Nobu Hospitality expands into Africa with Marrakech hotel

Nobu Hospitality has announced plans to launch a debut hotel in Marrakech, Morocco in Q3 of 2021.

Born out of a collaboration between Hivernage Collection, MC Hotels – owners of the Nobu Hotel Marbella, Marbella Club Hotel and joint owners of Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay – and Nobu Hospitality, Nobu Hotel and Restaurant Marrakech will open its doors following its transformation from The Pearl Marrakech.

Located in the Hivernage district, steps from the historic heart of the city, souks and Djemaa el-Fna, the property will comprise 71 guestrooms and suites, a selection of dining venues and rooftop spaces, a 2,000ft² spa and fitness centre, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and meetings and event space.

“The partnership with Nobu Hospitality with the launch of the Nobu Hotel and Restaurant Marrakech will enable our existing Pearl Hotel to be taken to next level,” says Ahmed Bennani, President of Hivernage Collection. “It is further significant, as the launch in Marrakech will be the first Nobu Hotel in Africa. Marrakech as a destination fits seamlessly within the Nobu Hotel collection and we expect it will be embraced by locals and the strong base of European and US Nobu customers.”

Daniel Shamoon, Director of MC Hotels, comments: “We are very pleased that Marrakech will become a part of our growing collection of Nobu Hotels, joining Marbella and Ibiza Bay. In a time when our global society and economies are fragile, we maintain our continued belief and commitment to hospitality.”

Trevor Horwell, CEO of Nobu Hospitality, adds: “We are excited to be working with Ahmed Bennani and his Hermitage Collection, and again with Daniel Shamoon and MC Hotels on this exciting project. An increasing number of hotel owners today want to maintain the integrity of their properties, whilst having an appetite to work with us to enable complete differentiation, revenue advantage, and leveraging our food and beverage prowess. The global health and economic crisis have underscored this, and with Nobu’s strong appeal to the local market as well as the international traveller, we are pleased to provide such advantage.”

Nobu Hospitality was founded by Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa and actors Robert De Niro and Meir Teper.