“Who will change old lamps for new ones?” Aladdin
As an historic bridge between Africa, Europe and the Arab worlds, Morocco conjured up a hidden, secretive, world of “souks,” “riads,” “Medinas.” Behind these words were even more layers of mysterious terms describing ancient, specialized art forms and architecture — zellige, tadelakt, mashrabiya and tazoult. In the early 2,000’s, King Mohammed VI, conceived an ambitious idea to create a “new lamp” to illuminate the rich cultural traditions and artistry of the country.
He reimagined the traditional riad, a private, inward facing home, as a vehicle to showcase and preserve unique Moroccan architecture and specialized artistic techniques passed down over generations. Known as The Royal Mansour, the concept provided employment to over 1,500 skilled artisans while creating an authentic center of hospitality and accommodation for discerning international clientele.
Consisting of 53 individual riads set on 14 acres of terracotta walled grounds within the ancient Medina (city) of Marrakech, Royal Mansour creates a private Medina within the original and larger one. These riads welcome and accommodate guests in a serene and luxurious environment. Large, heavy, studded doors are secreted on a series of narrow lanes landscaped with bougainvillea, roses, jasmine, palms, orange trees and channels of gently flowing water. One steps into an open air courtyard decorated with colorful handmade tiles (zellige), a splashing fountain and the soothing sounds of cooing pigeons and birdsong. Sliding doors allow entry into the richly appointed indoor living area, kitchen, powder room and a curving stone staircase that leads to the second story bedroom. From there, stairs again bring the guest to a rooftop terrace with plunge pool, fireplace and chaise lounges. Stairwell and bathroom walls are finished with “tadelakt,” a waterproof, smoothly finished polished plaster. Islam forbids the representation of humans or animals, so the intricate geometric patterns and floral designs, called “tazoult,” adorn the rooms as art and on furniture. Windows, whether looking to the outside or between rooms, are screened with delicately carved wooden lattices called “mashrabiya, combining privacy with air and light filtration.
While the riads emulate and evoke a sense of the ancient world, a modern, efficient underground system of passageways allow discrete and invisible service, eliminating the need for service personnel to be seen. A world class spa, decorated in lace-y white wrought iron mashrabiya, offers a rose petal filled pool, a traditional hammam, skin care supervised by the renowned Dr. Pauline Burgener, nail and hair services, massage and more. These are the private aspects of Royal Mansour but there are exciting and interesting public spaces to enjoy as well.
Within the compound are several restaurants serving everything from light snacks and casual eating to gourmet offerings in more formal settings. The culinary selections reflect the country’s heritage, as well. Classic Moroccan dishes sit alongside French dishes (Morocco was a French protectorate 1912-1956) Seafood and fish sourced from Morocco’s seaside towns offer Mediterranean inspired meals. There is also a cigar bar, gardens, pool, gift shops and the public reception courtyard is a large, open airy square with the sky as its ceiling and “walls” of billowing curtains.
Brilliant in conception, design and execution, the Royal Mansour opened in 2016 to worldwide acclaim, praise and immediate success that was, no doubt, gratifying to the king. However, the true motivation for King Mohamned VI was to safeguard and invest in his country’s heritage. The king’s involvement echoes the royal patronage that historically projected power through monumental projects. Mohammed VI has certainly achieved his goals and elevated his country’s global profile and prestige with attention to every detail in true Moroccan style.
