The search for the perfect retreat – Mark’s (owner of Creative Experiences) insights of Marrakech
Morocco is Africa’s most visited country
Why, would you say?
Let us explain five things Mark discovered along the way and why Marrakech is one-of-a-kind destination
1. Hospitality
Mark had the chance to travel to Marrakech earlier this year, and what he mentioned most afterwards was just how genuinely amaz
ing the hospitality was.
After more than 20 years in the hospitality industry, it’s rare to feel that spark again, to be truly surprised but Morocco, especially Marrakech, was, as Mark said, “exceptional.”
Moroccans are proud of how they welcome guests. Hospitality here isn’t just politeness, it’s a value that’s been part of Moroccan life for centuries. It’s heartfelt and sincere, so natural that not showing it would almost seem impolite.
Wanting future guests to experience that same authenticity while still feeling comfortable, Mark reached out to Abdul, a licensed English-speaking guide from Marrakech. Because Abdul helps travellers connect with local culture in a respectful and effortless way, opening doors to experiences that go far beyond sightseeing.
Abdul (on the left) visiting Al Nour Association
2. Colour, Craft, and Culture
The Ochre City is home to a rich and exceptional heritage, an artist’s dream.
As Yves Saint Laurent once said of Marrakech, “This city taught me colour. I embraced its light, its bold contrasts, and its passionate inventions.”
And as painter Eugène Delacroix wrote, “Picturesque beauty abounds here. At every step, there are ready-made paintings that could bring fortune and fame to twenty generations of artists.”
Indeed, Marrakech is overflowing with beauty. Choosing which ones to include in the retreat was not an easy task.
The Jardin Majorelle: When crafting the perfect retreat, one of the first places that came to mind was this legendary garden. The vibrant blues, yellows, red the exotic plants, the quiet calm. Standing there in person, he felt the same creative pulse that inspired generations of artists.
The Yves Saint Laurent Museum: Right beside the Jardin Majorelle stands the museum draws you in with its terracotta colours and light-filled spaces. As Mark walked through the exhibits, sketches and fabrics, he understood why Marrakech had shaped Saint Laurent’s imagination.
A Stop in the Souks: Later, Abdul guided Mark through the winding alleys of the souks. The air smelled of cumin and rose petals; sunlight flickered through wooden slats. Mark paused beside a stall overflowing with dyed wool and whispered, “We have to bring our guests here.”
3. The Silence and Peace of the Riad
After the swirl of colour and sound in the souks, Mark returned to his hotel in the Radisson Blu Marrakech, Carré Eden and found a different kind of beauty.
The buzz of the souk softened as soon as he stepped inside.
He sank into one of the terrace chairs, letting the quiet surround him. This, is the balance I’ve been looking for. A place where guests could rest and recharge without ever feeling disconnected from the rhythm of the city.
The Radisson Blu wasn’t just accommodation it was part of the story: a bridge between the excitement of discovery and the calm needed to create.
4. The Art of Effortless Travel
Luggage handled, transfers smooth, every detail quietly in place. From the airport to the hotel, everything in Marrakech
worked more easily than expected. The roads were modern, the service professional, and the warmth genuine.
That’s what Creative Experiences strives for giving guests the freedom to relax completely, knowing everything is cared for behind the scenes.
5. Space to Dream, Create, and Be Inspired
Somewhere in the distance, a call to prayer echoed across the rooftops.
The city has a rhythm that draws creativity out of you. Whether journaling under palm trees, sketching in a park, or sharing stories over mint tea, you can’t help but slow down, breathe, and feel present.