Villa Sahrai

Villa Sahrai was newly opened when we visited, and yet it already carried itself with the confidence of an established address. Located steps from the beach on one of Casablanca’s most coveted stretches of coastline, directly facing the Port Nº1 surf spot, the hotel occupies a natural meeting point between the energy of the Atlantic and the discreet elegance of Anfa’s residential avenues. The neighbourhood itself is in motion. New openings are beginning to appear along the same street, and there is a palpable sense that something significant is taking shape here.

Pillet’s architecture borrows from poetic brutalism and mid-century modernism, referencing the sculptural purity of Tadao Ando and the geometric warmth of Gio Ponti, but wears its influences lightly. Inside, the palette is inspired by the coastline: terracotta, sand, burgundy, and ocean blue, threaded through Rosso Levanto marble, hand-sculpted plaster by Moroccan artisans, walnut wood, linen, and brushed metal. In the guest rooms, original India ink works by French artist Aurore de La Morinerie evoke the White City with quiet elegance. Everything has been considered. Nothing feels incidental.

Our suite had a sea view that made waking up feel like a small luxury in itself. The space was minimalist without being cold, European in sensibility and beautifully appointed, with a bathtub that deserved its own moment of appreciation. Acqua di Parma amenities, smoked glass separating bathroom from bedroom, and a generous use of natural light made it a genuinely restful place to land. But it is what lies beyond the room that elevates a stay here into something memorable. The 8848 Club is, frankly, one of the finest hotel gyms we have encountered anywhere. It draws Casablanca locals as much as guests, runs spinning and boxing classes, shifts its lighting to match the energy of each session, and operates with a soundtrack and atmosphere closer to a concept studio than a hotel amenity. The Spa by Sahrai, across 300m² with traditional hammams, sauna, and a well-sized heated indoor pool, offers a quieter counterpoint: unhurried and genuinely restorative.