Tombs, Mountains, Souks: An Artist’s Guide to Traveling Marrakesh
Designer and gallery owner Yahya Rouach offers his go-to places to stay, dine and sightsee while in the bustling Moroccan metro.
3 min
Marrakesh offers a perfect mix of centuries-old history and a contemporary edge, said Yahya Rouach, a self-taught artist and designer who has lived in the Moroccan city for more than 20 years and only goes by his first name. Yahya has a gallery and showroom, Yahya Creation, in Marrakesh’s new town, Gueliz.
“Marrakesh is a melting pot of cultures, religions and people. It was the trade route from the north to the south and east to west,” Yahya said. “It’s anchored in its roots but open to the world, forward-looking, and able to reinvent itself to stay modern and fresh.”
Marrakesh is framed by the majestic Atlas Mountains, which he said, are “simply breathtaking.”
“The light, the beauty of the metalwork, and the city’s vibrant energy draw you in,” Yahya said
In his own words, he shres his top spots in Marrakesh that give visitors an authentic lens into the city’s present and past.
Stay
For an exceptional stay, I’d recommend the Royal Mansour. It is stunning, with lush gardens and an architectural elegance that feels like a masterpiece. For a taste of history, La Mamounia is a classic. Known as the grand dame, it was once frequented by Winston Churchill.
If you want something more intimate and immersive in the heart of the city’s Medina, a Unesco World Heritage Site, La Maison Arabe offers an authentic souk experience in a traditional setting. Also, Jnane Tamsna is a boutique hotel in a beautiful building with a garden. It feels like a private residence more than a hotel.
Eat
When it comes to dining, Marrakesh offers a feast for the senses.
The restaurants at Royal Mansour are exceptional. Sesamo is a fine-dining Italian spot, and the Moroccan restaurant Le Jardin offers an inventive, modern take on traditional dishes.
For something more casual yet extraordinary, Monas in Gueliz serves the most incredible Lebanese food I’ve ever had. It’s a small, unassuming spot, but the flavours are unforgettable. Another great option is Dai, a restaurant in the new town with fantastic food and ambience. The saffron risotto is a must.
For as traditional as it gets Moroccan cuisine like tagines and couscous, Dar Yacout is the place to go. It feels like you’re transported into “1001 Nights.” You get dropped off in the heart of the souk, and someone from the restaurant meets you and walks you through a labyrinth of alleyways. You won’t be able to find it otherwise. The restaurant is spread out over several floors and has been owned by the same family for decades. For coffee, you can’t beat Bacha Coffee in the former palace of Pasha Thami El Glaoui. It’s located in Dar El Bacha, a charming area filled with boutique shops, galleries, and a museum.
The options are endless, but two landmarks stand out. The Koutoubia Mosque, built over a thousand years ago, is the city’s iconic centrepiece. Its minaret can be seen from all over Marrakesh, thanks to the French planners who preserved its line of sight. Another fascinating spot is the Saadian Tombs. They date to the 16th century and were built by the Saadian ruler Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur to show off his wealth. You can see beautiful carvings as you walk through.
Day Trip
A visit to the Atlas Mountains is an unforgettable experience. My favorite spot is the Kasbah Bab Ourika, where you can enjoy lunch while enjoying gorgeous views. It’s an escape into tranquility, just a short trip from the bustling city. You can also go for a hike with a guide or take a donkey ride up the mountain and visit centuries-old villages that stand still in time.
Shop
Hire a guide and wander through the Medina or market. Khalid’s Art Gallery is unparalleled for antique treasures. For women’s fashion, particularly exquisite caftans, Fadila El Gadi in Gueliz is a genius designer and a favourite of the late designer Yves Saint Laurent. Her gallery is just across from mine in Passage Ghandouri, a creative hub that has evolved beautifully over the years.
This passage is also home to the Matisse Art Gallery and MACMA Museum, which blend modern and classical art. It’s a wonderful place to shop, explore, and soak up creativity.
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A record-breaking $11 million sale at The Centennial Collection has set a new benchmark for luxury apartment living in Bondi Junction.
As interest rates, inflation and market sentiment fluctuate, investors are being urged to focus on data, not panic.
Luxury Swiss watchmaker Zenith has unveiled the Chronomaster Sport Skeleton, a striking new timepiece that showcases the legendary El Primero movement through an open-worked design.
2 min
For collectors, the appeal of a great watch often lies in what cannot be seen.
The intricate movement, the engineering precision and the craftsmanship hidden beneath the dial are what separate fine watchmaking from mere timekeeping.
Now, luxury Swiss watchmaker Zenith is bringing those elements into full view.
The brand has unveiled the Chronomaster Sport Skeleton, a new interpretation of one of its most recognisable collections, combining contemporary design with the technical heritage that has defined Zenith for more than 160 years.
At the centre of the story is the legendary El Primero calibre, the movement that helped establish Zenith as one of the most respected names in Swiss watchmaking.
When Zenith introduced El Primero in 1969, it was recognised as the world’s first automatic integrated high-frequency chronograph.
Operating at 5Hz, or 36,000 vibrations per hour, the movement could measure time to one-tenth of a second, setting a new benchmark for precision.
More than five decades later, that same pursuit of accuracy remains central to the brand’s identity.
The Chronomaster Sport Skeleton takes that legacy and presents it through an open-worked architecture that allows wearers to appreciate the complexity of the movement beneath. Rather than concealing the mechanics, Zenith has chosen to celebrate them.
The result is a watch that offers a rare glimpse into the intricate world of Swiss horology while retaining the sporting character that has made the Chronomaster collection a favourite among enthusiasts.
Beyond the visual drama of the skeletonised design, the watch also incorporates a new folding clasp and ergonomic refinements that reflect Zenith’s focus on wearability alongside performance.
Powering the watch is the El Primero 3600 movement, a modern evolution of the original calibre.
The high-frequency architecture allows the central chronograph hand to complete a full rotation every 10 seconds, enabling the direct measurement of one-tenth of a second against the graduated bezel.
It is a technical solution that remains distinctive in contemporary watchmaking and a reminder of Zenith’s longstanding commitment to innovation.
For collectors, the Zenith Chronomaster Sport Skeleton represents more than a new release.
It is an opportunity to own a piece of a watchmaking story that stretches back more than 160 years while embracing a modern aesthetic that showcases the artistry normally hidden from view.
In a luxury market increasingly drawn to authenticity and craftsmanship, the Chronomaster Sport Skeleton offers both.
It is a watch that celebrates not only the passing of time but also the engineering mastery behind it.
The Chronomaster Sport Skeleton collection is available in stainless steel from AUD$26,100, with the rose gold model priced at AUD$49,000.
To discover more about Zenith and the Chronomaster Sport Skeleton collection, visit the Zenith website here.
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