A Guide to the Most Beautiful Gardens in Marrakech

Nestled behind high walls, these sprawling gardens may just be the highlight of La Mamounia, Marrakech’s finest old hotel. Soaring palm trees, low lying cactus, jacaranda trees and even olive trees fill the surroundings. If staying at La Mamounia, it’s worth spending extra for a garden view. For travellers staying off-site, drinks at the Italian restaurant under the soaring palms, or coffee at the pavilion where orange and citrus trees are perfectly aligned, provide a great opportunity to witness these iconic gardens. The gardens are open daily unless there is a private event at the hotel, not uncommon during high season in Marrakech.

Located 27km (17mi) from Marrakech and accessible via a free shuttle bus, Anima Gardens has long aspired to be ranked among the most beautiful and imaginative gardens in the world. Designed by André Heller, the 2ha (5 acres) garden acts as an art gallery featuring painting and photography exhibitions as well as one-of-a-kind installations from around the world.

Stepping into the Harti Gardens in the centre of Gueliz, it’s hard to believe that you are just steps from one of the most bustling plazas of Marrakech. Children run free, men and women wander freely while gardeners maintain palm and citrus trees.

Perhaps the most iconic gardens in Marrakech, the Majorelle Gardens receive busloads of visitors each day who flock to the former home and current resting place of Yves Saint Laurent. Originally owned by painter Jacques Majorelle, the gardens were abandoned before Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé purchased the land and revitalized the gardens. Today, visitors can walk among the plants from five continents and admire the art-deco Majorelle blue home while listening to the splashing of the fountains.

Located about 30 minutes from Marrakech, a visit to Nectarome Gardens provides a rich sensory experience. Upon arrival, guests are invited to enjoy a tisane (herbal tea) under a pergola. Choose from a range of teas including those to help with sleep patterns and even digestive problems). Post tea, wander through the aromatic gardens filled with rosemary, lavender and verbena, the Atlas Mountains hovering in the background. Herbs including sage, thyme, marjoram and citronella are distilled on-site for their range of beauty products including body washes, soaps and lotions.

Privately owned, Le Jardin Secret on Rue Mouassine in the heart of the Marrakech medina is a fine example of Islamic gardens and their cultural importance. Standing on the rooftop terrace or from the watchtower, visitors can witness first-hand the strict geometric rules applied to the quadripartite Islamic gardens. The home was previously occupied by Al-Hajj Muhammad Loukrissi who lived in the residence with his three wives and many children until his death in 1934. Following his death, the building fell into a state of despair until the garden was purchased with renovations beginning in 2008.