Introducing Riad Botanica, Marrakech’s Garden for the Soul

MG Relations is delighted to announce its newest client, Riad Botanica, a five-suite sanctuary in the heart of Marrakech’s Medina. Owned by Australian and Moroccan couple Angela and Mohamed Mellak, Riad Botanica is a labour of love and a fusion of cultures.

Having undergone meticulous renovations from the ground up, the historic 10th-century Riad is now a space that ignites the senses with traditional Moroccan craftsmanship and Australian style. Complete with a rooftop terrace, courtyard, and pool, and defined by its iconic Moroccan and Australian art deco design, Riad Botanica can be hired exclusively for up to twelve guests, or suites can be booked individually, making it the perfect place to retreat from the city buzz of Marrakech and soak up Moroccan hospitality and culture.

A fusion of two cultures
The idea for Riad Botanica was born over a decade ago when adventure-loving Angela travelled from her home in Melbourne to Morocco and fell in love with the country, the culture, and a man she met by chance in the souks of Marrakech. A decade on, Angela’s dream has been realised, and she has created a tranquil space that, through its design, cuisine, and experiences, seamlessly blends East and West, modern and traditional, and celebrates the power of nature. Having opened in early 2023, Riad Botanica is nestled in the back streets of the historic 10th-century Medina: Bab Doukkala is a coveted location in this busy city close to all the attractions and nestled behind the walled Medina. Riad Botanica is an oasis away from the bustle for which Marrakech is renowned.

A design-led restoration
With careful consideration for the traditional craftsmanship of the local artisans, the team has transformed the Riad from its original nine-room aristocratic residence to now offering four spacious guest suites as well as a two-bedroom apartment, which is perfect for families. The love of Art Deco design became the meeting point, fusing Moroccan craftsmanship with Australian design flair, demonstrated nowhere better than through the hand-printed 1930s Florence Broadhurst wallpapers (from Sydney) depicting birds and nature in bright colours, which are complemented by modern Australian features, fixtures, and furnishings. These elements combine perfectly with the traditional Moroccan nature-inspired, warm woods, brass details, marble and stones in vibrant colours and textures of tadelakt and luxury zelige tile work with Islamic geometric plaster patterns.

The new suites have been designed with spacious Australian proportions, featuring king and super king beds, with vast ensuite bathrooms, expansive showers and marble floating vanities. The suites feature many popular Australian interior design brands with bright pinks, deep blues, and jade greens that complement the original features of each suite perfectly, including cedar windows, traditional metalwork, and hand-carved, double-arched wooden doors showcasing brass furnishings and shutters. Each suite has been curated with a colour palette unique to its theme, all of which centre on the healing properties of plants and the beauty of their flowers: Orange Blossom, Rose Beldi, Nigella, Pomegranate, and Zahara (Blossoming Flower).

An intimate space to call home
The private dining room is the perfect solution for an intimate dining experience, or for a remote working session. For a total switch-off, guests can relax in the courtyard either by dipping in the crystal clear pool, star gazing under the orange tree on the day beds, or nestling down on the fluffy hand-quilted Beni ourain cushions in the courtyard, accompanied by the bird song and chill tunes. The courtyard space can be used for a spot of yoga, retreat workshops, or even a creative photoshoot.

Upstairs on the terrace daybeds, guests can soak up the sun, and indulge in a two-course lunch or three-course dinner under the shade of the pergola. In the early evening, guests can enjoy a non-alcoholic sunset drink from the curious cabinet behind the beautiful art deco green marble bar overlooking the Bab Doukkala minaret, enjoying the views of the sun-kissed rooftops of Marrakech.

Peaceful location in a bustling city
Dating back to the 10th Century, Riad Botanica is located within Bab Doukkala, named after the ancient northwest gate of the walled Medina, the oldest part of the city in Marrakech. Being a car-free space, the Medina is an oasis amongst the bustling city, with Riad Botanica one of its hidden gems. A short drive from the airport and ideally located for those looking to soak up the top attractions within a few minutes walk, the Riad is just steps away from Jasper Conrad’s L’Hotel, as well as El Fenn, owned by Vanessa Branson, with Marrakech hotspots such as Bacha Coffee and Le Jardin Secret nearby.

Traditional cuisine
The Riad Botanica owners are foodies at heart, having worked in and around hospitality with some of the best chefs from the UK and Australia, and as such the focus is always on fresh, healthy, seasonal, organic and locally grown produce. The day begins with only the best traditional full Moroccan Breakfasts on the roof terrace: guests break the fast with freshly brewed Arabica coffee or tea, homemade breads, pancakes and pastries enjoyed with Amlou and a little Australian influence with the classic Melbourne Breakfast. For lunch or dinner, the team stays true to traditional Moroccan cuisine, with delicious tagines, couscous and tangia on offer.

Immersive Moroccan experiences
All guests are personally hosted throughout their stay, and no feat is too high for the Riad Botanica team, who provide everything from seamless arrival to the top tips of places to visit, see and eat. The team can help organise historic walking tours, shopping guides in the souks, and even host in-Riad cooking classes.

One of the most popular experiences on offer at Riad Botanica is inspired by Morocco’s ancient storytelling tradition: an intimate culinary and cultural event where guests can enjoy a meal whilst listening to a local Marrakech storyteller. The storyteller’s events are hosted either on the roof terrace or courtyard, encouraging guests to enjoy Morocco’s rich culture and cuisine from the luxury of the Riad.

Of her passion project, Angela says “The literal translation of Riad is ‘garden’, and I believe that a Riad is a perfect example of not only a physical space that faces inward but an emotional one too. Our Riad is centred around the Orange Tree that’s rooted centrally in the courtyard and fills the Riad with an enchanting energy. My aim with Riad Botanica was to reignite the senses as soon as guests set foot inside and to create a tranquil space for those who wish to slow down, look within, and reconnect to themselves whilst reinvigorating their spirit.

“As soon as guests step foot into the Riad, their senses are sparked with the scent of Orange Blossom and in the courtyard, they are greeted with a 30-metre-high impression of the Bab Agnaou gate. The gate dates back to 1188 AD when the first walls of the city were constructed. The arch is not only an ode to the skill of the artisans of Marrakech, but symbolises a gateway, as guests pass through the Riad into a space of rediscovery and renewal.”

Riad Botanica is a haven of pure luxury and serenity, passionate about showcasing Moroccan heritage, culture and hospitality while immersing guests in the beauty and elegance of Australian design, embracing nature hidden within one of the world’s most famous Medinas.

Nightly rates at Riad Botanica start from 200 euros for 2 people on a B&B basis. For more information and to book, please visit https://riadbotanica.com/.

-BreakingTravelNews