Marisa Berenson’s Marrakech

Marisa Berenson, a name synonymous with artistry, style and cultural influence, fell in love with Marrakech 12 years ago. Born into a family of greats (her grandmother was legendary fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli), Berenson has always been at the heart of the artistic and intellectual conversation. Having risen to fame as a model in the 1960s, Berenson graced the covers of Vogue and Harper's Bazaar and became muse to fashion titans like Yves Saint Laurent and photographers Richard Avedon and Irving Penn.

So it’s of little wonder that Marrakech, with its vibrant souks, stunning palaces, and rich cultural tapestry, has long been a source of inspiration for Berenson. Here, Berenson shares her favorite Marrakech haunts, from the hidden gems of the medina to serene oases in the Atlas Mountains, offering a personal and insightful journey through a city that mirrors her own multifaceted legacy.

I love Marrakech because: It has an unexplainable, mystical, magical energy that leads one to follow dreams and change destinies. The breathtaking beauty and sensuality of the Arabian nights, the grandeur of the setting, the colors, the people, the Islamic culture mixed in with the Spanish and Moorish. 

My home here is: A dream inspired by the Moorish palaces such as Alhambra in Andalusia, Spain–an oasis of luxurious color and beauty with touches of my Venetian, Baroque Italian roots, mixed in with Arabic, Oriental and Moroccan  handicrafts and a potpourri of my life all over the world.

When I want to feel cultured, I head to: The Yves Saint Laurent Museum is a rare architectural jewel, every refined detail reflects the exquisite taste and love that Pierre Bergé put into it in memory of Saint Laurent. The presence of Yves is in everything from the beautiful collections of his clothing to everything that inspired him and that eternally inspires us all. 

When I want to feel inspired, I head to: The Majorelle Gardens, beautifully curated by the brilliant landscape architect and president of the Fondation Jardin Majorelle, Madison Cox. Artist Mohamed Mourabiti also has a very special cultural center with an artist in residence program called Al Maqam.

When I want a big night out, I go to: Palais Soleiman Palace owned by the very refined Driss Segueni. He has transformed a family heirloom, a glamorous palace, into an Oriental dream world for dinners and parties

When I want the quintessential Moroccan experience, I go to: Bill Willis’ Dar Yacout at Hotel Tichka and dinner at The Selman is a delicious experience of Moroccan food with a show of rare Arabian horses doing equestrian tricks and belly dancers.

When I want to disconnect, I go to: R’Matt on Ourika Road. I go on Sundays to this beautiful outdoor exclusive place with a club-like atmosphere. It’s very private with exceptional food including vegetables from their huge organic garden.

When I want a delicious meal, I go to: The Royal Mansour has several very good restaurants as does La Mamounia. I love their poolside buffet on the weekends.

For some retail therapy, I go to: The Boutique at El Fenn. It is the best concept store decorated and curated by the fabulous artistic director Yann Dobry. I also adore 33 Rue Majorelle, Baba, Moro, Lup 31 and Frédérique Birkmeyer’s caftans.

When I want to get away, I escape to: Olinto Atlas Mountain Retreat. The best of the best, it was created by Prince Fabrizio Ruspoli di Poggio Suasa.

The best dealers for rugs are: Mustapha Blaoui and Soufny Art Gallery

The local I find inspiring is: Touria El Glaoui [founding director of the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair]. She’s a unique woman encouraging talents and giving them a big visibility with her art fair. 

When I want some spa time, I go to: My house! With heated indoor and outdoor pools, a hammam, beautiful chickens laying organic eggs, flourishing gardens and ancient palm trees and olive trees, what else do I need?!