Luxury Retreats with Locals
Wellness & Design Retreats
What we do
Discover Marrakech Through Local Eyes
Design Your Retreat
With Us
What We’re Not
We’re not tour guides or travel agents. We don’t believe in rushing through cities or offering generic itineraries. Instead, we focus on thoughtful, curated experiences that reflect the real Morocco – a place of depth, tradition, and inspiration.
What We Offer
Retreat Expertise
Specialising in interior design and wellbeing retreats, we help you create seamless, transformative journeys for your guests.
Local Knowledge, Honest Advice
With deep roots in Marrakech and a Western perspective, we’ll guide you to the hidden gems and experiences that matter most.
Curated Collaborations
From boutique properties to expert artisans and trusted guides, we work with Morocco’s best to bring your retreat vision to life.











A Journey of Connection
Whether you’re seeking inspiration from Morocco’s vibrant design heritage or immersing in its serene wellness traditions, we are here to guide you with care and intention. Let us help you slow down, look deeper, and uncover the magic of Morocco in a way that feels truly your own.
Discover Morocco With Us
Marrakech Retreats is your partner in creating something extraordinary – for your guests, your vision, and yourself.



The Team

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
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
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.

Selena Garefino
Retreat Leader
Selena Garefino
Retreat Leader
Selena is a renowned Master Teacher of Yoga and Meditation, dedicated to delivering transformative wellness experiences that inspire personal growth, creativity, and inner harmony. With extensive experience leading global retreats, she masterfully blends cultural exploration with yoga, breathwork, and meditation practices, guiding individuals toward clarity, balance, and renewed purpose. As a Leadership Coach and Mentor, Selena empowers others to unlock their potential. Her academic foundation is complemented by years of experience guiding individuals towards personal growth. With extensive training in psychology, holistic therapies, and personal development methodologies, she has earned certifications in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Hypnosis, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) coaching which she applies to her clients. Her work fosters deep self-discovery, empowering participants to reconnect with their authentic selves and embrace a life of intention and well-being. Selena’s thoughtfully curated retreats—designed in collaboration with Riad Botanica—seamlessly blend cultural exploration with self-discovery, fostering spaces for joyful, intentional living and concious travel.