Marrakech
DESTINATION GUIDE WITH MAISON TOUKKANI
Marrakech Design City Guide: A Curated Journey with Maison Toukkani
Step inside the sensory world of Marrakech — a city where ancient medinas, bold craftsmanship, and modern design philosophies collide. In this curated design guide led by Maison Toukkani — the boutique studio blending Moroccan tradition with contemporary design — we uncover Marrakech through a creative lens. From artisan ateliers and concept riads to terracotta-toned galleries and hidden garden cafés, this is the ultimate guide for design lovers seeking inspiration, authenticity, and elevated aesthetics in the Red City.
Whether you’re wandering through the souks in search of handwoven Beni Ourain rugs, exploring the sculptural forms of contemporary Moroccan ceramics, or indulging in design-led slow living at boutique stays like Riad Jardin Secret or El Fenn, this guide unveils the creative pulse of Marrakech.
Discover where to shop handcrafted homeware, sip saffron-infused cocktails in design-forward spaces, and experience the tactile soul of Moroccan interiors — all curated in collaboration with Maison Toukkani.
JULY 2025
Words: designeers and KHALIDA TOUKKANI
A breakfast and coffee stop:
Plus61
Tucked away in the chic Gueliz district, Plus61 is a sanctuary for design lovers and foodies alike. With its pared-back interiors, clean lines, and earthy palette, the space reflects a contemporary Australian-Moroccan sensibility — calm, elegant, and quietly luxurious. Start your day here with a perfectly brewed flat white and a seasonal, locally sourced breakfast.
favourite MUSEUM:
Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden (MACAAL)
Located just outside the bustling medina, MACAAL is one of Marrakech’s most important artistic institutions — and a must-visit for any design-led traveller. Housed in a striking modernist building surrounded by olive groves, the museum champions contemporary African art through bold, rotating exhibitions that explore identity, materiality, and the shifting visual language of the continent.
Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden (MACAAL)
A lunch to indulge into:
L’Italien par Jean Georges at La Mamounia
For those seeking a refined midday indulgence, L’Italien par Jean-Georges offers a masterful blend of culinary finesse and interior sophistication — all within the legendary La Mamounia. While the palace hotel is synonymous with Moroccan grandeur, this contemporary Italian restaurant introduces a quieter kind of luxury: understated, polished, and utterly elegant.
Designed with restrained glamour, the dining space balances soft lighting, tailored upholstery, and crisp linen — a serene counterpoint to the lush gardens just beyond. The menu, curated by acclaimed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, celebrates Italian classics with subtle Mediterranean influence and Moroccan seasonality.
A fine dining restaurant:
Sahbi Sahbi
Tucked into the vibrant heart of Guéliz, Sahbi Sahbi is where tradition meets elevated dining in the most soulful of ways. Conceived by Helena Paraboschi and Pierre Pirajean, with interiors crafted by the acclaimed Studio KO, this design-forward restaurant is a masterclass in storytelling — told through architecture, ambience, and ancestral recipes.
The space is intimate, warm, and tactile — textured walls, glowing clay tones, and handcrafted details evoke a modern kasbah sensibility. But the real magic lies in the kitchen: an all-female team reviving time-honoured Moroccan dishes with care, precision, and pride.
Dining at Sahbi Sahbi is not just a meal — it’s a cultural experience that lingers. Each course is a celebration of local ingredients, heritage techniques, and the quiet power of women’s culinary traditions.
The Best Spot for a Sunset View:
Rooftop at El Fenn
There are rooftops — and then there’s El Fenn’s rooftop. Perched above one of Marrakech’s most stylish riads, this sun-drenched terrace offers panoramic views of the medina, the Koutoubia Mosque, and the distant Atlas Mountains, all bathed in warm, golden light.
As the sun begins to dip, settle into low-slung cushions beneath fluttering fabrics and order a spiced cocktail or mint tea. The gentle hum of conversation mingles with the hauntingly beautiful call to prayer, creating a sensory experience that is uniquely Marrakech — intimate, cinematic, and unforgettable.
Favourite Boutique or Concept Store for Design Inspiration:
Different
Tucked within the winding alleys of the medina, Different is a breath of fresh, creative air—a boutique that seamlessly fuses traditional Moroccan craftsmanship with contemporary design thinking.
From sculptural ceramics and hand-loomed textiles to modern kaftans and artisanal homewares, every piece in this vibrant concept store tells a story. It’s a place where heritage meets innovation, and where the aesthetic is both rooted and forward-thinking.
An artisan everyone should know about:
Bouchra Boudoua
A rising star in the world of contemporary craft, Bouchra Boudoua is a Moroccan ceramicist whose work bridges the past and present with striking grace. Working between Marrakech and Casablanca, Boudoua draws inspiration from her Amazigh heritage, translating ancestral forms and symbols into sculptural ceramics that feel both soulful and bold.
