The Aussie owner of Riad Botanica, an award-winning five-suite riad in the heart of Marrakech, has launched the Muse Marrakech InStyle retreat; a curated, seven-day journey of design inspiration, shopping and indulgence taking place this November.
Meticulously curated to ignite guests’ creativity and elevate their design inspiration, the retreat – led by interior designer Claire Cau-Cecile and Riad Botanica owner, Angela Mellak, both from Melbourne, promises to go beyond the souks and retailers, visiting hidden ateliers, private studios and workshops of Marrakech’s most talented artisans.
Guests will also engage in hands-on workshops and styling sessions, as well as sourcing bespoke items directly from these local creators. Elsewhere, immersive culinary experiences and sumptuous spa treatments serve to enrich the overall cultural experience.
The retreat experience is heightened by a stay at the beautifully designed Riad Botanica, completing this unforgettable journey of creativity and cultural discovery. Guests will leave the retreat equipped with a wealth of interiors inspiration, an action plan for styling or sourcing new products, as well as brand new connections with likeminded creatives.
Double occupancy on the Muse Marrakech InStyle retreat costs twin share from $7500 on an early bird basis. This price includes:
- 7 nights accommodation at Riad Botanica
- Daily breakfast with fresh, locally sourced ingredients
- Trend and style presentations led by industry experts
- Private guided tours of Marrakech’s most iconic design and cultural sites
- All transportation including airport transfers and excursion travel
- Multiple gourmet dinners (with free evenings to explore Marrakech’s vibrant food scene)
- A special desert experience for an unforgettable evening under the stars
- Exclusive farewell dinner to celebrate the journey with new friends
- Curated luxury welcome gift showcasing the best of Marrakech’s artisans.
Opened in 2023, Riad Botanica is a gem hidden in the historic Medina of Marrakech, named to reflect its deep connection to nature. With just five suites, it is a tranquil sanctuary, inspired by the beauty and healing properties of plants, with a fruitful orange tree at its heart.
The property beautifully blends traditional Moroccan architecture with contemporary Australian design, a vision brought to life by owners Angela and Mohammed Mellak. Once a collection of traditional nine-room homes, Riad Botanica has been thoughtfully remodelled into a modern oasis. Each suite is a private haven, complete with ensuite bathrooms, intimate sitting rooms, and serene relaxation and dining spaces. The rooftop terrace, bathed in sunlight, offers a calm setting for morning breakfasts, yoga sessions, or quiet moments under the Moroccan sky. Guests can also indulge in rooftop or poolside courtyard dining, with every detail designed to elevate the senses.
With an extensive background in high-end design projects and visual arts, stylist Claire Cau Cecile was instrumental in shaping the design elements of Riad Botanica, blending her passion for Australian design with the rich cultural influences of Marrakech.
Raised in a home where creativity was woven into the fabric of daily life, Claire was destined to follow a path rich in artistic expression—both visual and emotional. As the daughter of revered artist Jeanette (Jenny) L. Perkins, whose work bridges memory, movement, and nature, Claire inherited a deep appreciation for storytelling through art.
Born and raised in Melbourne, Claire pursued a Bachelor of Education in Visual Arts at the University of Melbourne, majoring in Textiles and Sculpture. In 1996, a transformative holiday in France altered her creative trajectory. She recalls encountering a multicoloured, richly woven fabric—an enduring symbol of inspiration. Energised by the textures, hues, and heritage of French design, Claire returned to Australia and opened a boutique gift shop in 1997. That shop soon became a springboard into wholesaling under the Arabesque label, importing sought-after French brands like Place des Lices and Catimini Home to the Australian market.
With a sharp eye for curation and a genuine passion for connecting creative minds, Claire went on to found Trade Secrets, a boutique trade event that quickly grew into Life InStyle, one of Australia’s leading premium trade fair for design-led homewares and lifestyle products. Claire infused the event with mentorship, offering retailers and artisans guidance to elevate their creative and commercial visions. This unique blend of curation and coaching helped Life InStyle achieve a record sale to Reed Exhibitions in 2010.
Now at the helm of CCC Interiors, Claire leads a portfolio of globally recognised projects spanning residential, commercial, and hospitality design. From the poetic restoration of L’escapadou in Cordes-sur-Ciel, France, and the serene minimalism of The Silo House in Inverloch, to the coastal refinement of Project Point Leo, and the sensory elegance of Riad Botanica in Marrakech, Claire’s work is deeply narrative and emotionally resonant. Recent projects include the transformation of the Super Yacht Orraia, and refined functionality and hospitality through projects like Bowser Bean Café network across Victoria.
