The colours are breathtaking, the air is beguiling, and the hubbub in the streets is as exhilarating as it is inviting. Arabian nights, Mediterranean scents, spices and flavors, oasis, couscous, beautiful mosques, men in gabar, sandy dunes – Marrakesh continues to rank among the world’s top travel favourites for good reason. The beautiful fourth largest city in the country is an impressive combination of imperial history with palaces dating back to the 16th century and a contemporary urban lifestyle that offers stylish restaurants, trendy concept stores, and modern hotel resorts.
Me visiting the Schlatters in Marrakesh (for the outfit post, click here please).
In this oasis between the ocean and the Atlas Mountains, Swiss couple Rabia and Daniel Schlatter made a dream come true and built an enchanting palace in one of the most prestigious areas of the metropole along with a gigantic guest house. Last November, my friends spoilt me at their beautiful home and I am so happy to share this interior design heaven with you.
Daniel and Rabia Schlatter in the garden of their Marrakesh home.
The palace itself, that was finished in 2012, measures 3800 m2, set in 30.000 m2 of land with stunning gardens and a 5-star-hotel-worthy pool surrounding it. Two years ago, the construction of the guest mansion started – another paradise, peacefully situated next to the main house, that offers 2800 m2 living space on a 15.000 m2 lot, and that is now finished and also available for rent.
Amazing fabrics – every guest room looks different.
Rabia, who was born and raised in Casablanca, oversaw the creative process herself together with her husband Daniel, who as a young man did an apprenticeship as an architectural draftsman. In Marrakech, where opulence and luxury reign, there is no shortage of beautiful ateliers and home interior stores. But you have to be a local like her to know where to shop.
Love is in the detail – every corner is beautifully decorated.
Over the years, she had collected magazines and created mood boards for the ateliers she worked with to come up with the most beautiful results possible. Her interior design studies helped her as well. Everything was produced in Morocco, only the fabrics for the curtains are from France and the UK. The brocade is from Syriah. The bedsheets and towels are from local suppliers. For the bathrooms, Rabia used Italian marble.
The seating area in the living room
Her distinguished taste can also be seen in the huge living room with its breathtaking vaulted ceiling and the fireplace as the focal point. An open layout lets you see right into the spacious dining room and seating area.
The stunning pool
Arched doorways allowing the afternoon light to pass beautifully and a gorgeous long pool mirroring the surrounding date palm trees makes entering the garden a «1,001 Nights» experience. But step inside the guest bedrooms to be amazed – king-sized beds, romantic fireplaces, gigantic bathtubs and private gardens are all standard features! A well-equipped gym and a hammam are also there for your pleasure.
The hammam
Built like a sultan’s palace, it’s understandable if guests don’t want to leave the Schlatters. For the wellbeing around 16 people are permanently employed only for the main house, from gardeners to housekeepers, a cook and Bouchra, the gouvernante who is handling everything to 2 guys at the gate and a driver.
Playground for boys
Speaking about cars, the best is yet to come. Daniel Schlatter has an outstanding passion for cars and built his own «Healey» museum on 800m2 in the basement with a bar, a seating area and a gazillion of details that make you feel as if Healey just had left his garage.
Enjoy more photos below… – I will be back soon and cannot wait!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Reto Gundli
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht