The Search for the Perfect Retreat
Mark’s Insights from Marrakech
16 October 2025
When I first began searching for the perfect destination to host a Creative Experiences retreat, I’ll admit that Marrakech wasn’t at the top of my list. I’d never travelled to Africa before and, like many of our guests, I had a few quiet reservations unsure of what to expect, not only culturally but also societally.
Yet what I found was one of the most beautiful, welcoming, and inspiring cities I have ever visited. Morocco and Marrakech in particular completely changed my perspective. Let me share a few of the things that made it so special.
1. The Warmth of Moroccan Hospitality
After more than twenty years in the hospitality industry, I rarely find myself truly surprised anymore. But Marrakech was exceptional.
The warmth, generosity, and genuine care of the people I met was remarkable. Moroccans treat hospitality as a way of life, not as service, but as a heartfelt expression of respect and pride.
During my visit, I met Abdul, a licensed English-speaking guide who instantly put me at ease. His knowledge, humour, and kindness opened doors that I could never have found on my own. Through Abdul, I experienced not just the sights of Marrakech, but its heart, its rhythm, its stories, its authenticity.
Abdul (on the left) visiting Al Nour Association
2. Colour, Craft, and Culture
It’s no wonder artists have long fallen in love with Marrakech. Yves Saint Laurent once said, “This city taught me colour,” and I understood that the moment I arrived.
The Jardin Majorelle, with its electric blues and golden yellows, felt like standing inside a painting. Just beside it, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum was a revelation — light-filled galleries where design, texture, and imagination come alive.
Then came the souks, a labyrinth of colour and sound. The scent of cumin, the shimmer of brass lamps, the stalls overflowing with wool dyed in every imaginable hue all of it a living palette. I remember whispering to myself, “Our guests will love this.”
3. A Sanctuary in the Heart of the City
After the vibrant hum of the souks, stepping back into the Radisson Blu Marrakech, Carré Eden felt like exhaling.
This five-star hotel struck the perfect balance between energy and tranquillity; elegant, modern, and deeply comfortable. The overall comfort and service were what truly impressed me most: the beds were exceptionally comfortable, the spa facilities
luxurious, and every interaction with the staff was warm, genuine, and attentive.
Mornings began with an extensive breakfast buffet, a feast of fresh fruit, pastries, and Moroccan specialities. The perfect start before a day of exploring or stitching.
And then there were the meeting facilities: a spacious, light-filled studio that we’ve secured exclusively for our guests, opening directly onto an open-air courtyard lined with cabanas. It’s a calm, inspiring space for stitching and crafting. A rare retreat of light and serenity right in the heart of the city.
4. The Art of Effortless Travel
Before travelling, I’ll be honest. I had my doubts about how easy it would be to get around. I pictured narrow roads, confusing systems, maybe a little chaos. And yes, Marrakech is still a little chaotic but that’s part of what makes it so captivating. It reminds you instantly that you’re not in Europe anymore.
The rhythm of the city is different here: scooters weave past horse-drawn carriages, the air hums with movement, and every street feels alive with energy. Yet beneath that vibrant pulse, everything works.
The airport was clean and modern, the transfers smooth, and the service at every step professional and welcoming. I was genuinely taken aback by how seamlessly everything came together.
For anyone travelling with us, every detail is handled, from airport transfers to luggage and logistics. So you can simply enjoy the experience. The contrast between the city’s colourful buzz and the calm of our hotel is part of what makes Marrakech so unforgettable.
5. Space to Dream, Create, and Be Inspired
As I sat on the terrace one evening, a call to prayer echoed softly across the rooftops. The air was warm, still, and golden ... and I realised I had found exactly what I’d been searching for: a place that invites you to slow down, to notice, to create.
Marrakech offers an energy that fuels creativity while still giving you room to breathe. Whether you’re journaling under a palm tree, stitching in the morning light, or sharing laughter over mint tea, this city has a way of drawing out the very best in you.
If you’ve never been to Marrakech before, you absolutely should whether with us or on your own. It’s a destination that surprises, inspires, and stays with you long after you’ve left.