Assouline Marrakech Flair

Assouline Marrakech Flair

It's said that Marrakech awakens all the senses. Whether admiring the exquisite zellige tilework, smelling the spices in the souks, hearing the call to prayer from the mosques, touching the soft leather used for babouches (leather sandals), or savoring a delicious tagine, Marrakech never ceases to fascinate. Located west of the Atlas Mountains, the city has been inhabited by Berber farmers for centuries. Known as the "Ochre City" for its sprawling red sandstone buildings and the walls surrounding the medina, home to Jemaa el-Fnaa, one of Africa's busiest squares.

Marrakech brims with culture and has inspired visitors for decades. From Yves Saint Laurent to Talitha Getty, from Winston Churchill to Mick Jagger, the city has attracted icons both great and small, captivated by its eternal spirit and dolce vita. Yves Saint Laurent's close connection to the city led to the opening of a museum dedicated to him. The Marrakech International Film Festival draws a prestigious crowd, and museums abound, showcasing Moroccan art, photography, carpets, and the Andalusian aesthetic that permeates the city's architecture. The La Mamounia hotel, opened in 1923, has a rich history, with illustrious guests such as Winston Churchill. El Fenn, a boutique hotel created by Vanessa Branson, is a collection of traditional riads. To immerse yourself in Marrakech's culture, the best way may be to simply start with a glass of mint tea.