Homage to Marrakech

Christopher Stark

Christian Schallert has always found the conventional terribly boring. And that’s a good thing—who knows if the Vorarlberger would have ever left his homeland, gone to Barcelona, and written a success story with Hotel Brummell? It’s also fortunate that Schallert has always been drawn to things and places that are different, surprising, and challenging—like Marrakech, for example. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been able to continue his success story with the new Maison Brummell Majorelle in Marrakech. But let’s leave the speculation aside and just ask Christian Schallert himself.

What was the initial spark for Maison Brummell Majorelle?
After the success of Hotel Brummell in Barcelona, I knew I needed to expand my brand further, and the idea of creating something entirely new, where I could unleash my creativity from the ground up, was the most exciting part for me. And that’s exactly what I did with my New Zealand architect.

But how did you come to choose Marrakech?
During my time working as a photographer, I frequently traveled to Morocco for work, which allowed me to get to know and fall in love with the country and its people. I found it so exciting to be able to immerse myself in a completely different culture after such a short flight! Marrakech is a wonderful city full of contrasts; you often feel as if time has stood still. And the streets aren’t packed with the same brands you see hundreds of times in every major European city. I’m addicted to what’s different—whether it’s people who look and think differently and surprise me, or streets and buildings that inspire me architecturally.

Christopher Stark

That sounds wonderful, but it can also be challenging. What was the biggest challenge?
Let’s talk in the plural: challenges. Many! Communication alone: I’m currently learning my fifth language, Arabic. I’m actually not naturally gifted with languages—I always had to force myself, as I wouldn’t have progressed professionally otherwise.

But the result was certainly worth it. What defines Maison Brummell Majorelle for you?
The building was constructed completely anew over three years, right in the midst of the COVID period, to create a haven for lovers of architecture and design. Maison Brummell is a departure from the highly ornate interiors found in many Moroccan palaces or riads in the Medina’s center: the focus is on Moroccan craftsmanship, but with a minimalist approach and few materials. Everyone says the house has such wonderful energy—maybe because nothing is really angular; everything's rounded and invitingly smooth. I believe we succeeded in creating an oasis of comfort—and so close to the center, right next to Yves Saint Laurent’s famous Jardin Majorelle. Some guests barely leave the house; instead, they spend the day enjoying their room, the pool, or reading in the living room, or they book a massage ritual in the in-house hammam with plunge pool.

Your hotel is right next door to Yves Saint Laurent's Villa Oasis and its gardens. How does that affect you—and did it influence the design of your hotel?
I think the hotel is a trailblazer in an area that is clearly on the rise. I couldn’t believe it when I was able to acquire this property directly next to Saint Laurent’s Villa Oasis. Many fashion lovers come to the hotel and are thrilled to be just a wall away from Jardin Majorelle, where YSL celebrated wild parties with Catherine Deneuve and Karl Lagerfeld. Nearly all our guests visit the garden and/or the museum, designed by the French designers at Studio KO. We drew inspiration from Studio KO, but we definitely found our own style.

When is the best time to visit?
October and November are great. But also the time just before Easter.

© LADICHOSA

Finally, a few Marrakech tips please!
- Jardin Majorelle together with the YSL museum, and then around the corner to Moro - a super stylish store where you can also get food.
- From the medina of Dar el Bacha - a visit to Bacha Coffee is worth the wait - to the Secret Garden, you have probably the nicest and best stores.
- Petanque Social Club, the place-to-be at the moment: a great little garden with delicious food, top cocktails and a great atmosphere.
- Grand Café de la Poste for breakfast, Al Fassia for the best Moroccan dishes, Le Palace for chic dining - and the Jad Mahal Restaurant with a live show straight out of the Arabian Nights.