An Enclosed Oasis in the City of Gardens

In the interplay between nature and architecture, Four Seasons Marrakech captures the spirit of a city long defined by its gardens, water features, and cultural identity

An Enclosed Oasis in the City of Gardens

Marrakech draws travelers from all over the world with its souks, historic palaces, and rich horticultural heritage. Nestled between the ancient walls of the Medina and the Atlas Mountains in southwestern Morocco, this city is known both as the “Red City”—for its terracotta-hued buildings—and as the “City of Gardens,” for its verdant refuges. Among the newer symbols of this balance is the Four Seasons Resort Marrakech, which opened its doors in June 2011. A contemporary hortus conclusus, the resort seamlessly blends thoughtfully designed landscapes with modern Moroccan-inspired architecture, paying homage to the city’s connection with water, greenery, and ornamental design.

Spread across some 16 hectares, the resort embodies the essence of Morocco’s garden culture. It offers a contained but immersive environment: Moorish arches frame glimpses of courtyards where palms and olive trees flourish alongside tranquil pools. On a grand scale, Four Seasons Marrakech reimagines the traditional Moroccan riad—a private inward-facing home centered around a courtyard garden—inviting guests to experience a harmonious blend of nature and architecture.

Marrakech: The City of Gardens

Founded in the 11th century by the Almoravid dynasty, Marrakech has long been associated with the dual identity of an urban hub and a lush sanctuary. Water management and garden design have shaped the city’s urban fabric. Early rulers built intricate irrigation systems that channeled melting snow from the Atlas Mountains into reservoirs, canals, and man-made basins, ensuring that even in an arid climate, Marrakech would thrive with abundant gardens and orchards.

Successive dynasties such as the Almohads and Saadians embraced innovative water management techniques, viewing gardens as both symbols of power and essential urban enhancements. Walls, gateways, and water features were integrated into these designs not only for protection but also to guarantee a constant water supply. Enclosed gardens became a common architectural motif in royal palaces and private residences—intimate courtyards often adorned with citrus trees, palms, and richly tiled fountains that provided a cooling retreat during the scorching summer months.

The Legacy of Marrakech’s Iconic Gardens

Marrakech is home to historic gardens that continue to shape its character. Jardin Majorelle, conceived in the early 20th century by French artist Jacques Majorelle, introduced exotic plant species to Marrakech, and became renowned for its cobalt-blue accents—a legacy that later merged with the creative vision of designer Yves Saint Laurent. The Agdal Gardens, dating to the 12th century, remain one of the largest green spaces in the city, located near the Royal Palace. These expansive orchards once relied on a sophisticated irrigation system of vast reservoirs and aqueducts.

The Menara Gardens (recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, together with Marrakech’s Medina and the Agdal Gardens) are another iconic landmark of Marrakech. They stretch out on the side opposite Four Seasons Marrakech, forming a continuous and harmonious link among the city’s green areas. Established in the 12th century under the Almohad caliph ‘Abd al-Mu’min, they preserve the atmosphere of a time when hydraulic engineering and landscape design were integral parts of urban life. The entire complex is defined by a large man-made basin and a famous pavilion overlooking it, offering visitors an evocative blend of history, nature, and architecture.

The origin of the name “Menara” is not entirely certain. Some historians believe it refers to the two-story pavilion on the grounds, whose design recalls a tower or lighthouse. The term “Menara” suggests a lofty, symbolic feature that serves as a landmark in the landscape.

Landscape and Agricultural Features

At the heart of the Menara Gardens is a large basin, originally designed to store water needed to irrigate a vast orchard and numerous olive groves. A sophisticated network of underground channels carries water from the Atlas Mountains—about 30 km from Marrakech—directly into the gardens. These carefully traced channels ensure a consistent water supply even in the driest periods, allowing the orchards and gardens to flourish year-round.

The gardens were laid out following a precise design: crops were planted in orderly patterns, often in a regular grid, to optimize both agricultural yield and visual appeal. Today, while olive cultivation remains predominant, fruit orchards and clusters of cypress trees also enrich the setting, preserving the site’s original spirit, which was focused on agriculture and irrigation.

The Emergence of Four Seasons Marrakech

Years of planning and design went into the development of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts in Marrakech. Architects and landscape designers sought to capture the timeless elegance of a traditional Moroccan riad. Today, the resort boasts 139 rooms and 27 suites, each offering views of serene interior courtyards or lush garden landscapes.

The overall design echoes the landscape concept of the Menara Gardens. As in that historic park, water is central to creating a cool microclimate. The pools at Four Seasons evoke the Menara basin, while certain architectural features—such as porticos, pergolas, and pavilions—recall the shaded spaces and scenic perspectives characteristic of that garden. Plantings and trees typical of the region, such as olives and citrus, reinforce the resort’s intention to connect with Marrakech’s traditional landscapes and bring that heritage into a modern setting.

A design philosophy centered on creating a refreshing microclimate underpins the Four Seasons Marrakech. The resort is conceived as a walled garden—a modern take on the hortus conclusus so prevalent in traditional Moroccan design. Carefully arranged courtyards and winding pathways link guest accommodations to dining venues, event spaces, and leisure areas, all immersed in greenery and enhanced by water features.

Architectural elements throughout the resort pay homage to traditional Moroccan design. Horseshoe arches, carved columns, and mosaic motifs celebrate the timeless art of Moorish craftsmanship. These features are balanced by contemporary touches—minimalist furnishings, neutral color palettes, and modern conveniences.

Pools, Landscaping, and Outdoor Spaces

The resort features two distinct pool areas, catering to different guest experiences. One pool is reserved for adults, offering a secluded space for uninterrupted relaxation, while the other pool area is livelier, designed with families in mind. Both pools are set within landscaped gardens and feature dark stone cladding that contrasts sharply with the bright sky and surrounding greenery. This design enhances the water’s reflective quality, adding depth and a sense of serenity to the overall ambiance.

The resort’s landscaping is a testament to a careful integration of nature and architecture. Lush pathways wind through groves of palm and olive trees, dotted with bougainvillea and seasonal blooms that provide touches of color throughout the year. After sunset, subdued pathway lighting and illuminated fountains transform the resort into a nighttime oasis.

Culinary Offerings and Local Flavors

The dining experiences at Four Seasons Marrakech are crafted with the same attention to detail that shapes its physical spaces. On-site restaurants serve an eclectic mix of traditional Moroccan cuisine and international dishes, giving guests a wide array of flavors during their stay. Classic Moroccan specialties like tagine—a slow-cooked stew seasoned with saffron, cumin, and preserved lemons—are offered alongside Italian and French-inspired options. Local ingredients shine in every dish, with spices sourced from Marrakech’s souks and fresh produce that reflects the region’s agricultural heritage. In addition to its main restaurants, the resort provides more casual options, including poolside kiosks where guests can enjoy light snacks and refreshing drinks.

Spa and Wellness: A Modern Take on the Hammam

At the heart of Four Seasons Marrakech’s spa is a contemporary reinterpretation of the ancient Moroccan hammam, a steam bath that has been central to local culture for centuries. Here, guests can indulge in a variety of treatments that combine age-old rituals—such as black soap scrubs, rhassoul clay wraps, and argan oil massages—with modern wellness practices. The spa’s architecture, consistent with the resort’s overall design language, creates a tranquil environment where soft lighting, soothing music, and carefully arranged treatment rooms work together to calm both body and mind.

Matteo Mammoli