Architectural Concept

AnaYela is a small, 300-year-old city palace in the heart of the Medina, the historic city of Marrakesh.

“Ana Yela” translates literally as “I am Yela” and the architecture tells the story of a girl called Yela who once lived in this house.

The restoration of the building took months and was carried out using only traditional Moroccan craftsmanship, for which Marrakesh is famous throughout the world. All of the work was carried out by hand, without the use of electric tools, by more than 100 artisans.

One of the most renowned calligraphers of Morocco, hammered the story in silver on the vast doors in chronological order through the house, like pages in a book. Every single piece of furniture, every lamp, all the decorations, even the tableware, were all designed by Bernd Kolb and Yannick Hervy, and finished individually by Moroccan artisans.

As a result the house as a whole is a spectacular piece of art in itself. Here all one’s senses are beguiled and inspirational energies and emotions are awoken and set free in this unique atmosphere.

Rooms

AnaYela consists of three rooms and two suites, providing accommodation for 10 guests. The first floor is air-conditioned. Due to the typical open plan design on the ground floor, air conditioning is not necessary, and it remains cool even in the hottest temperatures. Each room is individually decorated, and the suites also have brick-built baths for two.

Patio (inner courtyard)

Life in urban Moroccan houses centres round the roofless inner courtyard which is used as a living room under the open sky. Here it stays cool even in the heat of the summer, and it is practical thanks to an average of only 17 days’ rain a year. AnaYela has a heated swimming pool in the centre of the patio.

Lounge

The lounge offers a conference space for up to 10 people. It comes with wireless LAN (available throughout the building) and a high definition presentation screen making it ideal for holding workshops and seminars. During the winter months an open fire provides a cosy atmosphere.

Open-plan lounge

A large, open-plan lounge on the first floor provides space for seating and sleeping up to 20 people. Here guests may choose to eat, chat, or just relax. The internal façade opposite offers six 4m wall where a screen may be fixed for projecting films or presentations with an in-house projector which may be hired. During the winter the open-plan lounge is heated by infrared radiators and can therefore be used year-round.

Terrace with a real nomadic tent from the Sahara

The large terrace can hold events for up to 100 people (seated events up to 50, cocktail receptions up to 100 people). Thanks to its position on one of the tallest buildings in the old town, the views from the terrace across Marrakesh are spectacular, both by day and by night. In addition to the cocktail bar there is an authentic nomad tent with an open fire for barbecueing.

The Flying Carpet

The small tower on the terrace played an important role in the story of the AnaYela. On the ‘Flying Carpet’, one of the highest points in the city, lovers would meet. Breakfast or dinner with a fantastic panoramic view is an unforgettable experience. And those who know the magic words may fly on the Flying Carpet themselves over the roofs of the Red City.