The luxury hotel featured in Sex and the City 2 is Amanjena, a five-star resort located just outside Marrakech, Morocco. Although the film’s narrative is set in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, the production was moved to Marrakech after UAE authorities declined filming permission due to the script's content.
The Discrepancy Between Fiction and Reality
In the 2010 film Sex and the City 2, Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha are invited to an all-expenses-paid vacation in Abu Dhabi. The movie depicts a world of unimaginable Middle Eastern opulence, specifically focusing on a hotel that supposedly represents the pinnacle of Emirati luxury. However, viewers seeking to book the exact rooms seen on screen will not find them in Abu Dhabi.
The "Abu Dhabi" hotel in the film is actually Amanjena, an Aman Resorts property in Morocco. The decision to film in Morocco was born of necessity. Despite the film's glamorous portrayal of the region, the UAE’s National Media Council did not approve the screenplay, likely due to the franchise’s frank exploration of female sexuality and the title's inclusion of the word "sex." As a result, the production team pivoted to Marrakech, a city with a long history of standing in for other desert locales in Hollywood cinema.
While the film refers to the characters staying at a fictionalized version of a high-end palace, the physical structures, the iconic pink-hued walls, and the expansive reflection pools are all hallmarks of Amanjena’s Moorish-inspired architecture.
Amanjena: The Architectural Soul of the Film
Amanjena, which translates to "peaceful paradise," was the first Aman resort in Africa. Designed by the renowned architect Ed Tuttle, the property opened in 2000 and has since become a benchmark for minimalist luxury. The resort’s aesthetic is heavily influenced by the 12th-century Menara Gardens and the traditional Berber architecture of the Maghreb.
Design and Aesthetics
The resort is characterized by its "pisé" (rammed earth) style walls, which echo the rosy hues of Marrakech’s historic medina. The central feature of the property—and a recurring backdrop in the film—is the massive bassin, a central irrigation pool that serves as a focal point for the surrounding pavilions and maisons.
The architecture utilizes horseshoe arches, intricate stuccowork, and green-tiled roofs that mimic the colors of the Moroccan landscape. In Sex and the City 2, these elements were used to create a sense of exotic grandeur that the director, Michael Patrick King, felt matched the "New Middle East" fantasy required for the plot.
The Specific Accommodations Used
While the film suggests the four women are staying in a singular, massive suite, they actually filmed across several of the resort's most exclusive villas. The "pavilions" at Amanjena are stand-alone structures with soaring ceilings and private courtyards. The more expansive "maisons" are two-story dwellings that offer private pools and multiple bedrooms, which better accommodated the film’s needs for interior dialogue scenes and the "wardrobe montage" sequences.
Detailed Comparison of Amanjena Accommodations (2026 Status)
As of 2026, Amanjena remains a top-tier destination for luxury travelers. The following table outlines the primary accommodation types available for those looking to recreate the "Carrie Bradshaw" experience.
| Accommodation Type | Average Size (Sq. Ft.) | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pavilion | 1,880 | High ceilings, open-fire pit, private courtyard. | Couples and solo travelers. |
| Pavilion Piscine | 2,150 | Includes a private 25-square-meter heated pool. | Privacy seekers. |
| Maison | 5,300 | Two-story, 7-meter ceilings, private butler service. | Small groups or families. |
| Al-Hamra Maison | 12,000 | The largest villa, 360-degree views, expansive pool. | High-profile events/Maximum luxury. |
The Filming Logistics: Transforming Morocco into Abu Dhabi
Creating the illusion of Abu Dhabi in the heart of Morocco required significant effort from the production design team. Marrakech’s Menara Airport stood in for the Abu Dhabi airport, and various desert locations around Erfoud and the Sahara were used for the camel trekking scenes.
The "Abu Dhabi" Arrival
The scene where the four women are met by a fleet of Maybachs was filmed at the entrance of Amanjena. The resort’s dramatic, colonnaded entry provided the necessary scale to suggest a royal welcome. The production added several UAE-specific props and digital matte paintings of the Abu Dhabi skyline in the distance to complete the geographical deception.
Dining and Public Spaces
The "Sahara" dinner, which featured an elaborate tent setup, was filmed in the dunes outside Marrakech, but many of the internal resort scenes—such as the breakfast conversations—took place in Amanjena’s poolside dining areas. The resort's Arva and Nama restaurants (as they are known in 2026) provide the backdrop for the sophisticated, international atmosphere the film sought to project.
Why Amanjena Was Chosen
The selection of Amanjena was not merely a matter of convenience. The Aman brand is synonymous with discretion, high-level service, and "low-density" luxury. For a film about four women escaping the pressures of New York City, the resort provided a stark, serene contrast.
