Fairmont La Marina Rabat Salé Hotel & Residences | Morocco

Fairmont La Marina Rabat Salé Hotel & Residences is a luxury waterfront resort in Rabat, Morocco, set along the Bouregreg River and surrounded by beautifully landscaped water gardens. Designed to blend traditional Moroccan elegance with contemporary sophistication, the hotel features 247 guest rooms and suites, world-class dining, an indulgent spa, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and a rooftop bar offering panoramic river views.

Michael Grubb Studio was appointed by landscape architects Chris Blandford Associates (CBA) to deliver key elements of the external lighting scheme. The studio worked closely with CBA from the early concept stage through to technical detailing, ensuring a considered approach that enhanced the architectural vision of the landscape.

The lighting design was developed to guide guests seamlessly from arrival through landscaped pathways, courtyards, and social outdoor spaces. By carefully integrating lighting within both soft and hard landscapes, the scheme balances aesthetics and functionality, ensuring the resort’s exterior remains inviting and atmospheric after dark.

To refine the approach, the lighting consultants team carried out on-site lighting tests, defining zones and configuring control strategies tailored to each area’s character. This process ensured optimal illumination, highlighting key features while maintaining a cohesive design language throughout.

The result is a hospitality lighting scheme that enhances the resort’s identity, creating a warm and welcoming ambience. By complementing the resort’s architectural features, the lighting plays a key role in shaping the atmosphere and enhancing the guest experience in every setting. Warm and inviting illumination sets the tone from the moment guests arrive, creating a seamless transition through the landscaped spaces. Thoughtfully designed lighting adds depth and ambience, reinforcing a sense of tranquillity and relaxation throughout the hotel’s outdoor environment.