Marrakech Hotel Sued for Negligence After Fatal Spa Fire

On July 16, 2026, High Court documents reveal that the widow of a British man who perished in a luxury spa fire in Morocco is suing the hotel's operators for over £500,000. Anthony Barnes, 48, died in March 2023 at the five-star Jaal Ryad Resort Hotel in Marrakech during a business trip. Another hotel employee also died in the blaze.

Rachel Barnes has filed a High Court claim against Hotel Des Idrissides, operating as Jaal Ryad, alleging the fire resulted from the company's negligence. The hotel firm disputes this claim, denying any negligence or breach of duty.

According to court documents submitted by Mrs. Barnes' barrister, Matthew Chapman KC, Mr. Barnes was receiving a massage when hotel staff first detected the fire. A UK inquest in October last year concluded Mr. Barnes' death was accidental, caused by "thick, acrid smoke" that hindered rescue attempts in the spa.

Chapman stated the hotel company is liable for "negligent mismanagement of the hotel and its spa facilities," exposing Mr. Barnes to a "foreseeable risk of harm and death." He contends the hotel failed to install or maintain essential fire safety systems, including alarms and evacuation lighting, and did not promptly alert emergency services. Furthermore, Chapman claimed the spa utilized non-fire-resistant materials and lacked sufficient fire extinguishers. He asserted, "Accidents of this kind do not usually occur when spa facilities are properly designed, constructed, installed, maintained and operated."

Our take: This tragic incident underscores the critical importance of stringent safety protocols, even in the most luxurious settings. When guests entrust their well-being to a high-end establishment, the expectation of impeccable safety standards is paramount, not merely an amenity.