Latest news with #TamudaBay
Skift
02-07-2025
- Business
- Skift
Royal Mansour's Mission: Delivering Ultra-Luxury, Access to the 'Soul of Morocco'
As Royal Mansour grows from an iconic property into a brand, it is charting a course of precision, diplomacy, and deep cultural grounding under the watchful eye of Jean-Claude Messant. On Experience Colin Nagy is a marketing strategist and writes on customer-centric experiences and innovation across the luxury sector, hotels, aviation, and beyond. You can read all of his writing Colin Nagy is a marketing strategist and writes on customer-centric experiences and innovation across the luxury sector, hotels, aviation, and beyond. You can read all of his writing here I wrote a column in 2020 about the Royal Mansour in Marrakech, and how it is not just a luxury property, but rather a statement about craft and hospitality in the country. Founded in 2010 as a personal project of King Mohammed VI, the brand has quietly grown into Morocco's first true ultra-luxury hospitality collection, now encompassing Marrakech, Casablanca, and Tamuda Bay. The collection operates as a soft power instrument, a platform for talent development, and a high-standard bearer of Moroccan craft. In a recent conversation I had with COO Jean Claude Messant, the vision becomes clear: "We are not just building hotels. We are establishing destinations, elevating national pride, and preparing for Morocco's future." The original Royal Mansour Marrakech set the tone: a 53-riad medina-inspired masterpiece was brought to life by over 1,200 artisans. It was not just luxury, but an immersive education in Moroccan aesthetics. The experience is subtler than its palatial looks suggest, with no carts, no noise, just jasmine-scented alleys, hidden tunnels for staff movement, and moments of peace amidst the red walled dwellings. "We make money because we succeed in our three missions: pioneering destinations, delivering ultra-luxury, and developing people," Messant told me. Casablanca Royal Suite That model has now been thoughtfully extended. The revival of Casablanca's iconic 1953 hotel reintroduces the city as a destination rather than a mere arrival and transit point. It is the largest hotel in town with 149 rooms and suites. A two-story spa, five restaurants, and nods to the building's storied past, make Royal Mansour Casablanca a love letter to the city's forgotten glamour, delivered with architectural precision and culinary talent. Further north, Tamuda Bay is set along a private beach near Tétouan. It offers 55 suites and villas, a 46,000-square-foot wellness center, Morocco's first Medi-Spa, and an emphasis on regional discovery. Guests are encouraged to explore the lesser-known wonders of northern Morocco, from Chefchaouen to the Rif Mountains. The restaurant at Talmuda Bay Yet behind the luxury is something deeper. Messant describes his mandate not in business terms, but in national ones. "We are building for the 2030 World Cup," he explains. "Yes, tourism is growing with 17.4 million visitors in 2024 alone, but this is about readiness. Morocco is investing in airports, roads, and hotels. We are doing our part: establishing touchpoints of excellence across the kingdom." This aligns with the Ministry of Tourism's push for regional balance. Royal Mansour's entry into Casablanca and Tamuda Bay brings high-end tourism infrastructure to cities beyond Marrakech, creating a circuit that reflects the country's diversity. These are not hotels tossed into exotic landscapes. They are contextually embedded, employing local artisans, honoring regional aesthetics, and helping train the next generation of Moroccan hoteliers. Each property has its own signature. Marrakech is refined and spiritual, complete with wellness retreats, art therapy, and the country's finest Moroccan restaurant, La Grande Table Marocaine. Casablanca channels mid-century glamour and urban creativity, including immersive street art tours. Tamuda Bay is serene and familial, with coastal expeditions, and more of a Spain-facing culinary inspiration. The outside of Talmuda Bay All three properties share an ethos: authenticity without artifice. As Messant put it, "We are not fake. What we offer is real. We give travelers access to the soul of Morocco." His next project? Ultra-luxury desert lodges, building a "road to the Sahara" with curated stops that blend nature, story, and service. "It will be like a Royal Mansour road trip," he says with a smile. Perhaps the most remarkable aspect is how mission-driven the team remains. There is no mention of EBITDA in Messant's three-part mandate. Instead, it is: 1) trailblaze new destinations, 2) uphold ultra-luxury standards, and 3) grow and care for people. Royal Mansour's staff academy, community initiatives, and social mobility focus create a virtuous cycle that blends moral and commercial considerations. As hospitality trends shift and travelers seek both geographic awe and actual cultural depth, the growing Royal Mansour brand draws on legacy, a considerable royal budget, but also a clarity of purpose. And, for Messant, a five-star hotelier with the highest French pedigrees, it is also a culmination of his life's work. "I've been GM in Paris," he says. "I'd go home at 6 or 7 at night and come back the following day. But here it's not the same." Here, he's living in his adopted country, living the brand and mission in stereo sound, and helping to write Morocco's next hospitality chapter.
