Where are we?
Head north-east out of Marrakech, and you’ll find yourself in the Palmeraie – a lush district that evokes shades of Palm Springs, with its endless palms, manicured greenery, sprawling resorts, and, yes, golf courses. Tucked into the heart of this oasis, just a mere ten minutes from the city center, we arrive at Jnane Rumi. It’s not a hotel in the traditional sense, but rather a picture-perfect sanctuary designed for rest and retreat.
The story
The property has a rich and thoughtful history. Originally designed by Tunisian architect Charles Boccara, it was once home to Paul Pascon, one of Morocco’s most revered sociologists. When Dutch cultural entrepreneurs Gert and Corinne van den Bergh discovered the property, they were immediately drawn to both its architecture and history. They decided to restore the house, keeping its original character while infusing it with fresh energy.
A deeply personal project that celebrates Moroccan tradition with a subtle European touch, captured perfectly in the name: ‘Jnane,’ meaning garden in Arabic, and ‘Rumi,’ a nod to both the Sufi poet and the Arabic word for Roman.
The hotel
The property features eleven en-suite bedrooms, spread across the main house, three smaller pavilions, and a private annex complete with its own pool. Dutch-Moroccan designer Mina Abouzahra contributed to the interiors to feel natural and layered – vintage pieces collected over the years, local crafts, bold textiles, and classic bejmat tiles that tie everything together. It feels personal, never staged – each item is carefully selected, with purpose. There are two swimming pools, a hamam, massage room and expansive communal spaces where guests can gather for long lunches or slow afternoons.
But the garden is where the magic really happens. And it touches your heart, when walking through the trees in the golden Moroccan light (it’s quite early at around 5.30 pm). You’re instantly enveloped in a sense of calm, and it’s the kind of place where you could easily lose track of time.
It truly feels like hanging out at a friend’s house. We recommend making yourself a coffee and taking a walk around the property – don’t forget your camera. At one point, you’ll find yourself wandering between the pavilions, where you’ll suddenly realise just how stunning this place truly is.
For art lovers
What we adore most about Jnane Rumi is its deep commitment to art – not merely as decoration, but as part of the hotel’s very essence. The walls are adorned with works by various artists – photographs, paintings, and even pieces directly painted onto the walls. Moroccan Artist Samy Snoussi curated the art collection and contributed himself with a masterpiece fresco in the tearoom. Italian artist Roberto Ruspoli, whose works also adorn Soho House Paris, has created three lovely frescoes, while a large piece by French visual artist and designer Louis Barthélemy animates the living room.
The rooms
We’ll be honest: Usually, there’s one room that stands out as the favourite, but at Jnane Rumi, it’s hard to choose. If you’re someone who appreciates a stunning bathroom, book the Kimya Suite, where the bathroom ceilings remind you of a church. If you’d like to follow Gert’s personal recommendation, he’ll tell you the Shams Suite is his favourite, thanks to its traditional Berber ceiling and lovely view over the garden. But honestly, every room is distinctive and surprising in its own way. While the pavilions are a bit smaller in size, the rooms offer a lot of space.
Culinary
The kitchen, overseen by chef Karin Gaasterland (known from Marrakech icon El Fenn), focuses on simple, vegetable-led dishes with Moroccan and French influences. The real highlight for us is breakfast: a classic Moroccan spread with European touches – a combination that never fails. Guests can also enjoy lunch and dinner at the house, and if you get the chance, don’t miss a chat with Gert. He uses the Merlin Bird app to identify the birds you’ll hear in the mornings, during those quiet moments when the morning light is golden and the world feels still.
The owners
Since more than 30 years, Gert van den Bergh has a huge passion for music and the arts. Before his law degree at Columbia Law School he studied piano at the École Normale de Musique de Paris. Following both his heart and his head, Gert combined his two passions, and founded his own art-based law firm, Bergh Stoop & Sanders, in 2004, handling some of the world’s most high-profile art restitution cases.
Corinne is an established sculptor and body-oriented therapist with her own practice in Amsterdam. Corinne will use her experience and expertise to organise retreats and seminars at Jnane Rumi.
Combine with
Spend a week at Jnane Rumi, then head west to our dear member Villa Laba – owned and designed by Filippa Knutsson – in the south of Essaouira. Gert also recommends spending a couple of extra days at Villa Mabrouka in Tangiers. It’s the former home of Yves Saint-Laurent and Pierre Bergé, beautifully renovated and transformed into a hotel by architect Jasper Conran.
Prices
Rooms at Jnane Rumi start at 500€ per night.
Contact
Jnane Rumi
Rue Asasoussane Mejjat 2
Nakhil Nord Palmeraie
Marrakech
