Without a doubt, my time at Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay was a highlight of my Moroccan adventure. I’ve stayed in countless hotels around the world, but this property—tucked along the serene northern coastline of Morocco—offered an experience that was both luxurious and intimately personal. It helped that we went during low season; not many travel to the this resort city in March. From the moment we arrived to the day we checked out, every detail felt thoughtfully curated. And the best part? It was all for my wife’s birthday, which the resort staff made extraordinarily memorable.

This was our second stop on our Moroccan itinerary, after Rabat and before Chefchaouen.

Why we chose Banyan Tree (even though it wasn’t the original plan)

Normally, I’m a Marriott Bonvoy loyalist. My initial plan for this trip was to book the St. Regis Bahia Blanca. And I did book the property. However, despite multiple phone calls, emails, and other attempts at contact over several weeks, I never heard back regarding transportation arrangements from Rabat or my wife’s birthday dinner. I decided to cancel my stay and booked the Banyan Tree instead after their people responded to my inquiries immediately.

Eventually, and to their credit, the St. Regis’s Director of Operations reached out with an explanation—they were “temporarily closed” with limited email access. While I appreciated the note, it felt like a pretty weak excuse for a hotel of that caliber.

And as I said, by then I’d already canceled and pivoted to Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay—and let me tell you, I’m so glad I did. It might have been my “second choice,” but it certainly felt like a first-class experience from day one.

Quick facts at a glance

Weather (March):
- Daytime averages: 18–22°C (64–72°F)
- Nights can be cooler (12–15°C / 54–59°F)
- Mostly sunny with occasional clouds
Price:
- Hotel Room (Harmony Pool Villa - the largest of the one-bedroom villas): $1,001.81 total for two nights
- Private Dinner: $500 (prix fixe menu, private setup)
- Custom Birthday Decorations: Priced separately (arranged via concierge)
On-Site Restaurant Options:
- Main Restaurant(s): Moroccan and international dishes (they have a Thai restaurant on the property)
- Beach/Poolside Dining: Light bites, ocean views (this restaurant was closed for low season)
- Private Dining Experiences: Can be arranged upon request
Distance from Major Cities & Transportation:
- 4–5 hours by car from Rabat (we hired a private driver)
- ~90 minutes from Tangier International Airport
- Well-connected by road; private transfers and rental cars are popular
- On the Alboran Sea, the Western-most part of the Mediterranean Sea

The journey from Rabat

We kicked off this leg of our Morocco trip in Rabat, hiring a personal driver for the 4–5 hour journey north. While that might sound lengthy, the changing landscapes kept us entertained: farmland, rolling hills, cliffs, and finally glimpses of the Mediterranean Sea. By the time we arrived at Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay’s stately entrance, we’d transitioned from bustling urban life to a peaceful coastal escape.

Warm welcome

Stepping out of the car, we were greeted by the resort’s impeccably dressed concierge team. We sat on plush couches while the very polite, enthusiastic, and—most importantly—accessible concierge team member told us all about the property. Gone were the days of unanswered emails! We sipped on mint tea in the lobby, admiring the tasteful blend of Moroccan architecture with Banyan Tree’s signature Asian-inspired serenity.

Before exploring our villa, we decided to fuel up at one of the resort’s restaurants. I opted for a lamb tagine—rich, aromatic, and served with a side salad. Naturally, it came with a pot of Moroccan mint tea, poured from a silver teapot, high above the glass. The whole meal set the tone for the gastronomy to come: fresh, flavorful, and delivered with flair.

Our villa was only three to four minutes away on foot, but we didn’t know that and opted for a golf cart ride instead. Sprawling properties love their golf carts, but if we knew we were that close to the restaurant, we wouldn’t have bothered. It was honestly a little bit embarassing. The short drive gave us a chance to admire the manicured paths and water features around the property.

Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay’s Harmony Pool Villa

Our Harmony Pool Villa was spectacular—an ideal mix of privacy, space, and understated elegance. Here’s the breakdown:

Bedroom & Bathroom: A king-size bed with crisp linens and a sprawling bathroom featuring both a rainfall shower and a deep soaking tub.
Private Jet Pool & Swimming Pool: Although March can be chilly, a quick call to maintenance ensured everything was heated to a comfortable temperature.
Kitchenette: Perfect for morning coffee or storing snacks, even if we didn’t do any cooking.
Outdoor Patio: The arches, lounge chairs, and high walls made it equally good for sunbathing and evening stargazing.
Moroccan Flair: Decorative lanterns, a warm color palette, and intricate tilework reminded us we were still in Morocco, despite the villa’s contemporary amenities.

Since this part of the trip was all about celebrating my wife’s birthday, I’d hinted to the resort that some extra touches would be welcome and added a few paid amenities of my own. They exceeded my expectations:

Heart-Shaped Towel Arrangement with rose petals on the bed.
Two Bouquets of Flowers: One elegantly placed in a vase, another draped on the couch.
Fresh Fruit, Moroccan Desserts, and Dates replenished throughout our stay.

My wife, who expects the unexpected, was beaming. We felt like the entire villa had been prepped just for us, thanks to these personal, heartfelt touches.

Exploring the resort: breakfast, beach, and a quiet gym

Mornings at Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay are refreshingly cool in March, so we headed to the main restaurant to warm up with breakfast. The Moroccan breads—especially msemmen—were a standout. Flaky, slightly sweet, and divine when dipped into honey and jam. I also piled my plate with seasonal fruit, savoring oranges, strawberries, and melons that tasted freshly picked. Everything was a la carte with no buffet option available. Fine by me, the service was attentive and the food was delicious. The next morning, I had a short stack of pancakes which was also quite good.

After breakfast, we strolled down to the beach, where perfect seashells of all shapes and sizes dotted the coastline. Although I was tempted to wade in the water, the Mediterranean was nippy this early in the season. Still, it was perfect for a leisurely walk, accompanied by the gentle crash of waves.

Knowing how indulgent Moroccan cuisine can be, we made time to check out the gym. Unsurprisingly (low season and all that), we were the only ones there, making it feel like a private fitness club. The equipment was modern, and large windows provided natural light—an ideal setting for offsetting those extra calories from tagines and pastries! I made a Spotify playlist of unts-unts songs from Moroccan artists to get me in the lifting mood.

A birthday dinner like no other

On my wife’s actual birthday, I’d been under the impression we’d dine at one of the resort’s regular restaurants, albeit with a secluded table and prix fixe menu. The staff, however, had bigger plans. They set up a private table at the spa, of all places. Our dedicated concierge member had called me to ask if that would be alright and I immediately said “of course!” The space was prepared so beautifully–we truly felt like we were the only ones there, other than our waitstaff who stood by the door, on guard the entire time.

Rose Petals Everywhere: From the floor to the table settings, it was a floral paradise.
Prix Fixe Menu: The highlight was a Moroccan Pastilla, but the entire menu consisted of a trio of Moroccan briouate, the aforementioned pastilla with crispy seafood and rock fish couples with Mechoiua salad, a tajine of baby squid and shalfish with beldi lemon, and for dessert, an almond milk pastilla with toasted hazelnuts and cinnamon.
Moroccan Wine: Balanced the richness of the dishes perfectly.

The entire experience cost $500, a bit of a splurge, but absolutely worth it for the ambiance and memory. When else will you dine in a rose-strewn spa?

Our two-night stay flew by in a whirlwind of pampering and scenic beauty. On our last morning, we enjoyed one final breakfast before our driver took us onward to Fes, with a brief stop in Chefchaouen. Though we were sad to leave, we felt rejuvenated—carrying memories of intimate dinners, heated pool dips, and unwaveringly attentive service.

Final Thoughts

Looking back, it’s almost laughable that Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay wasn’t our first choice. Given how everything turned out, I’d pick this resort again in a heartbeat—whether for a birthday, anniversary, or simply to escape the daily grind. The weather in March, while mild, keeps the crowds away, so you can indulge in a more personalized experience. Pair that with world-class hospitality, sumptuous cuisine, and stunning Mediterranean vistas, and you’ve got the recipe for a perfect Moroccan getaway.

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Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay Review: Our Two-Night March Moroccan Getaway