A historic riad, reimagined for a new GOLDEN AGE.
THE HISTORY
Before its restoration, the property had served as a small boutique hotel within the historic medina of Marrakech. When it was acquired, much of its story had been lost to time; what remained was a beautiful ruin, weathered by age yet still rich with character. Two soaring palm trees rose through the courtyard, surrounded by a rhythm of arches that gave the house its unmistakable charm. The traditional riad layout was still clearly visible, from the kitchen tucked discreetly at the rear to the original hammam room and the inward-facing spaces arranged around the central patio. Even in its unrestored state, the architecture carried a sense of grace and history. The bones of the house were too compelling to ignore.
It was only after the acquisition that another piece of the story surfaced: the former hotel had been known as Riad Osefina. The discovery felt remarkably serendipitous, given our founder’s long-standing creative affinity with Josephine Baker, whose glamour, individuality and cultural influence have inspired other creative ventures. The subtle echo between Osefina and Josephine made the connection feel almost uncanny. That coincidence added another layer of meaning to the restoration and to the Jazz Age influences that would eventually shape the concept.
The name Queenie, meanwhile, began closer to home: a longtime nickname given to the founder by her husband. Personal, playful and imbued with a certain regal spirit, it became a fitting name for the house and the world taking shape within it. Rather than beginning with a blank slate, Riad Queenie emerged as the next chapter of a historic place that had already welcomed guests before.
THE CONCEPT
The concept for Riad Queenie, developed by design agency New Yorkaise, is rooted in the glamour of the Jazz Age, the expressive freedom of Josephine Baker, and the graphic confidence of Art Deco, all reinterpreted through a contemporary Marrakech lens. Rather than recreating the 1920s literally, the design captures its attitude: bold, sensual, rhythmic and unapologetically elegant. That glamour is softened by bohemian modernism, allowing sculptural furniture, collected objects and Moroccan craftsmanship to coexist with sharper Deco geometry. Warm beige tadelakt wraps the riad in a soft, luminous backdrop, allowing the architecture to shift subtly with the changing light. Against it, shades of mint, jade, teal and deep emerald appear like jewels, echoing the palm trees so closely associated with Marrakech. Black iron brings structure, while gilded brass adds moments of brilliance, almost like jewelry against fabric.
Lighting plays a particularly cinematic role throughout the house. Sculptural Art Deco chandeliers punctuate the spaces, including a dramatic palmette-inspired fixture that transforms a traditional decorative motif into something theatrical and modern. Velvet, marble, zellige, carved plaster and embroidered textiles introduce layers of texture, while soft pinks and occasional animal prints keep the palette playful rather than precious. Vintage-inspired artwork and Jazz Age references are woven throughout the interiors like accessories completing a look. Each room has its own silhouette and personality, yet every space belongs unmistakably to the same visual world. The result is Art Deco glamour with a relaxed Moroccan soul.
THE TRANSFORMATION
Transforming Riad Queenie required far more than a cosmetic renovation. The age and condition of the structure meant that much of the property had to be rebuilt from the ground up, while preserving the architectural language that made the original riad so compelling. The defining arches became the thread connecting old and new, reappearing throughout doors, windows, passageways, niches and courtyard openings. Their repetition gives the house continuity and rhythm, even where the architecture has been completely renewed. At the center of the patio, a heated pool introduces a new sense of indulgence while preserving the courtyard as the heart of the house. Above it, a retractable roof allows the space to remain open to the Marrakech sky while adapting gracefully to changing weather.
The rooftop was transformed with the same emphasis on creating memorable moments rather than simply additional square footage. A playful tiki bar brings a touch of escapism, while a dedicated sundeck creates views to follow the changing light across the city. A jacuzzi offers a more relaxed retreat, and a Beldi-inspired lounge tent introduces the softness and informality of traditional Moroccan rooftop living. Nearby, a fire-pit lounge creates a natural gathering place for cooler evenings, conversation and drinks beneath the stars. Every space was designed to invite a different way of experiencing the house: to swim, gather, retreat, celebrate or simply linger. The transformation of Riad Queenie is ultimately a dialogue between the memory of the original riad and a new, more expressive way of living within it.
The Promise
Thoughtful Hospitality
Warm, intuitive service, with thoughtful attention that feels personal, gracious and present without ever becoming intrusive.
Comfort, Considered
Every detail is designed around ease—from restful rooms and inviting shared spaces to the little things that make a stay feel effortless.
Marrakech, Authentically
A stay rooted in the spirit of the city, with thoughtful recommendations and experiences that reveal Marrakech beyond the expected.