- Exclusivity: The layout of Amanjena allows for total privacy. Each guest unit is walled off, which facilitated filming without disturbing other high-profile guests.
- Scale: The oversized proportions of the arches and doorways at Amanjena translate exceptionally well to the big screen, making the resort look even more imposing and "palatial" than it is in person.
- Color Palette: The soft terracotta and rose tones of the resort provided a flattering, warm light that suited the film's vibrant costume design, curated by Patricia Field.
Traveling to Amanjena in 2026: Practical Information
If you are planning a visit to the "Sex and the City 2" hotel in 2026, there are several modern logistical considerations to keep in mind.
Booking and Pricing
Amanjena is one of the most expensive hotels in Morocco. In 2026, nightly rates for a standard Pavilion typically start at $1,200 to $1,500 USD, while the larger Maisons featured in the film can exceed $5,000 USD per night during peak season (spring and autumn). It is recommended to book at least six months in advance, especially if you wish to secure a specific suite seen in the movie.
Entry Requirements
Travelers to Morocco in 2026 must ensure their passports are valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry. Most Western tourists (including those from the US, UK, and EU) do not require a visa for stays under 90 days, though you should always verify current bilateral agreements before departure via official government portals like the U.S. Department of State or the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Best Time to Visit
To experience the weather depicted in the film without the extreme heat of the Sahara summer, the best months are April, May, September, and October. During these windows, the desert air is clear, and the reflection pools of Amanjena are at their most picturesque.
Common Misconceptions About the Film's Location
Over the years, several myths have persisted regarding where Sex and the City 2 was filmed.
- The Emirates Palace Fallacy: Many viewers believe the film was shot at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi. While the characters mention the city, and the production team initially wanted to film there, no footage from the actual Emirates Palace appears in the final cut.
- The Dubai Confusion: Because Dubai is a major global hub, it is frequently confused with the film's Abu Dhabi setting. No filming took place in Dubai.
- The Studio Set Myth: While some interior close-ups were filmed on soundstages in New York (notably the characters' apartments), the vast majority of the "Abu Dhabi" hotel sequences were shot on location at Amanjena.
Expert Tips for the "Sex and the City" Enthusiast
For fans specifically visiting to relive the movie, here are a few expert recommendations:
- The Central Bassin: Take a walk around the central irrigation pool at sunset. This is the most recognizable area of the hotel and offers the best photo opportunities.
- The Medina Excursion: The scenes where Carrie runs into Aidan were filmed in the Marrakech Medina, specifically near the souks. It is a 15-minute drive from Amanjena. Hiring a private guide through the hotel is recommended to navigate the labyrinthine alleys.
- Dining: Request a table in the courtyard near the fountains for dinner. This area captures the acoustic and visual ambiance of the "Middle Eastern" nights portrayed in the film.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you stay in the exact room Carrie stayed in?
While you can stay in the same category of room (The Al-Hamra Maison or a Pavilion), the specific interiors were often redressed with movie-specific furniture and props. However, the architectural layout—the sunken tubs, the pillared bed frames, and the private courtyards—remains identical to what is shown on screen.
Was any part of the movie actually filmed in Abu Dhabi?
No. Due to the denial of filming permits, the production was entirely relocated. Even the "city shots" of Abu Dhabi were either filmed in Morocco or created using high-quality CGI and stock footage of the UAE skyline.
Is Amanjena family-friendly?
Yes, although it is primarily marketed as a romantic or wellness-focused retreat. The resort offers multi-bedroom Maisons that are ideal for families, and the staff is well-versed in accommodating children, despite the "adult" themes of the movie that made it famous.
How far is the hotel from the airport?
Amanjena is approximately 20 to 30 minutes from Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK). The resort typically provides private luxury transfers for guests, mirroring the high-end arrival experience seen in the film.
Is the desert in the movie near the hotel?
The vast sand dunes seen in the film are located several hours away in the Sahara (Merzouga or Erfoud). While the hotel can arrange excursions to the desert, the "Sahara trek" scenes required the cast and crew to travel quite a distance from the Marrakech base.
Final Recommendation
For those seeking the true "Sex and the City 2" experience, Amanjena in Marrakech is the definitive destination. While the film may have called it Abu Dhabi, the soul of the location—the rose-colored walls, the serene water features, and the unmatched sense of privacy—belongs entirely to Morocco. Whether you are a fan of the franchise or a connoisseur of fine architecture, a stay at Amanjena offers a rare opportunity to step inside a cinematic fantasy that remains one of the most iconic travel portrayals in modern film history.
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Mateo Castillo
Decentralized Finance and E-Payments Strategist
