Marrakech is shedding its traditional skin and emerging as a global design destination that blends centuries-old craftsmanship with contemporary vision.
MARRAKECH – Morocco’s long-standing artisanal know-how can transform something as simple as plaster into walls of great beauty that shine and shimmer without much effort, to name one small example. When traditional crafts are reworked by today’s designers, the results can be altogether more original. A regular visitor to Morocco, I recently spent two months traveling the country to uncover new gems and next-gen design voices. I found so much to love, especially in Marrakech. The Red City is emerging as a global design mecca thanks to the increasing number of interior designers, fashion types, and architects who are developing eye-catching triumphs by applying a contemporary vision to old techniques.
Izza Marrakech
The new boutique hotel Izza Marrakech has exquisite contemporary design touches, starting with a stand-out art collection of 300+ pieces, including cool African and Moroccan photography, valued at £5 million. The space has a unity and calm that transports you into an oasis from the bustle of the medina outside. The unique designs of the fourteen individually styled rooms out-do all the five-star hotels in town. I stayed in the Yves (Saint Laurent) room, which is so pretty, pink, comfy, and tastefully done. It was a treat to sleep cocooned in a great interior and wake up to tea in the sofa nook.
Riad Sa’eed
Set to open this fall in the Moussine neighborhood of the Marrakech Medina, close to the recently renovated Museum of Music (home of fabulous terrace and concerts), Riad Sa’eed is the result of a two-year restoration and transformation of three conjoining riads that date back to the 15th century. It’s the brainchild of Americans Tim Antal and Haynes Wheeler, who applied their backgrounds in luxury real-estate and yacht sales (Tim) and interior design (Haynes) and rolled up their sleeves to redesign and rebuild the eight-room property. They found local artisans to restore old fireplaces, make new tiles, source bespoke furnishings, and shine the walls into bold new colors using traditional plastering techniques like tadelakt. The result: vibrant colors, Berber ceilings, centuries-old fireplaces, a sunny rooftop terrace with a new pool, a new spa, and gourmet food.
Mizaan
Situated on a busy corner in Gueliz, the new-ish neighborhood with lots of hipster restaurants, hotspot Mizaan offers dining, a bar scene, and a secret ballroom for clubbing, reached by walking through its kitchen (if the bouncers let you through). Mizaan intertwines the essence of Moroccan gastronomy with Mediterranean flavors. Signature dishes include a chocolate harissa dessert and Mizaan ragout, a mix of mashed potatoes, mint, dates, caramelized onion, and minced meat. The interiors, created by Yacine Sidali-Y Studio, weave Marrakech’s architectural legacy into a modern space: terracotta lamps, earthy natural materials used to create legs for tables resembling tree stumps, a dash of marble here and there, and lots of light, ultra high ceilings.
The Source Marrakech
The music resort twenty minutes outside the city is a true rock-star destination with lush garden design (the landscape artists planted every tree and flower here). Created by Laurent Cohen, a Swiss finance guru and music aficionado, the compound features a recording studio, amphitheater, concert venues, pools, restaurant spaces, private villas, and fabulous cabins themed around the musical legends whose images adorn the walls.
Park Hyatt Marrakech
Once filled with dubious characters and considered highly dangerous, the Palmeraie neighborhood is now home to high-end resorts and exclusive golf clubs. Some are so sprawling (and vulgar) that you can easily get lost inside and wonder if they even hired a designer. Not Park Hyatt Marrakech, which gets it completely right design-wise, food-wise, spa-wise, and size-wise. Its spectacularly impressive lobby with sky-high ceilings is a design triumph that incorporates traditional Berber elements, chic marble facades, and contemporary art created in collaboration with a special artists residency in Essaouira. The food and cocktails match the design, incorporating memorable and distinctive flavors and top ingredients. The long, beautiful spa pool is a haven of tranquility. Decked in glittering lights, with curtained private cabanas for a nap and a peaceful terrace with free tea and views of the Atlas mountains, it’s the ultimate Marrakech hideout.
