For Sydney based creative Dan Codyre, and partner Vincent Vianez, Marrakech holds a unique magic. Vinnie grew up in Paris, and spent childhood summers with his Moroccan extended family, whilst Dan fell for the Ochre City on solo travels there. From the souks and local artisans, to the vibrant food scene, on a backdrop of the Atlas Mountains, Dan and Vinnie love that Marrakech is a city with so much on offer. They’re excited to be back later this summer to celebrate their wedding with their friends and family and are sharing their top tips for their favourite city.
Stay
Riad Mena
Riad Mena is a serene and spacious 700sq m Riad situated in the heart of the Medina, just seven minutes walk through picturesque alleyways to Marrakech´s main-square, the Jemaa el Fna. Initially conceived as a private home, the personal touches throughout have created a wonderfully unique hotel experience in Marrakech. With seven spacious bedroom suites, contemporary bathrooms by Philip Starck, an 8m pool and multiple plant filled courtyards, Riad Mena makes for a private and very memorable stay.
And beyond…
Just thirty minutes away towards the Agafay desert is Berber Lodge, a countryside haven. Opened in 2017 by Romain Michel Meniere – friend of the house and the interior designer behind Riad Mena – its ten adobe style lodges nestled amongst centenary olive trees make for the perfect countryside escape.
At SAKKAN, they believe a hotel should be more than just a place to stay—it should feel like home. Rooted in the meaning of “home” itself, SAKKAN is designed to be a sanctuary where you can unwind, be your true self, and savor life’s simple pleasures enriched by art, music and culture all while being cared for by a team known for their warmth and professionalism.
IZZA is Marrakech’s new luxury art and design hotel, offering a unique experience to live amongst an extraordinary collection of Contemporary and Digital Art within the Museum in The Medina (MITM). With over 300 curated artworks, including one of the world’s most significant exhibitions of printed NFTs, art permeates every guest room and public space. IZZA’s multiple outdoor spaces are perfect to relax in, from the two pools to the sprawling rooftop terrace, adorned with ancient vines and fragrant with rose-filled terracotta, cactus, and lemon trees. Bill’s Bar at IZZA is named after the legendary socialite and interior designer Bill Willis and transforms from vibrant by day to decadent by night, celebrating the magnetic charm and hedonistic spirit of Marrakech’s golden era.
Must do! Moroccan cuisine by empowered women. In Morocco, the kitchen is usually a secret, hidden place, which is the territory of the DADAS. The Dadas are “The Guardians of Moroccan Cuisine” and are wise and skilled in the art of Moroccan cooking, playing a pivotal role in preserving the country’s cultural narrative. They are the living embodiment of tradition, heritage, and timeless flavors that have enriched Moroccan culinary traditions for generations.
It is with this intention of sharing and transmission that guests are welcomed at SAHBI SAHBI.
Nomad is a modern Moroccan restaurant with a strong focus on local, fresh seasonal ingredients, offering revisions of traditional cuisine and international dishes with a Moroccan twist. It’s also a right of passage for any visitor to Marrakech, a long-standing large eatery looking our over the Marrakech medina.
+61 is a dining experience that captures the relaxed, generous spirit of the Australian lifestyle. The menu reflects Australia’s cultural diversity, blending Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian flavors, with dishes crafted from high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. In the serene, open dining room—designed by the owners and featuring handmade ceramics and furniture by local artisans—guests can enjoy house-made bread, pasta, cheese, and yogurt all sourced locally. It’s the perfect escape from the city’s bustle, where friends can unwind over cocktails, shared plates, and a bottle of wine.
A great escape from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, spend the day or stay a few nights in the desert looking out to the Atlas mountains at Scarabeo camp. Set in Agafay, a mineral land with a lunar landscape, the white glamping tents stand out from the mountains in this truly unique and memorable landscape. While there you can choose from an array of activities from relaxing by the pool soaking up the view, getting a massage, riding a camel, hiking or exploring on the 4×4’s, there’s truly an experience for everyone.
The Musée Yves Saint Laurent and Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech offer a captivating blend of fashion, art, and nature. At the Musée YSL, explore the legacy of one of fashion’s greatest designers, with iconic pieces, sketches, and exhibitions that celebrate Yves Saint Laurent’s enduring influence. Just steps away, Jardin Majorelle is a lush oasis of vibrant blue buildings, exotic plants, and serene water features, originally designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle and later restored by Saint Laurent himself.
The Royal Mansour is known as the number one hotel in Marrakech and has an incredible pool area and spa. If you’re not splashing out to stay there, they offer day passes to relax by the pool which you can use in between booking the onsite Hammam and spa treatments.
