Yves Saint Laurent and his lifelong partner Pierre Bergé first visited Marrakech in 1966. They were captivated by the sprawling botanical and exotic gardens at Es Saadi Marrakech Resort. And it’s no surprise.
Surrounded by eight hectares of majestic grounds planted with orange trees, bougainvillea, roses, palm trees, banana trees and a “lagoon” swimming pool, Es Saadi is the ultimate oasis.
Located in the heart of the ‘Golden Triangle’ of Marrakech, in the quiet residential district of Hivernage and facing the snowy summits of the Atlas, Es Saadi Marrakech Resort was YSL’s regular winter destination until his own home was built in the Jardin Majorelle. The soon to be opened museum in his former home has close ties to the hotel and is easily accessible from Es Saadi. Dedicated to shedding light on his life, it includes a library, a concert hall, thousands of haute couture garments and accessories original couture sketches, design prototypes, and photographs collected since he founded his couture house in 1961.
Photo by Fondation Jardin Majorelle Nicolas Mathéus
And within the heart of Es Saadi Palace lies yet another link to YSL – the Dior Institute. Fashionistas will know that YSL served as the brand’s iconic creative director between 1958 and 1960. The Dior Institute at Es Saadi is the first to open within a hotel outside of France and the very first in a spa. Offering expertise in anti-ageing care the Institut uses cutting-edge technology and spa-goers can enjoy a range of therapies and programmes including the Oriental Thermae, a detoxifying programme that uses heat and cold rejuvenate tired bodies. And, exclusive to the spa are five signature massages, which vary in intensity to cleanse the body and re-balance the harmony in mind.
The spa suite features its own Moroccan hammam, twin baths for balneotherapy, a relaxation room complete with a fireplace, a library, chromotherapy and daily yoga for maximum relaxation and serenity.
Es Saadi Palace is a majestic building with 92 suites and 10 private villas around the gardens as well as 8 Ksars. All suites overlook the garden and have views of the Atlas Mountains. If guests crave a little more space and privacy, the luxurious and stunning villas dotted throughout the garden are the perfect option. With a choice of 10 villas, each is uniquely designed and offers something different to the next villa, each with its own private pool. And Es Saadi’s hospitality is outstanding and each villa has its own butler on hand 24 hours a day as well as a car and chauffeur. The hotel’s signature restaurant is a destination, the ‘La Cour des Lions’ is a perfect fusion of modernity and traditional Moroccan flavours, in an oriental palace, offering its guests a panoramic view of the park and menu, created by celebrated chef Fatéma Hal.
This year, in 2017, Es Saadi Marrakech Resort celebrates its own anniversary – of 50 years – and as such has been featured in the latest edition of the US Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List.
Junior suites start from £270 per night. Ksars start from £550 per night. Villas start at £800 a night. Buffet breakfast, Wi-Fi and Airport transfers included.
