At a Glance
- Morocco’s Alaouite dynasty controls key economic assets, with a net worth of over $6 billion.
- Their Royal Mansour hotels set luxury standards, blending Moroccan heritage and privacy.
- They hold a 46.5% stake in Morocco’s largest bank, Attijariwafa Bank, valued at $6.2 billion.
The Alaouite dynasty, Morocco’s royal family, holds more than just political power, they control assets that shape much of the country’s economy.
Their roots go deep, tracing back to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through his grandson Hasan ibn Ali, placing the family at the heart of Morocco’s history for centuries.
Today, their influence is just as much about their financial reach as it is about their heritage.
With an estimated net worth exceeding $6 billion, the Moroccan royal family is considered the richest royal household in Africa and one of the wealthiest monarchies worldwide.
Much of this wealth is managed through Al Mada (formerly Société Nationale d’Investissement), their holding company with major stakes in key sectors such as banking, mining, and food production.
Among their most significant assets is an indirect 46.5 percent share in Attijariwafa Bank, Morocco’s largest bank and a major player across Africa, valued at more than $6.2 billion.
But beyond the numbers and business deals, the family has also made a mark in the world of luxury hospitality. In 2010, they introduced Royal Mansour, a hotel brand that quietly set a new standard for upscale travel in Morocco.
These properties are more than just lavish hotels, they are a celebration of Moroccan culture and craftsmanship, combined with a careful attention to guest privacy and comfort.
For example, the hotels feature an underground network of tunnels used by staff to move discreetly, ensuring visitors experience uninterrupted privacy.
The first Royal Mansour opened in Marrakech, commissioned directly by the palace to showcase the finest Moroccan design and hospitality.
It quickly became a quiet favorite among those who appreciate understated luxury. In 2024, the family expanded the brand with new properties in Casablanca and Tamuda Bay, each carrying the same sense of intimacy, culture, and elegance.
At Shore.Africa, where we spotlight Africa’s most luxurious destinations and under-the-radar stories, we take a closer look at these three royal retreats, each a statement in itself, each a reflection of Morocco’s deep ties to elegance, legacy, and privacy. Here are the three extraordinary hotels owned by Africa’s wealthiest royal family.
- The Royal Mansour Marrakech
Just steps from the bustling Jemaa El Fna square lies The Royal Mansour Marrakech, a palace that redefines what it means to experience Moroccan hospitality.
Designed as a medina within a medina, the hotel leads guests on an immersive journey through winding alleyways and private courtyards that echo the charm and richness of Marrakech’s heritage.
Rather than traditional hotel rooms, the property offers 53 riads, each a private, multi-story residence complete with shaded patios, rooftop terraces, and interiors adorned with intricate Moroccan craftsmanship.
The estate spans five hectares and includes lush gardens, refined dining spaces, and a tranquil 2,500-square-meter spa.
Created with the intent to share the Moroccan art de vivre, Royal Mansour Marrakech envelops visitors in a world where discretion, beauty, and calm prevail.
Tucked within the protective walls of the imperial city, and with the Atlas Mountains rising in the distance, it’s more than a hotel, it’s a retreat where guests feel the rhythm of Marrakech in every detail.
- Royal Mansour Casablanca
Opened on April 15, 2024, the Royal Mansour Casablanca brings new life to a storied address. Set in a building that first opened in 1953, the hotel has been carefully restored to honor its golden-age glamour while welcoming today’s travelers with warmth and modern comfort.
Located near the port and nestled in the heart of Casablanca’s Art Deco district, the hotel offers a refined escape within one of Morocco’s most dynamic cities. Inside, the energy is palpable, from the soft hum of conversation in the lounges to the glow of the signature chandelier in the lobby.
The hotel features 149 luxurious accommodations, including private apartments and suites that nod to the elegance of the 1950s. Its restaurants draw both locals and guests with menus that celebrate Moroccan and international flavors, while the spa offers a quiet haven above the city.
- Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay
Perched between the cities of Tetouan and Tangier, where the mountains meet the sea, the Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay offers a different kind of Moroccan escape, one shaped by the rhythm of waves, the scent of salt air, and the easygoing spirit of the Mediterranean.
Set across a 10-hectare coastal estate, the resort’s 55 villas and suites blend into the lush landscape. Whether facing the sea or the garden, each accommodation opens to light-filled interiors that celebrate the natural textures and tones of the Alboran coastline.
Outside, a 700-meter stretch of beach invites long, lazy walks and moments of quiet reflection.
This is a place to slow down. To savor a meal outdoors as the breeze carries the scent of jasmine. To linger in the spa, or simply listen to the sounds of the sea.
At Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay, luxury isn’t about opulence, it’s about how feeling refreshed, relaxed, and fully present.