The recently inaugurated hotel reinvents Morocco's vibrant culture in a fusion of tradition and modernity, sophistication and exoticism, East and West. At once sober and irreverent, Jnane Rumi embodies the creative rebirth of the red city. For these reasons, we have chosen to feature this space in the Interiors section – usually reserved for residential projects – in order to highlight its importance and originality on the international interior design scene.
The idyllic garden, or jnana in Arabic, was what initially attracted the Dutch art lawyer and cultural entrepreneur Gert-Jan van den Bergh and his wife, Corinne. Then there is the house – home to illustrious figures such as the Moroccan sociologist Paul Pascon – designed by the Tunisian architect Charles Boccara, who also designed the Royal Theatre in Marrakech. The recent renovation carried out by Nicolas Bodé – a disciple of Boccara – and Jacques van Nieuwerburgh aimed to bring together Moroccan heritage and contemporary aesthetics. Jnane Rumi is more than just a boutique hotel, it is a manifesto in the form of a cultural residence.
There are 11 suites in the main building, a splendid 11-metre swimming pool, as well as an annex with a private pool and garden for those seeking greater privacy. The interiors, designed by Portuguese-Dutch designer Mina Abouzahra, epitomise the vibrant heart of this improbable place, in a striking blend of local craftsmanship, vintage pieces and contemporary design. This is a delicate pastiche woven from a brilliant tapestry of eras, knowledge and talent.