LOCAL Houston | The City Guide NOVEMBER 2015 | Page 70

DESTINATION | CLASSIC HOTEL SPOTLIGHT

Lobby

Marrakech – The Royal Mansour
Design traditions like mosaic, tilework, woodwork, leather crafts, textile weaving
and more are part of Morocco’s DNA, so it’s no surprise that when the King of
Morocco wanted to open a hotel, the country’s top craftspeople were enlisted to
fashion a place that pays homage to these signature arts. The project was overseen
by noted French and Moroccan design firms, who have used the traditional techniques in creative and modern ways – resulting in a vibe that is more dreamy than
theme-y. The 53 guest accommodations were designed to evoke the townhousestyle riad homes found in the historic center, so past an entry courtyard, there are
two levels of rooms and lounges, and a rooftop with soaking pool. (A cool touch:
The riads are all linked by a network of tunnels, so you’ll never see housekeeping
or room service staff in the public areas – instead, they appear in the suites via
hidden doors.) Between the rooms, lush courtyards, trickling fountains and hanging
lanterns lead to the gathering areas like the restaurants and bars; while each is in
a different palette – a chic blue, a deep wood-and-leather – you’ll find intricately
patterned tiles, stunning textiles and splashes of contemporary art throughout.
A standout is the spa, where a two-story atrium encased in a dazzling, all-white,
wrought-iron birdcage leads to serene relaxation nooks and a greenhouse-covered
pool fit for a king. www.royalmansour.com

Explore Marrakech Style
Ben Yousef Madrasa: After serving as a theological school for centuries, this historic site now houses some of the best examples of traditional
Moroccan design, like zellij mosaics, wooden lattice panels, cedar cupolas, carved marble and much more.
Jardin Majorelle: Created by French painter Jacques Majorelle, then later owned by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this beautifully laid-out
complex features all types of exotic plants and flowers linked by shaded lanes, blue-tiled pools and Moorish-Art Deco pavilions.
The Souk: The tangled old town market lanes can be hit or miss for shopping, but between the countless slipper, carpet and trinket stalls are still
some expert artisan workshops and high-quality boutiques, where designers are putting a contemporary spin on Moroccan signatures.
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Greenhouse-covered pool

Spa