A serene courtyard featuring lush plants, a patterned tiled pool, a painted wall art piece, and an inviting chair.

Rosemary: A Boutique Hotel in Marrakesh Artfully Melds Tradition and Modernity

Words by Eric David

Marrakesh, Morocco

Marrakesh has long captivated travellers with its enigmatic charm. A crossroads of civilizations for centuries, this city is a living mosaic of Berber, Arab, and European influences, all seamlessly woven into its architecture, cuisine, music, and traditions. From the labyrinthine souks to tranquil gardens and ornate palaces to modern art galleries, the city boasts a rich tapestry of contrasts bridging historic periods and cultures. And it is within this vibrant context that Rosemary, a boutique 5-room hotel in one the city’s oldest neighbourhoods, has emerged as a microcosm of Marrakesh’s rich heritage and contemporary spirit.

The visionaries behind the small hotel are Belgian artist Laurence Leenaert and her husband, Ayoub Boualam, founders of the lifestyle brand LRNCE, renowned for its handcrafted ceramics, rugs, and plaster artworks. Rooted in the fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern design, their creative philosophy has found a new, immersive expression in their latest project. More than just a place to stay, the five-room boutique hotel is a handcrafted Gesamtkunstwerk, a total work of art that invites guests to live within its meticulously curated aesthetic.

A serene courtyard featuring a decorative column, a colorful abstract painting, and a warm lantern, framed by lush green plants.

Photography by Marina Denisova.

A tranquil indoor garden path lined with lush plants, a minimalist chair, and colorful stained glass windows in the background.

Photography by Marina Denisova.

A cozy, sunlit seating area with green plants, a round table, and patterned wall tiles, exuding a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Photography by Marina Denisova.

A cozy indoor seating area with a round table and cushions, surrounded by lush greenery and bathed in soft, natural light.

Photography by Marina Denisova.

Occupying a restored riad originally designed by Quentin Wilbaux, a celebrated architect and preservationist of Marrakesh’s medina, Rosemary pays homage to the past while embracing the present. The building’s storied walls, once a beloved family home, have been transformed with an extraordinary level of detail by Leenaert and Boualam, who traversed the country to source materials and expertise. Working with stained glass artisans in Meknes, potters in Safi, and zellige craftsmen in Fes, along with Marrakesh-based carpenters, metalworkers, and plasterers, the couple oversaw every aspect of the design during an intense three-year process. From the hand-carved, cedar wood front door, to the hand-poured terrazzo tiles in the courtyard and the 8,000 red marble lozenges meticulously set into the main staircase, the hotel’s design ultimately pays a deeply respectful homage to Moroccan craftsmanship, brought alive by Leenaert’s signature visual language, a playful medley of organic and geometric forms accentuated by pops of colour.

A tiled pool with warm orange and aqua colors, accented by decorative patterns on the walls.

Photography by Marina Denisova.

A view through ornate stained glass doors into a serene courtyard with greenery and patterned tiles, featuring a column and warm sunlight.

Photography by Marina Denisova.

Interior view featuring white arches, greenery, and textured ceramics, creating a serene, stylish atmosphere.

Photography by Marina Denisova.

Cozy interior featuring an orange leather couch, a patterned table, a potted plant, and a vibrant wall painting of embracing figures.

Photography by Marina Denisova.

A cozy living room featuring a textured orange sofa, artistic wall decor, a unique coffee table, and potted plants amidst warm tones.

Photography by Marina Denisova.

A cozy interior featuring a textured brick fireplace, minimalist shelves with decorative vases, and a marble-topped dining table.

Photography by Marina Denisova.

View through an archway with stained glass to a light-filled dining area featuring a marble table and wooden chairs with a fruit bowl.

Photography by Marina Denisova.

A cozy dining area features two chairs and a stone table, with a fruit bowl and silver tea set visible through green-framed doors.

Photography by Marina Denisova.

A cozy dining area featuring a marble table, beige chairs, and a bowl of oranges, set against a soft, pastel wall.

Photography by Marina Denisova.

  • A serene view through lush foliage reveals a white wall with intricate design, a terracotta roof, and elegant curtains in a peaceful setting.

    Photography by Marina Denisova.

  • Intricate wooden balcony railing with decorative cutouts, framed by soft shadows and green leaves, highlighting architectural elegance.

    Photography by Marina Denisova.

  • A serene balcony featuring patterned marble flooring, wooden chairs, and soft lighting from glass globes, exuding elegance and tranquility.

    Photography by Marina Denisova.

  • Cozy corner featuring a plush rattan chair beside a round table with oranges, illuminated softly by a decorative wall lamp.

    Photography by Marina Denisova.

  • A wooden chair with a wavy backrest sits beside a round table in a softly lit room, featuring a window with greenery outside.

    Photography by Marina Denisova.

The hotel’s interiors masterfully interweave original features with handcrafted elements that blend traditional techniques with contemporary design seen through angular relief plasterwork, sinuous wrought iron door handles, and stained-glass windows. This interplay of old and new is further enhanced by an eclectic mix of vintage finds painstakingly collected over several years and custom designs, many of which are Leenaert’s own creations. The latter include sculptural sandstone planters, hand-painted bathroom tiles, and a cedarwood sideboard in the Rosemary Suite, while some of the vintage highlights showcase Scarpa armchairs, light fittings salvaged from defunct hotels, 1920s desks, and American Fanimation ceiling fans. A collection of artworks adorning the walls, some by Leenaert, others from her private collection of artist friends, complete the soulfully curated interiors.

