Luxury Retreats with Locals
Luxury Wellness
& Lifestyle Retreats
What we do
Discover Marrakech Through Local Eyes
Developing Retreats
What We’re Not
We’re not tour guides or travel agents. We are local curators and here to help. 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.



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.

Annika Glac
Gita Yoga Teacher, Holistic Guide & Fiilm Director
Annika Glac
Gita Yoga Teacher, Holistic Guide & Film Director
Annika Glac is a visionary guide in the realms of yoga, meditation and holistic living, drawing on over two decades of dedication to the ancient sciences of self-awareness. A certified Gita Yoga and Meditation Teacher, Annika shares the timeless teachings of Gita International—one of the few female-led yoga schools in the world. Deeply rooted in feminine wisdom, Gita Yoga honours yoga as far more than movement; it is a journey of inner mastery, conscious breath, and radiant self-discovery. Her teachings are anchored in the balance and depth of Hatha Yoga, breathwork, guided relaxation, meditation, and yogic philosophy. Annika brings these disciplines to life with warmth and insight, enriched by her training as a Holistic Health Coach from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York, blending ancient practices with modern wellness. As the creative mind behind Glass Kingdom, Annika explores the poetic and visual landscape of human consciousness through artistic storytelling and soulful imagery. Her work bridges the physical, emotional and spiritual dimensions, inviting students to not just heal—but to awaken their vitality, creativity and authentic self. For Annika, yoga is not confined to the mat—it is a sacred and practical way of living. With grace and clarity, she supports others to reconnect with their inner compass, embody peace, and pursue what truly lights up the spirit..







