Majestic Morocco

Inspired by the breath-taking Islamic style architecture of Grenada’s Moorish Alhambra, and the majestic Taj Mahal, Bin Ennakil has brought this serene beauty and transported it to Morocco. Julia Millen pays a visit

The story began when a couple, who were very much enamoured with Grenada’s Alhambra’s beauty, stumbled upon an original draft of the Alhambra’s master plans in a second-hand bookshop in London.

Enthused by their good fortune, they decided to create their own stunning palace on an 11 acre site on the outskirts of Marrakech, in a beautiful oasis, surrounded by orchards.
They enlisted 1,300 talented craftsmen and unbelievably managed to complete the property in three years - creating a faithful replica of the Alhambra Palace set in the heart of Marrakech’s palm grove - The Palmeraie.

As the years passed by and the exceptional plants in the garden matured, the palace merged into the vegetation, so seamlessly that one might think the Palace has been there for centuries. It perpetuates the richness and treasures of Moroccan craftsmanship, featuring Fez Zeliges, finely chiselled cedar wood ceilings, all patiently sculpted by hundreds of pairs of well skilled hands.

The garden was been created with the same loving care. It features a magnificent rose garden as well as palm tree paths bordering ornamental lakes and numerous marble fountains.

The inspiration of these Andalusian gardens can be found in the geometrical patterns ornamenting the paths, which separate the bamboo forest, the orange garden and the cactus garden, resulting in a multitude of different atmospheric spaces to relax and enjoy a true masterpiece in every sense.

www.kensingtonmorocco.com