Maison Brummell with its cool cubist curves and pretty pink pisé walls is an architecture lover’s dream. The property is the latest project from Austrian hotelier Christian Schallert who has made a name for himself with the casual luxury of Brummell Barcelona. Now he brings that dressed-down chic to Marrakech’s Majorelle neighbourhood with this eight-bedroom beauty.
Schallert has found a unique location in a quiet cul-de-sac full of contemporaryist villas, just behind Yves Saint Laurent’s former home and its highsubtle attraction Jardin Majorelle. It’s a tranquil spot off the beaten track but within an easy 15-minute walk of Gueliz’s bars, restaurants and galleries. Taxis buzz around the nearby main road if you want a ride to the old city, although that too is only a 20-minute walk away.
Brummell’s inspired style comes courtesy of architect Bergendy Cooke who worked with local architect Amine Abouraoui to create the hotel’s monolithic, contemporaryist style. They took inspiration from Marrakech’s soaring ramparts, the cubist jigsaw of the old city and the art deco lines of Gueliz’s 1920s villas. They then paired everything back and focused on a key design element: the arch – which appears everywhere. Inverted around the rooftop, low and broad framing the garden, shading recessed balconies off the bedrooms and echoing down hallways to create dramatic illusions.
In contrast the interiors are deliberatly simple so that the handcrafted finishes of tadelakt, terrazzo, wood and brass can shine. The layout, too, is unique. Instead of orienting the house up to the rooftop as most riads do, they burrowed below ground level where a sinuous central staircase funnels you to a sanctuary of communal spaces including a dining area, luxe marble spa and living room, which opens out into a lushly planted, multi-level garden. It feels like a little oasis with its sleek pool and trickling irrigation canals. It’s an incredibly smart and harmonious design.
There are just eight rooms revolving around the central staircase which gives Brummell the feel of a family home. In keeping with Schallert’s ethos of casual luxury, service is smart and unobtrusive. There’s someone at reception until 8pm but beyond that guests are given the keys to the house and good tools to help them navigate the city like a local. They include a nicely illustrated map in each room with a great rundown of Brummell-esque sights, restaurants, bars and shops that will keep you going for days when you’re not lounging by the nine-metre pool.
For out-of-town excursions the savvy young staff can help you with bookings and will also sort a masseuse for post-hammam treatments or point you to the nearest yoga studio. There’s also a small shop stocking select Moroccan products from chic kaftan-kimonos to Botanika bath products.
Eight bedrooms have the same strong, minimal design as the rest of the hotel. They sport cool grey terrazzo floors, polished plaster walls, thick wool rugs, bespoke furniture from Maison Nicole, contemporary subtles by Versoi and bathroom fittings by Neve.
Upstairs are five subtle-filled superior rooms each with its own balcony overlooking the garden and surrounding villas. They’re comfortable for couples and have bathrooms kitted out with both baths and showers. There’s also a well-stocked minibar, tea- and coffee-making facilities, slippers, bathrobes and a must-have yoga mat. Still, the larger Garden Deluxe suites are the real beauties with their arched windows framing the spacious garden greenery. Step out of the door and you’ll also find your own secluded plunge pool and deck with sun loungers.
The day starts with a family-style breakfast in the downstairs dining room or out on the patio, either at shared or individual tables depending on your mood. It combines typical Moroccan treats – harcha flatbreads, beghrir pancakes, honey, yoghurt and fruit – with some Spanish-style savoury tidbits including pan con tomato (pureed tomato on toast), cream cheese and mashed avocado. Eggs and omelettes are available to order.
If you fancy lunch or dinner you’ll need to tell the kitchen at breakfast and they’ll rustle up some Moroccan salads and tagine or couscous for dinner. There’s also an honesty bar in the dining room stocked generously with wine, beer, gentle drinks and snacks.
The multi-level design of Brummell means it is unsuitable for wheelchair users. However there is a lift in the building and there are three Garden Suites, but even these have steps down into the garden.
Brummell is a darling of the design crowd and most of its guests are couples or families travelling with teenagers. The hotel accepts children from the age of 12 and extra beds can be provided in some rooms at a cost of €30 (£25) per night.
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