AS THE GENERAL MANAGER LEADING THE OPENING OF KASR AL BAHR, HOW DOES IT FEEL TO TRANSFORM A HISTORIC 18TH- CENTURY ROYAL SUMMER RESIDENCE INTO A PREMIER LUXURY DESTINATION FOR FOUR SEASONS?
Transforming Kasr Al Bahr into a Four Seasons hotel has been a truly remarkable journey. From the beginning, it has been about honoring the history of this extraordinary place and bringing to life a new luxury destination. This 18th century royal palace carries deep historical significance for Rabat, and there was a strong sense of responsibility in preserving its identity and spirit. Reimagining it as the “Palace by the Sea” meant respecting the character of the original residence while introducing the elegance, warmth, and intuitive service that define the Four Seasons experience. Today, we are incredibly proud to see how the property now stands as a place where heritage and contemporary hospitality coexist beautifully. It has become a destination that celebrates the past while offering an inspiring and refined experience for both international travelers and the local communities who still remember the heritage of the Military Hospital Marie Feuillet era.
KASR AL BAHR HAS A RICH HISTORY AS BOTH A PALACE AND A HOSPITAL. HOW DID YOU BALANCE THE PRESERVATION OF ITS ARCHITECTURAL SOUL WITH THE MODERN, HIGH-TECH LUXURY EXPECTATIONS OF TODAY’S GLOBAL TRAVELER?
Our philosophy to preserve the Moroccan heritage was integration rather than replacement. Our main goal was to rebuild the past and thoughtfully restore and celebrate it while introducing the comfort and modern touch that match the travelers’ expectations. We restored six of the property’s historical buildings saving architectural elements, allowing them to remain central to the identity of the hotel and facades. At the same time, modern features were carefully integrated in ways that feel seamless and discreet. Guests will notice beautiful traditional details such as handcrafted Zellige tiles and wood and marble, while also benefiting from intuitive in-room technology, modern lighting systems, and high-level connectivity. By approaching modernization with sensitivity, we were able to create an environment where contemporary luxury enhances the historic setting. The result is a location that feels both timeless and fully aligned with the expectations of our visitors.
THE HOTEL’S LOCATION OVERLOOKING THE ATLANTIC IS BREATHTAKING. HOW DOES THE COASTAL MOROCCAN ENVIRONMENT INFLUENCE THE GUEST EXPERIENCE AND THE OVERALL ATMOSPHERE OF THE HOTEL?
The Atlantic Ocean plays a defining role in the overall atmosphere of the property. From the moment guests arrive, the presence of the water creates a natural sense of tranquility and escape.
Ocean views are thoughtfully incorporated in the hotel, whether from guest rooms, suites, or poolside, allowing guests to feel constantly connected to the surrounding landscape, enhancing “The Palace by the Sea” experience in every corner. Other natural elements are incorporated, such as the outdoor and indoor green gardens, the plants in the lobby area and the water fountain that subtly influence the pace of the experience. From the entrance, these elements invite the guests to slow down, enjoy the surroundings, and truly immerse themselves in the calm and beauty of the Atlantic coast and the historical location. This connection to nature becomes one of the most memorable aspects of the “Palace by the Sea” experience.
RABAT IS OFTEN SEEN AS MOROCCO’S CULTURAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE HEART. HOW DO YOU BELIEVE FOUR SEASONS KASR AL BAHR WILL SHIFT THE CITY’S IDENTITY AS A MUST-VISIT LUXURY LEISURE DESTINATION?
Rabat is truly a hidden hem. The city has always been rich in culture, history and art with high governmental significance as it is the royal capital of Morocco. The opening of Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr represents an important milestone. By introducing a world- class hospitality experience with refined leisure offerings, exceptional dining, wellness facilities, and breathtaking views to the Atlantic coast we are contributing to a new chapter in Rabat’s development, creating a unique story in the hospitality landscape and destination. Our vision is to position the hotel a gateway to discovering the capital’s cultural heritage, also recognized by UNESCO as a world site heritage with its historical landmarks and old Medina. By combining the authenticity of Rabat with Four Seasons offering, the property role is to encourage travelers to discover the city not only as a cultural capital, but also as an attractive and sophisticated destination to visit and explore.
FROM THE DISTINCT DINING OUTLETS TO THE EXPANSIVE SPA, WHAT IS THE ONE “HIDDEN GEM” OR EXPERIENCE WITHIN THE HOTEL THAT YOU PERSONALLY BELIEVE EVERY GUEST MUST DISCOVER?
