Inside Clementina Calleri's Marrakech Getaway
There are few voyages more glamorously bohemian than escaping to Marrakech with its beautiful riads, bustling souks, and astonishing monuments. Follow Clementina Calleri, the palmist’s designer and ultra inspiring globe-trotter, as she gets lost in those narrow paths in a world of wonders.
Where to wake up?
If you are travelling with a group of friends then privatise the Dar Rbaa Laroub, maybe one of the most exclusive and charming Riad in Marrakech. If it’s a romantic getaway then head to Le Chant Des Oiseaux, secret addition of Riad Jardin Secret - which I would recommend to any artist looking for an inspiring residency.
Where is breakfast?
Breakfast on your riad’s rooftop or at the Beldi Country Club for a Sunday Brunch in an olive trees garden. *see the last question for a real local place!
Day trips worth taking?
Essaouira is a 2hours-car ride from Marrakech, quite diverse scenarios as it sits by the sea with white walls and blue doors. A lunch at Heure Bleue, a colonial style Riad in the heart of the city, my favourite spot: the internal courtyard surrounded by banana trees and palms, simply decorated with wicker furniture, a dreamlike spot for lunch!
Where would you find the most creative people in Marrakech and why?
Most creative certainly are the local artisans ! I mean the Souk is an immense source of inspiration to anyone, getting lost in those narrow paths is like losing yourself in a world of wonders. Moroccan are very good sellers, they enjoy delighting you with their newest products - it is up to you to be a good bargainer.
Where should we explore to get a good sense of Marrakech’s artistic identity?
Walk around the Médina, find the newly added SHTATTO Concept Store, just off the place des Épices. Imagined and developed by fashion designer Amine Bendriouich and Francesca Passacantando, it is a space with vibrant energy and creativity.
Your all time favorite restaurant for lunch?
Le Jardin, a green-tiled courtyard with palm trees, an easy place for a light lunch.
Best sundowners?
For sundowners get a pouf at the Roof Terrace Hôtel El Fenn - enter from the boutique, it’s worth a peek!
Needing inspiration. Any art galleries, museums or inspirational place to go?
Musée Yves Saint Laurent, architecturally beautiful. In the Médina, I always love the Maison de la Photographie showing amazing b&w Moroccan life photographs from 1870 to 1960. If you are looking for a more contemporary vibe visit 47 Galerie Dar El Bacha and Le 18 Derb el Ferrane in the Médina and Galerie 127 in Guéliz.
Where do we go for dinner with friends?
The Nomad is a lovely spot overlooking Place des Épices. If you feel like changing scenario, take a taxi and head to Guéliz, at the Grand Café de la Poste, a colonial style restaurant. If the party isn’t going to bed, go to Baromètre for a drink, a ten minute walk from the restaurant.
and for a date?
Reserve a candle-lit table at Riad Berbère, a romantic Riad in the heart of the Médina.
Where should we go far away from tourists?
A very authentic paradise is Berber Lodge, you should book a room and spend two days there, away from chaos immerse into nature in style! Beautifully decorated, it is a place to find inspiration and peace of mind! Another one I would recommend is Scarabeo Camp, a special Berbère tented camp where one can fully relax and enjoy the beautiful views of the Atlas mountains. If you plan to have dinner there, make sure you leave Marrakech in time to arrive for sunset as the scenery is breathtaking - a quick advice: do not rely on the Scarabeo camp to get there, you might miss sunset!
What are some crafts or techniques that you discovered in Marrakech that made you fall in love?
The list is long, but most of all halfa basketry, halfa is a perennial plant growing in the plains of Western Morocco. Having been to Morocco several times, I must say every time I am surprised by something new. Lately I found a wonderful pair of raffia sandals which were exposed everywhere but the question always is to find the ones that are really well done. Two years ago on a longer visit I started collaborating with an artisan outside Marrakech to create daybeds for a hotel’s courtyard in Italy, they were beautifully made so I am now exploring new ideas to collaborate again with these gifted craftsmen!
Any tourist traps to avoid?
There are infinite possibilities for a Hammam in Marrakech, some more luxury some very basic, but I would really suggest going to the Bains Publics, the public hammam where the locals go to get the real experience. (check the schedule before going, it is usually morning for men and afternoon for women)
Any shopping spots only locals would know?
Drive to Sidi Ghanem, the showrooms street, where you will find LRNCE Studio (homewear), Topolina (fashion), Marrakshi LIFE (fashion), Akkal (ceramics) and Chabi Chic (homewear) - all amazing Moroccan brands. In the Médina, a community project called AlNour empowers local women with disabilities by giving them embroidery works on beautiful linen.
Best markets?
The Médina is quite large but it is well divided into blocks depending if you are looking for lanterns (Souk Haddadine) or leather sandals (Souk Cheratin) , if your souvenir will be rugs then head to Les Nomades Marrakech, for the most colourful part of the Médina go to le Souk des Teinturiers. For a special pair of babouche go to Hand Weaving Art by Benaziz (near the Maison de la Photographie). To find collection pieces visit Bibi Art, near to Fontaine Mouassine. For spices, the only option is surely la place des Épices, where you’ll find all sorts of exotic kinds and rhassoul clay, ideal for your skin!
How is Marrakech an inspiration for the palmist?
Marrakech has always been an inspiration to me, with its terracotta-coloured walls, the palm trees everywhere, the noise and the abundance of people, the chaos and the charm that radiates from it, I love this ever-expanding pink city. Since I founded the palmist it has been a special hideaway to conceive new objects, to look for materials and talk with local craftsmen. Speaking french is helpful when you are there for business but not imperative.Visiting Riads is always very inspiring too, talking to the owners when in luck is usually enriching and fun.
Marrakech’s best kept secret?
Head to Guéliz for a real Marrakshi petit-déjeuner at Meryem, on Boulevard Moulay Rachid; locals only!