Exploring the design-centric attractions that position Marrakech among the must-visit destinations for design enthusiasts.
Discovering Design and Culture in Marrakech: A Journey Through Yves Saint Laurent and Bill Willis' Legacy
Marrakech, the vibrant city in Morocco, is a treasure trove for design and architecture enthusiasts, offering unique experiences that blend tradition with modern sophistication. Two notable figures whose influences can be felt throughout the city are Yves Saint Laurent and Bill Willis.
Yves Saint Laurent’s Garden and Museum
The Jardin Majorelle, originally created by French artist Jacques Majorelle, is a must-visit destination. Renowned for its bold cobalt blue structures, lush botanical diversity with over 300 plant species from five continents, and harmonious water features that evoke traditional Islamic garden principles symbolizing paradise and tranquility, it serves as an endless source of inspiration.
Yves Saint Laurent deeply cherished the garden as a personal creative sanctuary and solace. His ashes were scattered there, underscoring the intimate connection he had with this space. Adjacent to the garden is the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, a modern architectural landmark dedicated to his fashion legacy, showcasing his creations, sketches, and personal items in a space that blends fashion, nature, and wellness.
Visitors often combine exploring the garden with the Berber Museum, which displays North African indigenous cultural artifacts, creating a rich cultural experience. Though very popular and sometimes crowded, the garden remains a photogenic and serene oasis celebrated for its sensory and therapeutic ambience.
Bill Willis-designed Properties
Bill Willis, an American architect, created modern riads (traditional Moroccan houses with interior gardens) designed with clean lines and a modernist interpretation of Moroccan aesthetics. His properties in Marrakech are highly regarded for their blend of minimalist design and traditional Moroccan elements, meticulous craftsmanship, and the creation of unique luxury lodging experiences that feel private, serene, and authentically Moroccan.
Willis-designed riads frequently feature intimate courtyards, bold yet understated design, and seamless indoor-outdoor living that appeals to discerning travelers seeking architectural elegance combined with cultural immersion.
One such property is Casa Memoria, designed by Tunisian architect Charles Boccara and finished by Bill Willis. The six suites, lounges, dining room, courtyards, and pool house are all defined by Bocarra's architectural whimsy and Willis' interior design. Next to the master Suite Royale is the optional adjoining Suite Jaune d'Or, featuring sculpted elephants on the ceilings and a golden color scheme.
Another hidden gem favored by Yves Saint Laurent is Dar Haram Cheekh No. 17, a carpet workshop.
Casa Memoria is located a short car ride outside the city center and features refined Moorish architecture, botanical gardens, and luxurious living spaces. The team at Casa Memoria includes a dedicated majordomo, private chef, and housekeepers, who can tailor meals and organize activities such as parties, excursions, and wellness sessions. Guests at Casa Memoria rent out the full estate, which includes the services of the staff and access to the garden, pool, and pavilion.
For those seeking sumptuous style in luxury accommodation, the newly-opened Bill Willis-designed property in Marrakech offers an exceptional experience. Beyond the portico is a three-hectare garden featuring silvery olive trees, luxuriant Washingtonia palms, and lawns where peacocks wander freely. French doors in the Suite Ocre open onto an arcaded ochre-hued portico filled with wicker furniture and cascading greenery. The Suite Ocre is decorated with Oriental ruby tapestries, soft lighting, and Berber-style Moroccan furnishings, while the first-floor master Suite Royale boasts hand-sculpted ceilings, a zellige fireplace, and an emerald green bathing chamber.
In Marrakech, experiencing the Majorelle Garden alongside the Yves Saint Laurent Museum is essential for design and cultural enthusiasts, while staying at a Bill Willis-designed riad offers one of the best architectural lodging experiences, combining Moroccan tradition with modern sophistication. Both embody a refined aesthetic that honors Marrakech’s unique artistic and cultural heritage.
In Marrakech, a rental villa like Casa Memoria offers a modernist interpretation of Moroccan aesthetics, inspired by both Yves Saint Laurent's appreciation for the city's design and Bill Willis' architectural influence. The city's lifestyle,, which seamlessly blends fashion, beauty, and home decor, Finds its reflection in the fashion-forward design of Yves Saint Laurent Museum and the contemporary yet authentic interiors of Bill Willis-designed properties.