One experience I often recommend to guests is visiting Laila Lounge, which I consider one of the hotel’s true hidden gems. Located within one of the original historic buildings from the 18th-century palace era, the space carries a unique sense of history and exclusivity that immediately sets it apart. There is something very special about spending time in a place that once formed part of the royal residence while enjoying the refined comforts of a modern luxury setting. Laila Lounge has been designed as an intimate and sophisticated lounge where guests can unwind and enjoy a different atmosphere as the evening unfolds. It’s a place where people come to savor expertly crafted drinks and cocktails, discover a selection of refined cigars, and enjoy live entertainment in a relaxed yet elegant environment. What makes it particularly memorable is the combination of heritage, décor and ambiance. The historical character of the building creates a sense of authenticity and depth, while the warm lighting, music, and attentive service transform it into a vibrant social space. For many guests, it becomes a moment of discovery within the hotel an experience that feels both exclusive and deeply connected to the history of the palace.
YOU HAVE HAD A DISTINGUISHED CAREER WITH FOUR SEASONS ACROSS THE GLOBE. HOW ARE YOU INFUSING THE LEGENDARY FOUR SEASONS SERVICE STANDARDS WITH LOCAL MOROCCAN HOSPITALITY AND CULTURE?
Throughout my career with Four Seasons, I have always believed that exceptional service comes from understanding people and anticipating their needs in a thoughtful and personal way. In Rabat, we enrich this philosophy with the warmth, generosity, and authenticity that are deeply rooted in Moroccan hospitality. Our team is trained not only in the global standards that define Four Seasons, but also in the cultural details that make the experience here unique. Simple yet meaningful traditions, such as offering Moroccan mint tea, sharing stories about local culture, or guiding guests toward authentic experiences in the city, help create a genuine connection between the hotel and its destination. Seeing our team express their pride in Moroccan culture while delivering the signature Four Seasons service is incredibly rewarding. It creates an atmosphere where guests feel both cared for and truly immersed in the spirit of the place.
WITH THE GROWING IMPORTANCE OF CONSCIOUS LUXURY, HOW IS THE HOTEL INTEGRATING SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES INTO ITS DAILY OPERATIONS WHILE MAINTAINING A FIVE-STAR EXPERIENCE?
At Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr, conscious luxury is not viewed as a separate initiative, but rather as an integral part of how we operate every day. We believe that true luxury today also includes a strong sense of responsibility toward the environment, the local community, and the cultural heritage of the destination. From the very beginning of the project, this philosophy was reflected in the way the hotel was developed. A significant portion of the construction and restoration work was carried out by local Moroccan artisans, whose craftsmanship played a key role in preserving the authenticity of the historic palace. Their expertise in traditional techniques- from intricate decorative elements to architectural finishes-not only helped maintain the soul of the property, but also ensured that the project supported local talent and cultural heritage. More broadly, our approach focuses on thoughtful decision-making across all aspects of the hotel’s operations, ensuring that sustainability and comfort coexist seamlessly. Whether through responsible sourcing, efficient resource management, or meaningful community engagement, our objective is to operate with awareness and respect for our surroundings. Importantly, these efforts never compromise the guest experience. They add a deeper layer of authenticity and meaning to a stay, something that today’s travelers increasingly value. Our goal is to offer an experience that feels not only luxurious, but also connected to the place and the people who make it so special.
AFTER YEARS OF MANAGING ICONIC PROPERTIES, WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST REWARDING PART OF BRINGING THIS SPECIFIC PROJECT IN RABAT TO LIFE?
One of the most rewarding aspects during my journey in Rabat has been leading the hotel through its pre-opening and opening phases. Preparing Kasr Al Bahr to welcome its first guests required building a team from the ground up, shaping the culture of the hotel, and ensuring that every detail reflected the standards f Four Seasons while respecting the unique character of the property. The pre-opening phase is always intense and exciting. It involves continuous trainings, refining service rituals, and bringing together many different elements that eventually form the guest experience. Seeing the team grow more confident each day and watching the hotel gradually come to life has been incredibly fulfilling. The moment when we welcomed our first guests was particularly special. It marked the transition from a vision and a project on paper to a living destination filled with energy, hospitality, and human connection. Being part of this immense transformation, especially in such a historic and meaningful location, has been a defining moment in my career.
