Our favourite 2024 hotel openings in Portugal and Morocco
At Epic we like to keep our finger on the pulse of what’s hot and what’s new, we’re always eyeing up fresh hotel openings in Portugal and Morocco. We asked our team of travel experts to share the new addresses that they’re excited about, from creative urban sanctuaries in Marrakech to hidden wine hotels in Portugal’s countryside.
Whether you’re looking for a stylish escape in the heart of Lisbon or a luxurious retreat surrounded by natural beauty, this year’s new hotel lineup is filled with inspiring new places that blend luxury, design, comfort and a sense of place. Ready to pack your bags?
Looking for exclusive offers at the best hotels in Morocco and Portugal? Reach out to us at info@epic.travel
Best new 2024 hotels in Portugal
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Torel Quinta da Vacaria, Douro Valley
The Torel hotel brand always hits the mark, so we were anticipating the opening of this Douro Valley estate. Quinta da Vacaria is actually one of the Douro’s oldest estates, dating back to 1616. The 5-star hotel blends natural beauty with luxury by the riverside in the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
The refreshed estate has 33 rooms and suites, a beautiful infinity pool, a fine-dining restaurant, gastrobar, cocktail bar, and a huge luxury spa. Plus, Quinta da Vacaria makes its own DOC table wines and Port wines.
Locke de Santa Joana, Lisboa
Set within a 17th-century convent, the new design-led Locke de Santa Joana is one of Lisbon’s most exciting hotel openings in 2024. The luxury Lisbon property is a destination within itself, with a handful of restaurants and bars giving locals as much reason to drop by as visitors, who can stay in one of the 370 rooms.
During construction, which started five years ago, more than 20,000 artefacts were found, shaping the hotel’s design. Now, it’s making news every other week as new venues within the hotel open, such as the signature restaurant Santa Joana, helmed by famous local chef Nuno Mendes, or the listening bar Kissaten that boasts Lisbon’s largest whisky collection.
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Quinta do Paral, Alentejo
Portugal’s Alentejo region, a place known for endless fields of cork trees, olive groves, and vineyards, is where time slows down. What really matters out here is the company you keep and feeling the earth beneath your feet. There are some beautiful estates scattered across the Alentejo countryside that offer a new brand of relaxed luxury, and Quinta do Paral is the newest edition.
This estate recently opened a wine hotel with 22 rooms, suites and apartments set within a grand house. Here you can wander through 56 hectares of vineyards, enjoy sunset wines at the rooftop bar, and sit down for a seasonal feast at the on-site restaurant.
Best new 2024 hotels in Morocco
Kasbah Tamadot, Atlas Mountains
The 2023 earthquake that struck the Atlas Mountains damaged Sir Richard Branson’s beautiful 5-star estate. Since that fateful day the Moroccan mountain retreat was forced to close. Kasbah Tamador recently reopened, and the rebirth includes six brand-new luxurious riads.
The riads, each with their own pool, have been carefully decorated in traditional Moroccan style. Each features hand-made textiles and artisanal items made by the local Berber community, who work with the Eve Branson Foundation. The luxe riads have three bedrooms and can sleep up to 10 people over two levels.
Riad Birdcage, Marrakech
The extremely stylish private four-bedroom riad known as Birdcage is one of those places that makes your vacation all the more unforgettable. The unique home is owned by fashion industry veteran Trino Verkade (who was Alexander McQueen’s first-ever employee), and it is set in the heart of Marrakech’s bustling medina. Consider the riad, which is filled with art, antiques and Moroccan craftsmanship, your tranquil slice of paradise in the Red City.
Riad Rosemary, Marrakech
We were excited to see the intimate and homely Riad Rosemary open in the heart of one of Marrakech’s oldest neighbourhoods. Every inch of this boutique riad hotel has been designed by LRNCE, a well-known Belgian artisan studio with a focus on local craftsmanship. If you love art, bespoke design, and all that comes with a traditional riad, this is the spot for you.
Here you can splash in the courtyard pool, indulge with a rosemary-scented hammam, or snooze on the sunny roof terrace. This is your creative and relaxing oasis in the heart of the bustling city. If you want to learn more about LRNCE you can see her designs here.
Farasha Farmhouse, Marrakech
This design-forward farmhouse sits on the outer reaches of Marrakech, offering a private and secluded oasis that’s still within reach of the city. The relaxed retreat has revived an old olive estate set between the Atlas and Jbilet mountains with just a handful of luxurious rooms available to guests.
Here creativity, craftsmanship and cultivation have made Farasha a place you won’t want to leave – the 50-metre-long pool shaded by some of the 450 olive trees is just one reason to linger.
Read next…. The Epic Hot List: The Must-Do Experiences in Morocco in 2024
Epic has partnerships with some of the best hotels across Portugal and Morocco, including bonus offers exclusive to our guests. Reach out to our team at info@epic.travel and we’ll plan or co-create your ideal trip.
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