A cozy, modern living room with a neutral palette, artistic decor, colorful cushions, and a textured coffee table.

Photography by Marina Denisova.

A ceramic plate on a wall reads, "in case you forgot, i fucking love you," showcasing a playful and affectionate message.

Photography by Marina Denisova.

Cozy living space featuring a brown leather chair, orange cushions, decorative vases, and artwork on light-colored walls and shelves.

Photography by Marina Denisova.

A minimalist living space featuring a brown armchair, an abstract painting, and elegant lighting fixtures against neutral walls.

Photography by Marina Denisova.

Stylish bathroom featuring a colorful tiled mural, modern bathtub, and a vase of pink flowers against warm-toned marble decor.

Photography by Marina Denisova.

A colorful stained glass window featuring geometric shapes in orange, blue, and teal hues, viewed from a shower area.

Photography by Marina Denisova.

Nothing has been left to chance. From the LRNCE-designed linens, stationery, and bespoke scented toiletries—all of which are available for sale, as are a select few pieces of furniture and artworks—to the Moroccan Beldi glass tumblers inspired by vintage whisky glasses, even the smallest detail has been carefully curated by Leenaert and Boualam to enhance the hotel’s intimate, home-like atmosphere. Their attention to detail extends to Rosemary’s name: inspired by the herb as well as its former owner, Rose-Marie, the name reflects the hotel’s respect for nature and memory, evident throughout the property, from the custom-made scents to the greenery that infuse the spaces with a sense of vitality and renewal.

Beyond the aesthetics, Rosemary offers an array of thoughtful amenities and experiences. The rooftop terrace, shaded by the canopy of a 40-year-old jacaranda tree, is a serene space for sunbathing, stargazing, or enjoying meals prepared with local ingredients. The plunge pool, with its hand-painted tiles inspired by the sea, invites leisurely dips, while the hammam offers an indulgent introduction to the ancient art of Moroccan bathing rituals. A salon provides a cozy nook for reading, socializing, or watching a film, further enhancing the hotel’s intimate ambiance.

A cozy, elegantly styled room featuring an orange sofa, rustic wood chair, potted plant, and colorful stained glass door.

Photography by Marina Denisova.

A cozy corner featuring two brown leather chairs, a wood lattice side table with lemons, and decorative shelves with unique ceramics.

Photography by Marina Denisova.

A minimalist dining area features a round table with metallic legs, two distinct chairs, a textured rug, and an abstract wall art piece.

Photography by Marina Denisova.

Cozy bedroom featuring a tiled arch wall, plush bedding, and a stylish light fixture, creating a serene, modern ambiance.

Photography by Marina Denisova.

Cozy bedroom featuring a tiled arch wall, soft bedding, and minimalist decor, with a stylish lamp beside a window.

Photography by Marina Denisova.

  • Cozy interior featuring a patterned bedspread, a plush brown chair, a textured vase, and natural light from a skylight.

    Photography by Marina Denisova.

  • Cozy corner featuring a rust-colored armchair, decorative pottery, and a round table with fruit, set against a warm, textured wall.

    Photography by Marina Denisova.

  • A softly lit corner featuring a marble countertop, textured beige cabinet, and a plate with two oranges.

    Photography by Marina Denisova.

  • A stylish wooden cabinet with intricate carvings beneath a minimalist shelf displaying a green ceramic vase against a marble backdrop.

    Photography by Marina Denisova.

  • A textured brown cabinet with geometric carvings beside a sculptural, beige lamp and a curved marble table against a neutral wall.

    Photography by Marina Denisova.

Keen to share their passion for Moroccan culture, Leenaert and Boualam have curated experiences that go beyond the typical tourist offerings. Guests can learn how to mix their own soaps and scrubs using traditional herbs and flowers from the nearby Mellah, participate in crafts workshops led by Laurence herself, or explore the art of tablescaping, all activities designed to deepen one’s connection to the stories and traditions embedded in the hotel’s design, underscoring the couple’s commitment to making art and design a lived experience.

In Rosemary, Laurence Leenaert and Ayoub Boualam have created more than a hotel; they have crafted a living, breathing canvas that captures the essence of Marrakesh through its history, its artistry, and its soul where guests can witness up close that  every detail tells a specificstory, and every moment invites discovery and fascination.

A cozy room featuring a wooden chair, an orange blanket on the bed, and a colorful wall art piece, softly lit by a lamp.

Photography by Marina Denisova.

Cozy bedroom featuring a brown throw blanket, decorative shelves, and a wooden desk, illuminated by soft natural light.

Photography by Marina Denisova.

Interior view of a bathroom featuring an octopus mosaic on the wall, marble accents, and soft lighting in an arched alcove.

Photography by Marina Denisova.

A serene entryway features a green plant in a textured pink vase, with soft walls and a small wooden table on a patterned floor.

Photography by Marina Denisova.

A cozy terrace with a patterned table, striped cushions, green tiles, and lush plants under a shaded pergola. Soft pastel colors dominate.

Photography by Marina Denisova.

A serene outdoor sink area featuring a tiled counter, terracotta pot, and lush greenery against warm peach-colored walls.

Photography by Marina Denisova.

A circular metal daybed with a cushion, surrounded by greenery against a textured pink wall and a small tower, creating a serene outdoor space.

Photography by Marina Denisova.

A woman in a pink embroidered dress stands alongside a man in a light-colored short-sleeve shirt, in front of artistic wood paneling.

Laurence Leenaert and Ayoub Boualam.
Photography by Marina Denisova.