Ritz-Carlton Expands in North Africa

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Ritz-Carlton recently announced plans to open two new properties in Morocco, as the company expands its portfolio in North Africa.  

The Ritz-Carlton, Rabat, owned by Moroccan-Based Sienna Investment Group, is scheduled to open in December 2014 with architectural designs by WATG, according to a company announcement.  

Located near the 10th tee of the main course at The Royal Golf of Dar Es Salam, the resort will offer 120 guest rooms and 20 villas targeting dignitaries around the world, according to the announcement.  

"The heritage of Rabat, combined with the unique location within a world-class golf estate, will provide an incredibly appealing proposition for the affluent global traveler," Ritz-Carlton chief executive Herve Humler said in the release.

The Ritz-Carlton Marrakech is owned by Jnan Amar Company, part of a Saudi Arabia investment company. It will be developed around the Jenan Amar Polo Fields, a popular tourism spot in the Marrakech region. It will feature 60 hotel suites, 20 villas, bars, restaurants and a luxury spa, according to the company.

With designs from Godwin Austen Johnson, the property is scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2016, with construction starting at the end of this year.

"The Ritz-Carlton, Marrakech will be our fourth property in North Africa, each one offering a different proposition, indigenous to the style and location of the hotel or resort," Mr. Humler said. "Expansion in this region is unquestionably an essential part of our future growth strategy."

Other properties currently in construction in North Africa for the Maryland-based hospitality company include The Ritz-Carlton, Tunis, with 129-suites, and a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Tamuda Bay in Morocco, with 98-luxury rooms, 35 pool villa suites and an 18-hole Nicklaus design golf course.