A traditional courtyard house – a riad – has been transformed into a curated boutique hotel in Marrakech, complete with hammam, swimming pool and a sunny roof terrace for the ultimate getaway. 

In one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city, this handcrafted traditional courtyard house-turned-boutique hotel celebrates local craftsmanship that is unique to Morocco. Previously a family home, this house (believed to have been designed by Belgian architect Quentin Wilbaux) shares historic charm that cannot be replicated.

Champ team Elle Azhdari recently visited the property to share this very special, soulful stay.

Rosemary is an adults-only sanctuary, tucked away from the vibrant city outside, designed entirely by owner and artist Laurence Leenart and her design company LRNCE, founded in 2013 with her husband Ayoub Boualam. Working together with Moroccan artisans on the interior design details of the 5-suite property, every corner of the hotel has been considered. From the furniture, lighting and guest robes – all handmade in Morocco.

Opened less than six months ago, the Rosemary boutique hotel offers a courtyard pool, living room, sunny roof terrace and green patio.

The on-site hammam shares rosemary-scented steam, a nod to the abundant yet valuable herb that inspired the hotels name and design details. The hotel connects to context authentically and respectfully shares its past, also highlighting the influence of the previous owners name, Rose-Marie.

Twenty master craftsmen and women were employed to make and refine each detail on the property, each selected for their particular craft. Leenart traveled throughout the country to find the artisans, those specialising in pottery, stained glass, metalwork and plastering.

An artist by trade, Leenart’s paintings are found throughout the property, along with her sourced unique antiques (such as the unmissable vintage Scarpa armchairs). Leenart’s studio LRNCE has collaborated with artisans on the decor of the property, with most available to purchase during their stay at Rosemary.

From furniture to clothing, Leenart puts her artistic vision to work through various mediums. Colourful, handmade items are available for guests to take home as rather special souvenir, encapsulating the memory of their stay through the handcrafted items. These are found in the LRNCE shop found on-site. Guests can also get involved with LRNCE workshops, such as ceramic classes, and can opt for any of the curated itineraries the brand puts together.

A stay at Rosemary is an authentically local experience in Marrakech, one made with heart, soul and the finest craftsmanship from Morocco.

Rosemary
25, Rue de la Bahia Médina
40000 Marrakech

Text: Visited by Champ Travel correspondent Elle Azhdari 
Images: As credited, by Marina Denisova and Laurence Leenaert