This Palace in Marrakech Feels Straight out of an Agatha Christie Book

When you tuck into bed early with an Agatha Christie murder mystery in hand, you might already have a sense of what awaits you within those crisp yellowed vintage pages; a well dressed detective, an unusual situation requiring the utmost analysis at hand, and a palatial estate the description of which rivals the centuries old majesty of Palace of Versailles itself. And while you may not find yourself intertwined within a web of dark-academia-esque investigations, what you will find at Marrakech’s Palais Ronsard in Morocco is nothing short of a fantastical almost-fiction-like regal state.

Set amidst vast plains of rose-scented gardens in the heart of the Marrakech palm grove, Palais Ronsard is a flamboyantly royal residence where European monarchical ideals meet Middle Eastern inspiration in every thread of fabric draped throughout the property. “A truly unique experience for those seeking the unforgettable,” as the Palais Ronsard website proudly claims, the luxury estate traces its roots to the year 1930. Once a privately owned mansion, the Palais now welcomes weary souls seeking to be lifted from the ordinary and gently placed within its stately embrace, meticulously designed by architect Gil Dez whose fascination with the art-deco period does not go unnoticed.

With 28 suites and residences complete with terraces and gardens, the Palais Ronsard is truly an artist’s haven. An architectural marvel that doubles as a melting pot of cultural influences, the Palais Ronsard is a blueprint for luxury. The exterior features sweeping pillars and arched windows, emblematic of the art deco period, but the grand marvel is situated right within; the grand staircase, glistening in white marble and contrasted with coal-black railings, evoke daydreams of balls heard of in tales of the recent past.

Each spacious suite continues the heritage-inspired design found throughout the palais, blending Old World European elegance with Moroccan touches. Rich fabrics, intricate tilework, and historic architectural details create a sense of grandeur. Plush furnishings offer the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring the gardens and grounds. All suites feature private terraces or balconies overlooking the floral grounds below. Bathrooms are fit for royalty with lavish stonework, soaking tubs, and premium fixtures, and amenities like luxury linens, soft loungewear, and spacious showers complement the air of indulgence.

“Fed by the fabulous light of Marrakech, in the subtlety of its perfumes, this small palace is full of serenity, calm, comfort, beauty and charm…” the words of Palais Ronsard’s Interior Designer Gil Dez ring true, and no truer do they ring than in the Palais’ 20,000 sqm verdant grounds alive with giant palm trees, decades-old olive trees, and Pierre de Ronsard roses - from which the Palace owes its name. A ‘small’ garden of Eden as the residence claims, the garden, with echoes of songbirds and the soft whoosh of water emanating from its pools seems the perfect muse, and the quintessential setting for the birth of art.

But beyond the lavish milieu and poetic reveries, the Palais’ restaurants; the Mediterranean-inspired Le Jardin D’hiver, the candle-lit outdoor Verger, and the aptly titled ‘The Bar’ reminiscent of a 20th century scarlet fantasy and serving ‘forgotten aperitifs’, highlight local culinary heritage, and present them generously through a modern gastronomical lens. And so with all said and done, perhaps the word ‘sybaritic’ is a satisfactory descriptor when it comes to Palais Ronsard.

And of course, an opulent stay as our dearest Palais Ronsard would be shockingly incomplete without a dedicated space for wellness. Combining modern Western rejuvenation techniques with age-old Eastern wellness practices, the Spa at the Palais Ronsard is a romantic escape, and the gift that is overdue to give yourself.

Dearest readers, there is much to be said about Marrakech’s Palais Ronsard, but there is even more to be experienced. And as such, we’d suggest you open up a new tab, type in palaisronsard.com, and give yourself a Moroccan excursion that is anything but unforgettable…