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A Luxury Retreat

Marrakech Design Discovery

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What we do

Discover Marrakech Through Local Eyes

Interior Design & Styling, Immerse yourself in a world where art meets luxury

Creative & Artistic hone your skills with guidance & workshops

Sourcing & Shopping indulge in the vibrant experiences that Marrakech is famous for.

Gastronomy & Cooking Savour the flavours - where culinary arts blend with cultural richness

Pampering & Cultural rejuvenate the soul with exquisite activities

This is your invitation to join Angela Mellak, the visionary entrepreneur behind Riad Botanica a seasoned Marketing and Business Strategist, alongside Claire Cau-Cecile, interior designer and stylist who was the creative founder and genius of the renowned Life Instyle trade show, for a 7-day Design Discovery retreat in Marrakech, Morocco, from October 15th, 2025.

This is our only event of the year—a unique opportunity to experience the magic of Marrakech in the most luxurious and creative setting. Indulge in creativity, luxury, and the magic of Marrakech. Reserve your spot today.

The Retreat

Immerse Yourself in Marrakech’s Creative Essence

Marrakech, a vibrant hub of creativity, has long been a muse for the world’s most celebrated artists, designers, and creatives. This exclusive luxury retreat invites you to explore the city’s rich cultural tapestry through the eyes of Angela Mellak, who has over a decade of experience living and working in Marrakech. Angela, in partnership with Claire Cau-Cecile—an acclaimed interior designer with an impressive portfolio including luxury super yachts, high-end home renovations, and commercial properties—will take you off the beaten path to uncover the city’s hidden artistic gems.

A Journey of Inspiration and Creativity.

Our seven-day retreat is meticulously curated to ignite your creativity and elevate your design vision. Unlike other experiences, we go beyond the souks and retailers, taking you directly to the studios and workshops of Marrakech’s most talented artisans. You’ll engage in hands-on workshops, source bespoke items directly from these local creators, and immerse yourself in the latest trends in interior design. Each day offers a new focus, whether it’s refining your styling skills, discovering your artistic talents, or simply indulging in the luxurious surroundings.

Unmatched Expertise and Design Excellence

Angela’s deep connection to Marrakech, along with her hands-on experience and network in renovating, briefing, negotiating, and collaborating with local artisans and craftsmen, ensures an authentic and insightful experience. Complementing this, Claire’s extensive background in high-end design projects brings an added layer of sophistication. Claire was instrumental in shaping the design elements of Riad Botanica, blending her passion for Australian design with the rich cultural influences of Marrakech. Where the two created a space where East meets West in perfect luxurious harmony - Riad Botanica.

A Curated Creative Experience

Every detail of this retreat is designed with intention, from the intimate group size to the inspired setting of Riad Botanica. You’ll enjoy gourmet meals, cocktail hours, and the opportunity to immerse yourself in creativity and luxury, all while connecting with like-minded individuals.

Leave Inspired and Connected

By the end of this transformative week, you’ll take home a wealth of inspiration for your home or business, an actionable plan for styling or sourcing new products, and new connections with fellow creatives. Plus, you’ll have the chance to work with talented Australian artists during exclusive workshops, tapping into their unique skills and perspectives.

The Team

Angela Mellak

Angela Mellak

Founder of Riad Botanica, Hello Ex Animo

Angela Mellak
Founder of Riad Botanica, Hello Ex Animo

Angela is the visionary founder behind Riad Botanica, Hello Ex Animo and Digital Women's Network with over two decades of global experience in marketing and brand building Angela fuses her passion for design, hospitality, and exceptional customer experiences into running events and retreats. Angela has launched and led multiple successful ventures around the globe. She is also a prominent advocate for women in business, regularly contributing her insights as a speaker and mentor food lover and loves being a mother, travelling, cooking Moroccan cuisine, and hosting retreats.

Claire Cau-Cecile

Claire Cau-Cecile

Creative Director & Luxury Design Expert

Claire Cau-Cecile
Creative Director & Luxury Design Expert

With over two decades of experience in the design and luxury lifestyle industries, Claire Cau-Cecile is renowned for her exceptional creative sourcing skills and meticulous eye for detail. As the co-founder of Life Instyle, she set a new standard in curating high-quality events. Her expertise has since expanded to large-scale commercial fit-outs and global luxury interior design projects, including super yachts, luxury homes, retreats, and luxury riads in Marrakech. In 2025, Claire will co-host the Design Discovery Marrakech luxury retreat, where she will share her deep industry knowledge and passion for authentic design. This exclusive event offers a unique opportunity to explore Marrakech’s rich design culture under Claire's expert guidance.

Mohamed Mellak

Mohamed Mellak

Buyers Advocate & Riad Operator

Mohamed Mellak
Buyers Advocate & Riad Operator

Mohamed is a proud native Moroccan and a vital part of the Marrakech Retreats team. Currently acting as a buyer's advocate in Marrakech and overseeing the day-to-day operations of Riad Botanica and other properties, Mohamed brings a wealth of experience and a personal touch to everything he does. With a background in real estate spanning Melbourne’s inner city suburbs for close to a decade and earlier experience in Marrakech, he has honed not only his expertise but also his exceptional language and negotiating skills. These abilities, combined with his deep local knowledge, interpersonal skills enable him to source the best properties and create truly authentic experiences for guests. Mohamed’s close relationships with artisans and builders help bring unique, beautifully crafted items to life in the Riads he manages. He is passionate about sharing the hidden gems of Marrakech with visitors and is excited to work alongside Claire and Angela to offer retreats that are authentic, enriching, and unmatched.

Contact us

Don’t Miss Out

This is our only event of the year—a unique opportunity to experience the magic of Marrakech in the most luxurious and creative setting. We’ll handle every detail, so you can focus on enjoying the journey and being pampered in style. Indulge in creativity, luxury, and the magic of Marrakech. Reserve your spot today.

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