Some places transcend luxury; they carry a memory, a vibration, a soul. The Es Saadi Marrakech embodies this essence, serving not merely as a palace but as a haven for artists and a refuge for aesthetes. It is a territory of friendships where one encounters as many creators as travelers. In the 1960s, when Jean Bauchet, a prominent figure in Parisian entertainment and owner of the Moulin Rouge, first discovered Marrakech, he instantly recognized the city for what it is: a magnet for artists, a space where one breathes differently, thinks differently, and creates differently. The Es Saadi quickly evolved into an open-air salon, a space for conversations, confidences, and reunions.
Among its loyal patrons, one name resonates like a golden thread: Pierre Bergé. A family friend, a lover of Morocco, and a free spirit with high standards, he found in this place where art was not merely decorative but vibrant, discussed, and shared. It is said that he adored the light in the park, the warmth of the terraces, and the evenings that lingered well past midnight. Many other artists—writers, musicians, dancers—came and went, leaving their marks: a gifted painting, a jointly chosen sculpture, a story shared by the poolside. The Es Saadi was not just a palace; it was a creative community, a home where one felt as if they were amongst friends.
The Bauchet-Bouhlal family has preserved this spirit. Even today, the palace houses a private art collection that is not merely displayed like in a museum but rather scattered throughout, as if in a home where each piece narrates a meeting. Contemporary sculptures, Moroccan artifacts, paintings gifted by artist friends—all contribute to a narrative where art is not just a backdrop but a language, a thread connecting generations, a silent witness to the friendships that have shaped the place. Walking through the palace feels akin to leafing through a personal diary.
Spanning eight hectares, with blooming orange trees, ancient olive trees, and vibrant bougainvilleas, the park of Es Saadi is a living masterpiece, a setting that has inspired generations of artists. The suites open onto sunlit terraces where one can enjoy morning coffee while listening to the birds. In the evening, dining can be experienced at either the Jardin d’Hiver or at Othello, the resort’s Italian restaurant, offering a discreet and cultivated luxury where art and nature converse harmoniously.
The Visionary Spa Neurae
In a city where spas compete for opulence, the Spa Neurae stands out as an obvious choice: arguably the most beautiful in Marrakech, and more importantly, the most profound, coherent, and visionary. The architecture, inspired by Eastern palaces, envelops without overwhelming. Spacious volumes, curved lines, and soft lighting create an atmosphere that feels like a gentle breath. Materials like marble, wood, and tadelakt contribute to a mineral softness that soothes even before the first treatment begins. Entering this space is akin to stepping into a sensory cathedral—where silence has a texture, light a temperature, and time slows down. The Spa Suite, a new addition to the palace, extends this experience with a private hammam, hydrotherapy, a fireplace, and treatment areas for couples, creating a cocoon where intimacy becomes an absolute luxury.
Neurae is not just a spa brand; it represents a philosophy, a way of viewing the human experience in its entirety. Born from neuroscience, it is grounded in a simple yet powerful idea: our emotions shape our inner state. To soothe, rebalance, and enlighten these emotions is to transform our relationship with the world. Each treatment is a tactile choreography, a body writing designed to address stress points, emotional circuits, deep breathing, and sensory perception. Signature scents, targeted pressures, rhythms, sounds, and textures are all meticulously crafted to rewrite one’s internal state. Neurae promises not just relaxation but an emotional transformation, a subtle yet powerful reset.
In a palace shaped by art and friendships, this holistic vision finds a natural resonance. Neurae is not merely a spa; it is an internal work of art, a sensory experience that extends the spirit of the place—an environment where one sheds burdens, breathes deeply, and re-aligns with oneself.
A Destination for Art, Connections, and Self-Discovery
What sets the Es Saadi apart is its human dimension, which is increasingly rare in many luxury hotels. The family is present, involved, and passionate. Artistic friendships continue to infuse the space with vitality. The park breathes like a living canvas. Moreover, the Spa Neurae offers an experience that transcends mere treatments, evolving into an inner journey. In Marrakech, few venues manage to blend history, art, neuroscience, and holistic well-being with such precision. The Es Saadi is undoubtedly one of them, and this is likely why visitors keep returning.
As reported by lofficiel.be.