Four Seasons Resort Marrakech and M Avenue
Four Seasons Resort Marrakech is tucked out of sight behind M Avenue, a chic new shopping-and-real-estate development that has become the most expensive destination in the city. Those who don’t want to stay at the resort can buy a designer Four Seasons apartment of their own. M Avenue looks more like Dubai than Morocco, and that’s what makes it interesting — you don’t find anything this glistening and new in Marrakech. The jewel in the crown is the Four Seasons resort, which has recently undergone a design makeover. Its sumptuous rooms offer a decidedly rich take on Moroccan design with expensive-looking materials, regal beds, and large balconies. Think posh, plush, and pretty gorgeous for the night.
Loft Art Gallery Marrakech
Founded in 2009 by Myriem and Yasmine Berrada Sounni in Casablanca’s Triangle d’Or district, Loft Art Gallery made itself essential to Africa’s contemporary art scene before opening in Marrakech. Initially focused on Moroccan art, it now represents established and emerging artists from across Africa and Europe. The gallery has championed modern Moroccan artists like Mohamed Melehi, Farid Belkahia, and Mohamed Chebaa, conducting extensive research on the 1960s Moroccan art movement and collaborating with such prestigious global institutions as Centre Pompidou, Tate Modern, Haus Der Kunst, and MAMAC.
Marrakshi Life Boutique and Atelier
The fashion brand founded by American fashion photographer Randall Bachner operates as both an atelier and a retail label, with a central focus on sustainability and traditional craftsmanship. All fabrics are handwoven by an in-house team of artisans working on site, preserving Moroccan textile traditions and techniques while creating contemporary designs to appeal to a contemporary fashion market. By maintaining production entirely in Marrakech and employing local artisans, Marrakshi Life contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage and provides sustainable employment in the local economy.
Farasha Farmhouse
Farasha Farmhouse stands as a design-forward retreat. Located about an hour from Marrakech, the adventure begins with a journey down long, dusty roads, but it’s well worth the drive. The former atelier of French painter Patrice Arnaud was transformed in 2021 by the well-known event organizers Fred and Rosena Charmoy, who preserved the vaulted ceilings of the atelier while converting the space into luxurious suites that are especially original thanks to the unique design of the structure. The long slither of a pool set between the olive groves blends relaxation with nature. The couple’s vision marries Moroccan craftsmanship with global influences from the Balearic Islands to Texas. Skilled local artisans executed the renovation, reimagining the lower level into a funky open-plan living, entertaining, and dining area. The distinctive light,cinematic mountain views, and remote feel are a big plus, but the interior design is the coolest element at this boutique souk concept retreat. Lunch and pool passes available.
Metamorfose Marrakech
Most visitors to Marrakech head to a hammam for a traditional massage, steam, and mud wrap. But equally entertaining is the luxury Gueliz salon Meramorfose to watch the Arab world jet set come and go whilst getting your nails done. This is beauty sanctuary where cutting-edge treatments (like the booty facial, a specialized treatment combining exfoliation, massage, and masks) meet modern luxury design (a sleek interior with polished marble surfaces, cozy sofas, cool music, and friendly faces).
Marrakech Fine Food Cafe & Emporium
With its chic black-and-white floors, industrial-looking metallic window frames, and high tables, the first Marrakech Fine Food (MFF) cafe and emporium at Mövenpick Hotel offers a culinary haven in an elegant, contemporary setting that looks more Fifth Avenue than Marrakech. (Mövenpick, by the way, has lots more going for it, including a state-of-the-art gym, yoga studio, and Pilates reformer room.) MFF showcases a diverse selection of premium locally made products like teas, beetroot lattes, and infused honeys.
Amanjena Spa
In a town rich with spas, I most often go to Hammam de la Rose in the medina. But I was in for a different type of treat at the Amanjena Spa at the Aman resort. Somewhere between its argan hair treatment and head massage that left my hair looking the best it’s ever looked and a Tibetan grounding body massage, I reached nirvana — swept elsewhere in a womb-like marble room scented by black amber, surrounded by candles and the sound of bells. (While I was on the lookout for innovative contemporary design, this was a reminder of the value of timeless design.) Also not too shabby was an afternoon nap on one of their beautiful velvet chaise lounges in a private pool villa.
Caravan Agafay by Our Habitas
In need of desert inspiration? Make your way 45 minutes from downtown to the glamping paradise Caravan Agafay by Our Habitas. The retreat offers tents so well appointed you might want to give up houses for good, desert views, a contemporary Mexican-Moroccan menu, new age smoothies, outdoor yoga, and a tiny but freezing stone pool for the brave.