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Condé Nast Traveler
06-05-2025
- Health
- Condé Nast Traveler
The Best Wellness Travel Experiences in the Middle East, From Yoga Retreats to a Digital Detox for Kids
The global trend for wellness travel has shown no sign of slowing down, with 94% of travelers now incorporating some form of self-care into their trips, according to a report by trend forecaster Virtuoso. Traditionally, travelers from the Middle East might head to the likes of Sri Lanka, Thailand, and the Maldives to embark on a wellness escape, spa-cation, or fitness boot camp, but many are now looking for something closer to home. From one-night escapes to inspire better sleep and educational healing festivals led by experts to week-long tailor-made programs that call for a more drastic change in lifestyle, the Middle East is fast becoming home to wellness-focused experiences to suit everyone, from the time-poor stressed CEO to the stay-at-home mom with burnout. Here are some of the best wellness experiences in the Middle East to book in 2025. The Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay Longevity Programme at The Medi-Spa at Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay, Morocco The Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay on Morocco's northern coastline opened its doors in 2024, bringing with it a 46,285-square-foot state-of-the-art medi-spa. Situated on the Mediterranean Sea within a 10-hectare estate, the hotel is a contemporary homage to its homeland with all the hallmarks of its opulent parent property in Marrakech—and a dreamy location in which to undergo a wellness retreat. The seven-day Longevity Programme takes a holistic approach to rejuvenation through a packed itinerary of diagnostics and wellness protocols. The first day focuses on health consultations to analyze sleep quality, fitness, stress levels, and longevity, coupled with lymphatic drainage to kickstart the detox process. The following days combine personal training and fitness classes with a tailored nutrition plan, personalized treatments based on diagnostic test results, cryotherapy, acupuncture, Chi Nei Tsang, and relaxation experiences like breathwork and sound healing. Longevity Hub by Clinique La Prairie, One&Only One Za'abeel, Dubai Rupert Peace City Wellness Retreat, Longevity Hub by Clinique La Prairie, Dubai The City Wellness Retreat is a three-night detox program that harnesses Clinique La Prairie's 90 years of scientific knowledge, designed to inspire a healthier lifestyle. Led by experts in medicine, nutrition, fitness, and aesthetics, the retreat combines detoxifying treatments, an anti-inflammatory diet and personal training sessions that come together in a packed itinerary of 13 services. Day one is about gathering data and diagnostics in order to analyze the body's overall ability to detox and fight inflammation by measuring metabolic health, energy, immune health, total body water, and distribution of fat and muscle. You will also have a blood test to investigate the presence of heavy metals and micronutrients, and a face scan brutally predicts how you'll age. The following days begin with a detoxifying breakfast, followed by a personal training session with in-house fitness expert Adonis and a slew of detoxifying treatments like a Chi Nei Tsang stomach massage, hydrafacial, infrared sauna, and a Longevity Path to Detox treatment that includes a salt bath, mud mask, and a powerful hosing down—a quick fix that works. Six Senses Zighy Bay Courtesy Six Senses Zighy Bay Discover Yoga Program at Zighy Bay, Oman Available over three, five, and seven nights, Zighy Bay's Discover Yoga retreat is fully focused on the synergy between the body and mind. The program consists of daily one-on-one yoga sessions with an expert teacher to ensure correct posture, push your limits, and explore the theory behind each individual asana. To accompany the movement sessions, there will also be guided pranayama to explore the benefits of yogic breathwork, meditation, and signature massages to soothe tired muscles. Suited to all experience levels, the program acts as the perfect initiation for those beginning a yoga journey and is a great refresher course for anyone returning to the practice. Zighy Bay appeared on Condé Nast Traveler's Gold List 2025. Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som Family wellness retreats for children at Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, Qatar Answering the call for more education around physical and emotional wellness for children, Zulal Wellness Resort in Qatar has introduced three family-focused retreats aimed at arming kids with healthier habits. The Fit for Life program combines a workout schedule with a personalized nutrition plan to encourage a more positive relationship with food and fitness. The Thrive with Confidence itinerary is packed with confidence-boosting workshops that provide kids with the tools to overcome anxiety in social situations. Activities like games created to enhance social skills, role playing, and storytelling are combined with guided meditations, breathing exercises, and journaling sessions that give children the ability to thrive. A hot topic right now and one most parents struggle with is how to get kids away from their phones. The Digital Detox retreat encourages families to reconnect with the real world on guided hikes and nature walks, yoga and meditation, and creative pastimes like art and music therapy. There are dedicated digital-free zones throughout the resort where technology is banned, and parents will be taught how to create a balanced environment at home, away from social media and other digital distractions. The infinity pool at Banyan Tree AlUla Banyan Tree Barry's x Beyond Wellness in AlUla, Saudi Arabia This November, global fitness brand Barry's will host a luxury wellness retreat in partnership with Dubai-based Beyond Wellness at Banyan Tree AlUla. Surrounded by ancient rock formations, the bootcamp will focus on Barry's core workouts that take place throughout the weekend, fueled by a nutritionally balanced menu to ensure optimum performance. The retreat will also hold calming breathwork sessions, meditations, and sound healings to leave guests feeling fully relaxed and rejuvenated. The full itinerary is yet to be confirmed, but can be booked closer to the time online. Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea, Saudi Arabia Fitness Program at Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea, Saudi Arabia Let's face it, keeping up with your fitness goals is tough. If you've let your gym routine slip, the fitness program at Six Senses Southern Dunes—located deep in the rolling desertscape of Saudi Arabia's red-tinged desert—is designed to get you back on track. Don't expect an aggressive bootcamp style schedule, this fitness retreat is about taking it at your own pace to remind you of all the positive aspects that working out can bring: a fitter body and healthier mind. Played out over three, five, and seven days, the schedule is an indulgent mix of spa treatments, wellness cuisine, and personal training sessions that will leave you fighting fit to return to reality. Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island Nicolas Dumont Longevity & Renewal retreat, Rosewood Abu Dhabi If looking for a quick wellness fix, check in to the Rosewood Abu Dhabi for a one-night Longevity & Renewal Retreat designed to create a pause for personal reflection and escape from city life. Located on Al Maryah Island, surrounded by the city and views of the Arabian Sea, the hotel is a peaceful bolthole in an ideal locale to retreat for a night of me-time away from the challenges of modern life. Beginning with a personal consultation with a health coach who will arm you with knowledge on how to live a more healthful lifestyle in a bid to improve your longevity overall, the program will be accompanied by a guided journaling session to allow you to set intentions and goals for the future. For physical wellness, a 60-minute longevity massage will set the tone for a peaceful night's sleep, and come morning a 45-minute session of yoga and breathwork will leave you calm and able to face the challenges of a new day. Snoopy Island, FujairahSnoopy Retreats, Fujairah Snoopy Island in Fujairah acts as the backdrop to a three-day active retreat which focuses on bringing a community of like-minded people together to enjoy meditation, hiking, beach games, and Wim Hof Method ice bath and breathwork sessions. Taking place over various weekends across the year with guests staying at Sandy Beach Hotel & Resort, the retreat starts with a Friday evening meditation, followed by a welcoming circle and group dinner. Day two begins with a sunrise hike into the picturesque rugged Hajar mountains and commences with a day of rest and relaxation on the shores of the Indian Ocean, taking part in beach games and making new friends. On the third and final day, Bechara El Khoury, a certified level three instructor of the Wim Hof Method, will guide an early morning ice bath session, followed by a day of snorkeling and kayaking around Snoopy Island. The retreats take place throughout the year, check the website for upcoming dates. The Four Seasons are expanding their wellness offerings in the Middle East in 2025. LumiNola The sleeping ritual, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeira Beach Four Seasons' hotels across the Middle East are entering 2025 with a definitive focus on helping guests to achieve great sleep, following the results of a Yougov survey that found only 19% of GCC respondents achieve the recommended eight hours of sleep, and 24% get less than six hours a night. At the Dubai resort, The Pearl Spa has introduced a number of experiences that can be booked onto an overnight stay, specially created to improve the sleep quality of its guests. The Sleeping Ritual begins with relaxing tea to calm the body and an accompanying foot bath, before a 40-minute back, shoulder, neck, and scalp massage kneads away any tension, stimulating the vagus nerve to reduce anxiety and instill harmony. For those who like to sleep outside, the Poolside Nap encompasses a 30-minute scalp and foot massage, blocking out light and sound with sleep mask and headset. Immersive in-room accessories include heady aromatherapy pillow sprays, CBD balm and bath salts, Therabody eye goggles, and a Morphee Sound and Meditation machine on-hand to further induce deep relaxation. Spiritual leader and yogi Sadhguru Kayan Wellness Festival A three-day festival focusing on wellness and conscious living is coming to Abu Dhabi on January 31, bringing with it a line-up of inspiring international guest speakers and leaders in the wellness sphere, who will be hosting talks and workshops to educate on how to live life to the best of your ability through knowing how to be—and stay—well. Situated on Fahid Island, the festival will be populated by pavilions centred around pillars of wellbeing: biohacking, physical vitality, mental clarity, and inner peace among them. There will also be a Feel Good Market with pop-ups serving nourishing food, Tea House, Kids' Hideout, and The Heart—a 360-degree stage where local talent will perform at the end of an interactive day of holistic wellbeing activities. The speakers include renowned Indian yogi and spiritual leader, Sadhguru, founder of Isha Foundation who will be giving a special talk on inner engineering and the power of holistic wellbeing; biohacker, longevity expert, human biologist, and host of The Ultimate Human Podcast, Gary Brecka, who will educate on how to live a chemical-free lifestyle; multi-disciplinary physician and microbiome expert Zach Bush; Mo Gawdat, former CBO at Google X discussing how AI is reshaping happiness; and Dubai-based therapist and best-selling author Marisa Peer teaching the fundamentals of manifesting your best life, among others. A version of this article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller Middle East..
