This is the ultimate Marrakech City Guide for Design Lovers.
Founded almost a thousand years ago, Marrakech (its name originating from the Berber word Land of God) is famed for its souks, spices, and an intricate latticework of alleyways that draw travellers to explore the Moorish architecture, palaces and mosques that have stood here for centuries. Marrakech is a city to meander through, where it is better to lose oneself, where you might stroll through the Gueliz neighbourhood and its incredible art deco architecture or spend an afternoon at Hamimi Marrakech, the best place to shop for handmade jewellery, leather bags and crochet lamps. Follow AD's Marrakech city guide and let this ancient destination reveal itself to you, one entrancing experience after another.
The best places to stay in Marrakech
With a carefully curated selection of over 300 artworks from emerging and established artists and a design aesthetic that draws from the distinctive style of Bill Willis, this 14-bedroom boutique hotel is the go-to place for art lovers (their Egyptian bed linens and organic bath products from the Ourika valley are legendary) izza.com
In the North-West corner of the Medina, this six-room riad has been beautifully furnished by its well-travelled, architect owners. Each of the rooms has a distinctive design, check out the Biban room named after the twelve Chinese Moucharabieh doors that open onto the inner Courtyard. riadbourchou.com
With seven-bedroom suites and multiple plant-filled courtyards designed by Romain Michel Meniere as well as an 8m pool, this peaceful Riad is just a seven-minute walk to the Main Square. In 2017, a sister property Berber Lodge, with ten adobe-style dwellings was opened, nestled among ancient olive trees and with incredible views of the Atlas Mountains. riadmenaandbeyond.com
Designed by the Moroccan architect Amine Abouraoui this house was built for an Austrian hotelier to host his friends and family as well as travellers from all over the world. Pampering and well-being are central to Maison Brummell and it has its own hammam, massage room and steam bath, plus a calming aesthetic that stands out from other local boutique stays. To find out more, step inside this unique modernist Riad.
This Modernist Hotel in Marrakech is Unlike Any You've seen Before
Amanjena
Set in its own gardens with shaded courtyards and fountains the Amanjena resort, with its standalone pavilions and maisons featuring vaulted ceilings and Moorish arches, is a true oasis with the desert surrounding it and unrivalled views of the Atlas Mountains. aman.com
Best places to eat in Marrakech
Le Trou Au Mur
Part of Le Farnatchi Hotel, Le Trou Au Mur is a laid-back restaurant serving traditional Moroccan dishes. Their outdoor terrace is the best place for a light lunch before a short walk to La Maison De la Photographie museum. letrouaumur.com
Sitting in the heart of the city's French district, this fully female-run restaurant serves hearty tagines with unexpected flavour combinations, such as lamb with aubergine and sweet sesame. The interior – featuring a ceiling with stars carved into it, paper lanterns glowing with diffused golden light and walls decorated with wooden blocks inspired by traditional Moroccan screens – is just as warm and comforting. sahhbisahbi.com
Head to +61 for a relaxed atmosphere inspired by the laid-back vibe of Australia and cuisine that blends flavours from the Mediterranean, the Middle East and South Asia. The minimalist and serene dining room features ceramics and furniture handmade by local artisans and the menu features bread, pasta, cheese and yoghurt all made in-house. plus61.com
The art deco Petanque Social Club in Marrakesh’s French Quarter is a restored 1930’s building once frequented by linen-suited colonials. Bought back to life by Kamal Laftimi, the restaurateur behind local hospitality legends, Nomad and Le Jardin, and designed by Ibiza-based architects Diego & Alexeja, the Butchery Room with its low tables is the best place in town for late-night cocktails. Pscmarrakech.com
Where to shop in Marrakech
Studio Lid Rugs
All of the rugs at Studio Lid come from the middle and high Atlas mountains and are made using natural dyes. Visit their showroom at No 251, Sidi Ghanem, 4000 Marrakech. studio-lid.com
Sana Benzaitar grew up in Marrakesh as the daughter of a renowned rug dealer. Based in a recently renovated minimalist showroom in Gueliz, she designs her rugs and collaborates with clients on bespoke commissions. sanabenzaitar.com
LRNCE is a lifestyle store with a focus on handmade ceramics, textiles and ready-to-wear pieces. Founded in 2013 by Belgian creative Laurence Leenaert, the brand offers one-of-a-kind pieces that use traditional materials and are made by local craftspeople. Step inside this chic riad designed (and owned) by Leenaert and her husband.
Located in the industrial quarter of Sidi Ghanem, Be The Souk is the brainchild of Nicole Billi, with a showroom that sells a range of ceramics, accessories and books. The establishment also works with hotels and interior designers on bespoke designs, linking them with artisans and factories to develop exclusive products. bethesouk.co
Yahya designed his first collection of intricate Moroccan lamps six years ago; he has since gained a reputation for his outstanding workmanship and a global clientele. Using age-old Moroccan metalwork techniques, everything – from giant chandeliers to small boxes – is handmade in either bronze, nickel or silver. yahya-group.com
Tour the most beautiful homes in Marrakech
For private tours of some of the most extraordinary homes in Marrakech – including the residence of renowned Moroccan photographer Leila Alaoui (her family villa was built in the 1930s by Paul Sinoir) – as well as celebrity homes created by the legendary designer and all-round aesthete Bill Willis, ask for Bilal at Inclusive Morrocco.
