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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Police, paramedics, firefighters and the public will walk from Newcastle to Penrith this September for World Suicide Prevention Day.
2 min
NSW schools, gyms, 000 services and the public are being called on to lace up for Steps for the Love of Living, a four-day, 200km walk from Newcastle to Penrith held in honour of World Suicide Prevention Day.
The walk will draw star power as well as solidarity: legendary MMA fighter and former WIBA and WBF world champion boxer Arlene Blencowe, known as “The Aussie Girl ‘Angerfist'” and a respected youth mentor, will join the walk’s final leg from Parramatta to Penrith.
She’ll be joined by five-time Olympian and diving icon Melissa Wu, Ambassador for the Step Into Action Foundation.
The walk runs from September 10 to 13, beginning on World Suicide Prevention Day itself, and starts at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium before finishing at Penrith Showground.
It’s a joint initiative between The Australian Man Cave Support Group Inc and the Step Into Action Foundation, two organisations working on the frontline of suicide prevention in NSW.
The Australian Man Cave provides a safe, non-judgmental space for men to speak openly, with a focus on reducing the rate of male suicide, while Step Into Action concentrates on youth suicide prevention through resilience-building and early-intervention programs.
This year’s event also features a friendly inter-service challenge between NSW Police, NSW Ambulance, Fire & Rescue NSW, SES, Surf Life Saving NSW and the Rural Fire Service, who’ll compete to walk the furthest and raise the most for suicide-prevention initiatives.
“This walk is about hope, connection, and standing together,” said Lou Greco, President and Co-Founder of The Australian Man Cave Support Group Inc. “Every step taken is a step toward saving a life.”
Leading the charge is Chris Barton, Founder of the Step Into Action Foundation and a long-distance walking adventurer, who is taking on the full 200km route.
He’ll be joined for part of the way by the “Bakery Brothers”, Tyson Pedro and Rama Pattison, who are trading in punches and pastries for kilometres, walking the full distance alongside Chris.
How to get involved
The event is open to everyone, not just those able to walk the full distance. Participants can:
- Walk the full 200km from Newcastle to Penrith
- Join for a single day or section of the route
- Take part virtually from anywhere in Australia — at school, the gym, work or in the local community, logging kilometres through walking, running, rowing, cycling or treadmill sessions
000 services can enter as teams for the inter-service challenge, and schools and gyms are encouraged to form their own teams to complete the distance collectively.
Funds raised will go towards mental health first aid training, crisis response support, community outreach programs, support services for at-risk men and families, and youth suicide awareness and prevention programs.
Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among Australian men and young people. Both organisations say the walk is about ensuring no one feels alone in their struggle.
To register or find out more, visit stepsforloveofliving.com.au.
This is a sensitive topic. If this raises any issues for you, Lifeline is available on 13 11 14.
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