In Arabic a garden is often referred to as “Raudiyah.” An islamic garden often reflects the essence of creation, with all the elements that “lead to a flowering of the human spirit.”
“ a garden is a place for contemplation, peace, serenity… a place to educate the soul, until it transforms into perfection…”
(quote, source unkown)
On my walk in the Hivernage, along the side streets, I peeked into many small private gardens that made my heart sing. The views lifted my spirit, abundant blooming plants surrounding a fountain has a great sensuality. The fountains elevate a garden.
The abundance of plants in the gardens at Hivernage created for the enjoyment of the residents, was as if, I shared this private paradise for a moment.
This paradise is just a short taxi ride away from Gueliz, along Avenue Mohammed VI. Part of the “New” city, the Hivernage district of Marrakesh is the upscale New town, that borders Menara Gardens and the ancient Menara Pavillion and lake. Newer wide boulevards lined with high olive trees, lead to a mixed living, shopping, government offices, district. You will find grand old villas next to modern and older apartment buildings with a distinct elegant upscale architecture.
Larger hotels, Le Meridien, or Sofitel, are surrounded by park like gardens, set back from the large boulevards. The feel is more modern, international “Hotel style”, lacking the Moroccan flavor.
As I continued, I found interesting low-rise apartment buildings, well manicured rose gardens, patios with furniture to relax under tall palm trees.
Abundant red Bougainvilleas were growing along balconies, graceful fountains in private back yard gardens sprayed water drops into the air. These gardens formed a secluded refuge for residents. It looked very seductive. This was the local flavor I was looking for.
On the West side, Hivernage is framed by the well-known Menara Gardens, with its pavilion or “Menzeh” and the lake surrounded by olive trees.
While the area reflects traces of former Grandeur, it can be disappointing to see such an important monument neglected. While the “garden” has stunning views of the Atlas mountain range, it is not really a “garden”. Several rows of olive tall trees, walkways with some smaller shrubs lack the gracefullness of a garden.
Menara Menzeh with snow capped Atlas mountains
Legends and stories about the Pavilion , or Menzeh, built in the 16th century, recount a heroic past. Yet, there is an unease tinged with nostalgia, it feels sad, that this building has been forgotten in time.
After the plazas, the busy places, shops and avenues of Gueliz, a walk in Hivernage feels more authenticly Moroccan. The elegant architecture suggests a rich past. Modern buildings are integrated into a coherent street scape.
Stay longer in Hivernage, and experience one of the smaller boutique hotels, the Secret Suites & Gardens on El Houssina Street, or the larger Hivernage Hotel & SPA. Find your haven of tranquility after your days in the Medina or city life.
While Gueliz is the busy city center with a historical past, Hivernage is a more secluded part of the “New City”. It offers a refuge for visitors with its changing landscape, its gardens, the hotels at the center of park like surroundings. Discover local gardens, historic Menara Gardens and its surrounding lake. In front of the modern Menara Mall, large French style cafés invite shoppers to stop for coffee and french pastries. As you stroll along the wide boulevards, turn into smaller side streets, you discover more unique architecture.
Hivernage can be your home away from home in Marrakesh. It offers many comforts in a stylish ambiance.
Tucked away behind iron gates, you may find a luxurious haven of peace and serenity in the modern city.
May be, just may be… your secluded spot in Hivernage becomes a place to educate your soul.
more information: infostourismemaroc.com,
photo credit: Jasmin B., others photographer unkown,
hotels: Secret Suites & Garden Hivernage,