Journey To Serenity On A Visit To Marrakech’s Riad Mena With Horizn Studios

There's something about summer... Serene, calm and seductive, the season puts us in mind of warmer horizons, and has us dreaming of new-found destinations.

It's that feeling – of the sun illuminating the season – that inspired Berlin-based brand Horizn Studios to shoot its Spring-Summer 2024 campaign in Marrakech's warm embrace.

As our journey counts tick upwards once more, the new campaign captures that limitless, joyful step-change in the seasons, when travellers seek out untrodden paths, accompanied by luggage that makes forays into unknown destinations a seamless experience. Sustainable and future-facing, a Horizn Studios' luggage set will take you from the Medina to the Med, and back – they're bags made for travellers.

Horizn Studios' Spring-Summer 2024 campaign, shot on location in Marrakech | Credit: Andrew Nuding

And where better to capture the campaign than in one of Marrakech's most beautiful riads? Originally conceived as a private home by German-born Londoner Philomena Schurer Merckoll, the seven-key Riad Mena in the city's Medina has become hot property in the Pink City, offering an oasis of tranquillity that softly contrasts the city's thrumming heart.

This understated escape offers something a little bit different in the city of 800-plus riads: modern and minimal, you're as likely to encounter the space-age silhouette of an all-white Saarinen tulip table as you are traditional Moroccan lanterns and tadelakt walls.

It's mostly mid-century minimalism – but with touches of the city's flourishing design: sleek, iconic furnishings are interspersed with vintage kilims, original tiles and hand-stitched leather footstools. Schurer Merckoll spent seven years renovating the property, with help from local designer Romain Michel Meniere, creating an ambience of simple, comfortable luxury.

Thanks to the initial vision for the property as a personal retreat, much of Schurer Merckoll's distinctive personal style remains, too. The books on the library shelves? They're on loan from the fire-haired owner. Those eye-catching photos on the wall? Borrowed from a friend.

Inside Riad Mena, mid-century minimalism pairs with touches of the city's iconic style

Rooms

There are just seven, each uniquely appointed and designed to best suit its positioning around the riad, with interior inspiration taken from around the globe, and from sure-footed travellers of years past (think Beat poets, and modernist designer Eileen Gray). Beneath high ceilings, traditional features and crafts have been paired with more modern accoutrements. Accessed by zigzagging staircases and interlinking terraces that lead off lush garden courtyards, the largest – The Studio – is an airy, open oasis, with tiled floors the colour of sea foam, off-white walls, and a vast free-standing bathtub shrouded from the cloud-like bed by a soft, gauzy curtain. The smallest – The Writer's Den – is our favourite: a cosy corner spot overlooking the pool. Despite its diminutive size, one whole wall of the room is taken up by intricately painted red doors that lead to a shower space. Bathrooms in all rooms are designed by Philippe Starck.

Room interiors are inspired by sure-footed travellers of years past

What's for breakfast?

Fresh juice and fruit, yoghurt, and generous slices of pillowy bread are served in the soft morning sunlight on the rooftop. Produce is sourced from the riad's permaculture farm just outside the city in Ourika Valley.

Lunch and dinner

There's no restaurant but you can request lunches and dinners from chefs Jouhra and Rabiia. Expect light and flavourful takes on Moroccan classics – think potato salads tickled with cumin, and herby Berber omelettes – alongside more traditional dishes such as tagines, spiced salads and vegetable couscous.

Is there a bar?

The riad runs an honesty system for snacks and non-alcoholic drinks.

The riad kitchen plates up light and flavourful takes on Moroccan classics

Amenities

The pool – all 8m of long, turquoise seduction – is a highlight, as are the yellow-striped parasols for lounging under up on the rooftop, the lushly planted courtyards and the well-stocked library. Travellers can attend yoga, Tai Chi and enjoy Japanese callisthenics or ask for a contemporary art tour in the city, too.

What are the hotel's eco-credentials like?

The kitchen uses all locally sourced ingredients to cut down on imports and transport use. Where possible, food is organic. The riad also has solar panels installed on the roof.

Beyond the riad, guests can explore Jemaa el Fna, and the delights of the Medina

What about accessibility?

This is a historic property – with all the small steps, awkward quirks and zigzagging staircases that come with the territory – but an elevator offers access to all floors and the Eileen Grey suite, on the ground floor, has a huge bathroom with walk-in shower. Our advice? Call and check.

What's the crowd like?

Europe's chicly dressed creative crowd.

Within a short walk I can find...

The sensory immersion of old Marrakech. Jemaa el Fna, the main square, and the twisting, turbulent delights of the Medina are under a 10-minute walk from the riad.

Next door, you'll also find The Pink Door, a gallery and boutique stocked with local treasures, including Hicham Gardaf photography prints, LRNCE ceramics and vintage Berber furnishings.

Alongside the Medina stay, guests can visit the sister propert, located in Ourika Valley

Things I should know

The riad's sister property – &Beyond – is located just outside the city in Ourika Valley, and guests are welcome to enjoy its natural swimming pool, two guesthouses and hammam.