Reviving a Family Legacy in Marrakech
The story of Oasis Lodges, located just outside the vibrant city of Marrakech, begins with André Bos, the father of Éric and Véronique Bos, who founded this enchanting retreat designed as a lush green sanctuary. Today, his children have taken the reins with a commitment to continuing the family's legacy while infusing the establishment with fresh modernity. To achieve this ambitious transition, they enlisted the expertise of Pillot Studio to revamp the communal spaces and add 25 new luxurious lodges.
Emmanuel Pillot, a passionate admirer of Morocco, has collaborated with his sister Séverine on this project, drawing inspiration from his own memories of the Moroccan landscape. He reflects, "I simply delved back into my memories—the initial emotions, almost childlike, I experienced when encountering a sunset, an amber scent, or a sand dune upon my arrival in Morocco 25 years ago." This deeply personal approach has shaped a unique aesthetic that honors the original vision of Oasis Lodges.
A Harmonious Blend of Tradition and Modernity
The design aesthetic embraces rounded forms, reminiscent of André Bos's vision, creating an aesthetic continuity that pays homage to the founding principles. The color palette draws naturally from the local landscapes, featuring earthy tones, sandy hues, and desert colors, which together create a warm ambiance that avoids cliché folkloric elements. Emmanuel Pillot emphasizes, "In my view, the new luxury resides in the reassuring quality of a fabric or a textured wall that makes a room feel welcoming and comfortable. We deliberately chose a minimalist approach to allow the soul of this verdant place—where lush gardens take precedence—to shine through."
Additionally, the main lounge is tastefully adorned with carefully curated pieces of ancient craftsmanship, each selected to narrate the rich history of Morocco and its artisanal skills. Notably, the large brass wall sconces shaped like leaves serve as a tribute to the founder, who originally designed them. Moving away from traditional hotel formats, Oasis Lodges cultivates a sense of freedom where guests can relish their space and embrace the joy of leisure.
Architect Emmanuel Pillot further elaborates on the design, stating, "We also focused on perspectives. From the lounge, guests can glimpse the bar through a large metal screen. In this expansive area, we have created moments of pause; an invitation to slow down within a nurturing environment conducive to reconnection.”
In the new restaurant, L'Oliveraie, light plays a pivotal role in the decor. Pillot explains, "We wanted it to be adaptable, maximizing natural light to gently welcome guests from the moment they awaken." A notable feature is the straw ceiling on the terrace, which adds texture and character to the dining experience. Pillot concludes, "We envisioned craftsmanship as a form of expression. Handmade objects—along with the plants and flowers—naturally foster a renewed relationship with our surroundings."
As reported by parismatch.be.
