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T he hotel Royal Mansour Marrakech was conceived a decade ago by the King of Morocco, Muhammad VI, as a showcase for Moroccan arts and crafts. After visiting craft workshops and ateliers, guests see the Moroccan signatures up-close: from the lavish entrance with its ziggurats of fine tile work to the riad suites, elegantly decorated with sumptuous textiles and romantic traditional lanterns. The hotel also offers a privileged v i e w o f t h e f i n e s t handcrafted lighting, silken draperies, and marquetry cabinets. In the quiet serenity of the palm-shaded gardens, an artist's studio was recently created. The Atelier d'Artiste, housed i n a g l a s s - p a n e l e d greenhouse, hosts art sessions including painting, modeling, pottery, and calligraphy, each beginning with a guided meditation. royalmansour.com/en. Royal Mansour Marrakech Mecca of Design A masterclass in craftsmanship W hen seeking inspiration for art, custom designs, and authentic Marrakech style, designers make obligatory visits to Villa Oasis, the ultra-influential former residence of Yves Saint Lauren and Pierre Bergé (their Orientalist paintings still hang on the walls), which they purchased in 1980 and collaborated with architect Bill Willis and designer Jacques Grange to fully renovate. Then tour the color- popping Jardin Majorelle, the Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts, and the graceful Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech. On January 30, "Yves Saint Laurent: The Hamish Bowles Collection" opens at Musée Yves Saint Laurent. Reservations to tour Jardin Majorelle and the museums must be made in advance at tickets. jardinmajorelle. com. To tour Villa Oasis, book a private tour through a luxury tour operator or the Fondation Jardin Majorelle, fondationjardin majorelle.ma/en. © FONDATION JARDIN MAJORELLE, PHOTO BY ADNANE ZEMMAMA Above and right: Jardin Majorelle and Villa Oasis Clockwise: Royal Mansour Marrakech lobby. Riad Premier. Grand Riad. 69