Her pieces — often organic, hand-painted, and imperfectly perfect — reflect a deep respect for traditional craftsmanship while embracing a playful, modern spirit. Whether designing limited-edition pieces for Dior, or gracing the tables of La Mamounia, her creations elevate everyday objects into works of art.
A PLACE TO FIND ART, FURNITURE AND DESIGN OBJECTS:
33 Rue Majorelle
Just steps away from the iconic Jardin Majorelle, 33 Rue Majorelle is one of Marrakech’s most beloved concept stores — a beautifully curated space that champions the new wave of Moroccan design. From sculptural furniture and hand-thrown ceramics to woven textiles, minimalist jewellery, and thoughtful home objects, every item tells a story of craftsmanship, creativity, and cultural identity.
This is a place where tradition meets innovation — where you’ll discover work by both emerging and established Moroccan designers. The store’s warm, tactile aesthetic and focus on slow-made beauty align seamlessly with the philosophy of Maison Toukkani: authenticity, intentionality, and soulful elegance.
A Must-Visit Street or Neighbourhood for Design Lovers:
The Kasbah District
For design lovers seeking authenticity beyond the bustling souks, The Kasbah District offers a more intimate glimpse into Marrakech’s artisanal soul. Located in the southern part of the medina and steeped in royal history, this neighbourhood feels slower, warmer, and deeply rooted.
Here, you’ll encounter master woodworkers, textile weavers, and metal artisans preserving age-old techniques in small, family-run ateliers. The atmosphere is more relaxed than the main medina — perfect for thoughtful browsing, quiet discovery, and genuine conversation with makers.
From ornately carved doors to handwoven rugs, The Kasbah invites you to explore craftsmanship up close — not as spectacle, but as living tradition.
A Place to Adventure Out of Town:
Ourika Valley
Just a short drive from the city, Ourika Valley offers a soul-soothing contrast to the vibrant intensity of Marrakech. Nestled in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains, this lush, winding valley is home to cascading waterfalls, traditional Berber villages, terraced gardens, and cool mountain rivers — the perfect backdrop for slow adventure and cultural immersion.
Spend the day exploring scenic trails, browsing local handicrafts, or simply enjoying a steaming tagine by the water’s edge. The air is fresh, the pace is slower, and the connection to nature and tradition runs deep.
Whether you’re hiking to Setti Fatma’s seven waterfalls, visiting an artisan pottery workshop, or sipping mint tea with locals, Ourika Valley is a reminder of Morocco’s layered beauty — both rugged and serene.
An Iconic Architectural Landmark:
The Koutoubia Mosque
Standing gracefully at the heart of Marrakech, The Koutoubia Mosque is more than just a religious landmark — it is a masterclass in Almohad architecture and design purity. Built in the 12th century, the mosque is renowned for its perfect proportions, elegant horseshoe arches, and minimal yet deeply expressive ornamentation.
Its soaring minaret — visible from miles around — has inspired countless structures, including the Giralda in Seville and the Hassan Tower in Rabat. For those who appreciate symmetry, linework, and geometric balance, the Koutoubia is a quiet marvel.
Though non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque itself, its surrounding gardens and views offer a serene, contemplative space to admire its architectural genius — a grounding reminder of how timeless design speaks through simplicity.
Favourite outdoor space or garden for a moment of tranquillity:
Le Jardin Secret
Tucked behind the high walls of the medina, Le Jardin Secret is one of Marrakech’s most enchanting sanctuaries. This restored 19th-century palace garden offers a rare moment of calm - a space where time slows, silence speaks, and every detail invites contemplation.
At its heart lies a meticulously revived Islamic garden, designed around principles of symmetry, geometry, and spiritual harmony. Flowing water channels, shaded walkways, and citrus trees create a cooling rhythm, while the interplay of light, tiles, and texture celebrates the timeless dialogue between architecture and nature.
Your Go-To Bookstore or Magazine Shop:
Kulte Gallery & Bookstore
Blending the roles of gallery and concept bookstore, Kulte is one of Marrakech’s most thoughtfully curated cultural spaces. Located in the heart of Guéliz, this hybrid destination brings together art, photography, fashion, and design in a way that feels fresh, intimate, and globally connected.
The magazine and book selection is particularly noteworthy — from niche architecture journals and collectible design monographs to independent publications on African art, identity, and aesthetics. It’s the kind of place where you can easily lose an hour, flipping through pages and finding unexpected inspiration.
a design hotel to stay in:
El Fenn
With its bold colours, eclectic art collection, and effortlessly glamorous mood, El Fenn is more than a hotel — it’s a celebration of Moroccan craftsmanship and contemporary design. Tucked behind unassuming medina walls just moments from the Koutoubia Mosque, this boutique riad offers a sensorial journey through texture, light, and layered aesthetics.
Each suite is uniquely curated, blending handcrafted tiles, velvet textiles, local artwork, and antique treasures with modern comfort. From serene courtyards to the now-iconic rooftop terrace with its sweeping views and cocktail bar, every corner invites lingering.
More from Khalida Toukkani
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