Six Inventing Anna Film Locations (That Yes, You Can Visit IRL)
Binge-watched Inventing Anna yet? Join us as we visit the dazzling destinations behind Netflix’s hottest new true-crime series, flitting between Morocco and Manhattan, Anna Delvey-style.
18 February, 2022
It’s
official: we’re (rightly or wrongly) obsessed with
Inventing Anna. Set between 2013 and 2017, the globally trending
Netflix true-crime series tells the story of the
Russian-born German fraudster Anna “Delvey” Sorokin – the fake
heiress who scammed her way through the Big Apple’s social scene and beyond. Adapted
from an article written by Jessica Pressler for New York Magazine,
the nine-episode drama transports us from the comfort of our sofa
to Manhattan’s stylish sidewalks and Marrakech’s colourful souks.
Sure, the real Anna’s tactics don’t get our vote, but we can’t
help but fantasise over the glitzy destinations that were the
backdrop of her sneaky shenanigans. Read on for our favourite
Inventing Anna locations that you can visit IRL.
Behind the scenes: six stunning destinations from Netflix’s
Inventing Anna
hotel
La Mamounia
Marrakech, Morocco
In episode six, we watch Anna jet off to Marrakech with close pal Rachel for a girls’
getaway. Scenes take place at the actual hotel Sorokin stayed at,
La Mamounia – where the real Rachel DeLoache Williams was left
footing the £45,000 bill. Having opened in 1923, this bohemian
boutique property offers 206 opulent rooms and suites, all set amid
vast, beautifully manicured gardens lined by citrus and olive
trees. Interiors fuse a traditional yet contemporary aesthetic,
with the decor having recently been upgraded by prestigious
Parisian design firm Jouin Manku. Just a stone’s throw away is
Marrakech’s old town, so afternoons are best spent exploring the
colourful corners of Djemaa el-Fnaa Square.
bar
Marea
New York City, US
Lusting after that iconic gold-backsplash marble bar that
appears in the first few minutes of the series? Marea is where
you’ll find it. Situated on Central Park South, this intimate
restaurant is an idyllic spot to sip an expertly crafted cocktail
(the whisky-based Spiced Lad gets our vote), but the real star of
the show is the Italian-style seafood menu. Peel yourself away from
the bar stools and settle down with an extra-large plate of oysters
to start, served with cucumber mignonette and lemon. Later, justify
dessert with a post-prandial stomp around neighbouring Central
Park.
thingstodo
Fotografiska
New York City, US
The sister to Stockholm’s swankiest gallery, Fotografiska is
where Anna attempts to score funding for a private club and art
foundation. When it opened in 2019, the space, brainchild of
brothers Jan and Per Broman, took the Park Avenue art scene by
storm. Housed in the 1890s-era Church Missions House, the building
spans six floors, three of which are dedicated to photography
exhibitions. Swing by to catch Andy Warhol Photo Factory (until 20 February), or
check the website for other upcoming events.
thingstodo
Snug Harbour Cultural Centre & Botanical Garden
New York City, US
Located on the north-eastern edge of Staten Island, Snug Harbour
Cultural Centre & Botanical Garden was where filming for the
series was first spotted. Originally, built in the 1800s as a
retreat for retired sailors. Today, it’s considered America’s
largest and most ambitious adaptive reuse project, comprising nine
botanical gardens and 23 historical buildings, all of which are
protected. We’d suggest visiting on a Saturday to join one of the
Compost Site Tours, which shows how the city’s food waste is being
put to good use. Getting to the centre is half the fun. From Lower
Manhattan’s Whitehall Terminal, you’ll take the 25-minute ferry to
Staten Island, gliding past the Statue of Liberty en route.
hotel
Chateau Marmont
Los Angeles, US
From Marilyn Monroe and Helmut Newton to Lindsay Lohan and
Britney Spears, the legendary Chateau Marmont has hosted every
notable name you can think of, so it’s no surprise that Anna set
her sights on it. Sitting pretty on the Sunset Strip since 1929,
this Hollywood hideout has a handful of hidden entrances for guests
looking to stay out of the gossip columns, while rooms showcase a
dark and stormy palette: think antique furnishings, vaulted
ceilings and artfully distressed bathrooms. Book here for plenty of
poolside lounging and fine al fresco dining.
thingstodo
Lincoln Centre
New York City, US
The setting for most of Delvey’s fundraisers and social events,
the Lincoln Centre is a sure bet when you want to take in an
outstanding evening of performing arts. Hosting upcoming and
legendary artists, it’s the place to catch the likes of the New
York Philharmonic, New York City Ballet and Metropolitan Opera.
With multiple daily events, it makes sense to check the website in
advance of your visit to see what tickles your fancy. Not in town
anytime soon? Look out for its live-streamed events.
