcoming. Dinner unfolded alongside live music that filled the space with energy, and the belly dancing performances were spectacular — vibrant, powerful, and beautifully executed. It wasn’t just a meal; it was an experience. A perfect, celebratory way to close out our time in Marrakech.
Flying Home & Feeling Changed
On February 25, we boarded our flight home to the U.S. — tired, glowing, grateful, and altered in the best way.
Morocco changed us.
It stretched our understanding of culture, hospitality, landscapes, and history. It reminded us that there is still so much in the world we haven’t seen — and so much we don’t even know we don’t know.
Final Wrap-Up — Travel Expands You. Diving Expands You Even Further.
This trip didn’t include diving — no tanks, no giant strides, no fish ID, no dive logs.
And yet, it reminded me of one of the deepest truths I hold as a diver and as a traveler:
The world is vast above the surface —
but diving gives you access to the parts almost no one else will ever see.
This journey across Morocco showed us:
mountains
deserts
ancient cities
blue-painted villages
coastal capitals
history, food, music, art
But diving shows you:
underwater mountains
coral deserts
hidden cities of fish and reef
blue worlds few people ever witness
the quiet magic beneath the waves
Travel opens your mind.
Diving opens your entire perspective.
This Morocco adventure reminded me why I travel — to learn, connect, grow, and witness the beauty of this planet.
Diving reminds me why I keep seeking more — because there is an entire other world beneath the one we think we know.
And one thing is certain:
This won’t be my last time in Morocco.
Dive safe, explore passionately, and remember…
