In the heart of Marrakech, visitors can choose between two distinct experiences when staying in the medina. One option is vibrant and bustling, where the lively souks can easily engulf you in their noise and chaos. The other, more unique experience allows you to retreat slightly while never truly leaving the vibrant essence of the city. It is precisely within this delicate balance that the Palais Beit Al Noor is nestled.
This 1,700-square-meter residence from the 18th century is located in the discreet Zaouia Abassia neighborhood of the ochre city. Once a medersa, or Koranic school, the property has undergone a complete renovation. Arriving by car is a rare privilege in the medina, and upon entering through the heavy wooden door, the atmosphere changes. The air becomes cooler, the sounds of the city fade, and the light takes on a different character.
Beit Al Noor, which translates to 'House of Light' in Arabic, lives up to its name. The light, filtered through the intricately designed moucharabiehs, reflecting off the marble and mosaic tiles, and absorbed by the satin-finished tadelakt and meticulously laid zelliges by skilled artisans, structures and illuminates the space. It radiates through the patios, flows between the pools, and casts a gentle glow on the hand-painted ceilings adorned with delicate arabesques.
A Subtle Bridge Between Morocco and Lebanon
The project came to life through the passion of a Franco-Lebanese couple, Joëlle and Nicolas Delsuc, who fell in love with the place. They aimed to evoke the spirit of a Lebanese home and its renowned hospitality while embracing Moroccan culture and craftsmanship. Nicolas fondly recalled his grandmother's home in Lebanon, which served as a refuge of sharing and joy, remaining vivid in his childhood memories.
Bringing this vision to fruition required nearly three years of meticulous work. After selecting the finest local artisans to execute the project, they collaborated with UMA Interiors for architectural guidance. The Moroccan artisans infused a particularly authentic character into the space, with delicately sculpted plaster reliefs and ceilings that create an immaculate lace-like effect. Subtle Lebanese influences appear, never overpowering the design. These details manifest in the colors of the Lebanese flag, which share hues with the Moroccan flag, as pixel-like squares on the mosaic that lines the patio walls, or in the sculpted cedar wood benches that adorn the Moroccan lounge.
Whispers of Marrakech
The twelve guest rooms extend this authentic refinement throughout the establishment. The cement tile floors, inspired by the traditional houses of Beirut and adorned with natural pigments, offer a diverse palette as guests wander through the space. Each room pays homage to a Lebanese personality, exemplified by the Fairouz Suite, the largest accommodation. Featuring unique wallpaper with intricate blue and white motifs, vintage leather chairs, and a gramophone, it is a tribute that would surely delight the legendary diva herself, complete with a private terrace.
Every room is named after a Lebanese artist, with the Khalil Gibran room showcasing a spectrum of greens and featuring a patina leather sofa and a discreetly placed typewriter as a nod to the literary giant. The owners designed a portion of the furniture and sourced the rest to ensure that the soul of the place remains unique.
On the rooftop terrace, guests can indulge in a sense of retreat while enjoying unobstructed views of the medina's rooftops. The open kitchen serves dishes that follow seasonal availability, including artichoke or quince tagines, generous mezze, and fresh salads. Subtle nods to the owners' Lebanese heritage are woven throughout the culinary offerings.
What truly sets Palais Beit Al Noor apart is its charm, steeped in generosity. Behind every light fixture, every piece of furniture—whether sourced or custom-designed—lies a sincere desire to share and welcome guests with warmth.
The uniqueness of Beit Al Noor stems from the subtle balance that permeates the space, straddling two cultures. Moroccan architecture provides structure, while Lebanese warmth offers a familiar embrace. This is evident in the welcoming style, which is notably more generous than ceremonial. Each room, distinct from the others, is thoughtfully conceived as an intimate tribute to Lebanese figures.
This extraordinary place escapes the pitfalls of decorative mixing often seen in many Marrakech riads. Instead, it embodies a more sensitive and intimate approach. While many establishments stylize the heritage of the ochre city through clichés, Palais Beit Al Noor embraces it authentically. The warm and unique reception ensures that guests depart with the feeling of having been welcomed into the home of friends.
As reported by lopinion.fr.
Palais Beit Al Noor offers rooms starting from €290 per night, located in the Medina, Zaouia Abbassia, Rue Sidi Ghanem, Marrakech. For inquiries and reservations, please contact contact@palaisbeitalnoor.com or visit www.palaisbeitalnoor.com.
