Tombs, Mountains, Souks: An Artist’s Guide to Traveling Marrakesh

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.

When Lamborghini takes to the water, subtlety isn’t on the agenda. Unveiled at the Monaco Yacht Show, the Tecnomar for Lamborghini 101FT is a 30-metre superyacht that fuses Italian automotive theatre with cutting-edge naval engineering.

The model builds on the collaboration that began in 2020 with the Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63, a sell-out success that celebrated the marque’s founding year.

This new flagship pushes the partnership between Automobili Lamborghini and The Italian Sea Group to a grander scale, designed to deliver the same adrenaline rush at sea that drivers expect behind the wheel.

“The Tecnomar for Lamborghini 101FT redefines the concept of nautical luxury,” said Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini.

“It is not only a yacht, but an affirmation of Italian excellence. The Italian Sea Group and Automobili Lamborghini share an exclusive clientele who are passionate about beauty, technology, and extreme performance.”

Design cues are unmistakably Lamborghini. The yacht’s sharp exterior lines echo the Fenomeno supercar revealed at Monterey Car Week, complete with Giallo Crius launch livery and signature Y-shaped lighting.

Inside, the cockpit and lounges mirror the DNA of Sant’Agata supercars through hexagonal motifs, sculptural seating and dramatic contrasts. With accommodation for up to nine guests and three crew cabins, indulgence meets practicality on every deck.

Performance is equally uncompromising. Three MTU 16V 2000 M96L engines and triple surface propellers generate a combined 7,600 horsepower, driving the yacht to 45 knots at full throttle, with a cruising speed of 35 knots. Two 35 kW generators provide additional efficiency and reliability, ensuring the yacht’s power matches its presence.

Mitja Borkert, Lamborghini’s Design Director, said: “With the Tecnomar for Lamborghini 101FT, we aimed to create a product that embodies the main design characteristics of our super sports cars. All the details, from the exterior to the colour, to the interior areas, recall and are inspired by Lamborghini’s DNA.”

Presented in scale at Monaco, the definitive Tecnomar for Lamborghini 101FT is scheduled to hit the water at the end of 2027. For those who demand their indulgence measured not only in metres but in knots, this is Lamborghini’s most extravagant expression yet.

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.

A 30-metre masterpiece unveiled in Monaco brings Lamborghini’s supercar drama to the high seas, powered by 7,600 horsepower and unmistakable Italian design.