Yves Saint Laurent spent plenty of time in—and drew inspiration from—Marrakech. Now, you’ll be able to discover the late fashion designer’s old haunts for yourself.
Luxury travel operator Red Savannah just launched a new itinerary that lets you explore the corners of the city through the lens of Laurent. The curated experience is the latest iteration of the company’s “In the Footsteps” series, which kicked off in 2023 with a Coco Chanel-inspired getaway to France. The trip will span three nights and take visitors to the places YSL used to frequent—including the Jardin Majorelle, also known as the Yves Saint Laurent garden.
On the first day, you’ll arrive at Riad Farnatchi, a boutique luxury hotel that will serve as the home base throughout the journey. That night, you’ll be transported to the famous La Mamounia for dinner and drinks. Interestingly, when Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé first arrived in Marrakech, they chose to spend time here before buying a home. The circa 1920s hotel has also hosted everyone from Winston Churchill to Alfred Hitchcock to even Anna Sorokin.
Image courtesy of Red Savannah
The next day, embark on a sidecar excursion through the Red City and zip past the historic medina and flea market where YSL used to wander and source vintage furniture and objets. The final stop before lunch is the Art Deco villa in the Palmeraie, then it’s off to La Trattoria, a restaurant designed by Bill Willis—the same designer who worked on Saint Laurent’s former home, Villa Oasis.
That afternoon, you’ll be free to stroll the grounds of Majorelle Garden, which attracts some 700,000 visitors every year. The day wraps with visits to the Yves Saint Laurent Museum and the Berber Museum. Here, you’ll find everything from sketches and photographs to couture pieces and accessories.
Image courtesy of Red Savannah
Day three begins with a fragrance workshop at Benchaâbane’s perfumery, where you’ll be able to craft your own bespoke scent. When Saint Laurent and Bergé acquired Majorelle Garden, they tapped the company’s founder, Moroccan botanist Abderrazzak Benchaâbane, to help with the restoration. Then, in 2001, the designer had the famed perfumer create a limited-edition fragrance inspired by the iconic garden. The afternoon concludes with a trip to Jemaa el-Fnaa Square and souk markets.
The price of the trip is US$2,942 (HK$22,980) per person, based on two adults sharing a room. The rate includes daily breakfast, accommodations, VIP fast track on arrival and departure, private transfers, and entrance to the previously mentioned sites. Of course, there are extras travellers can add on, including an optional food tour and a one-hour private tour of Villa Oasis. Just ask yourself: What would Saint Laurent do?
