Morocco is a land known for its enduring craftsmanship, poetic geometry, and architectural soul. But as you step off the beaten path into the serene neighbourhoods of Marrakech, you may begin to notice details that whisper of another design era—the graceful elegance of Art Deco is celebrated here like no other. It’s this refined convergence of Moroccan tradition and Art Deco Antipodean flair that forms the heart of Riad Botanica, the award-winning boutique guesthouse designed by Australian interior designer Claire Cau-Cecile of CCC Interiors. Recently honoured as a World Boutique Hotel Awards finalist, Riad Botanica has garnered global recognition for its inspired interiors and distinctive design narrative. On the Muse Marrakech InStyle retreat, guests don’t simply stay here—they live inside its story.

A Dialogue Between Continents: Australia Meets Morocco

Drawing on her Australian roots and her deep reverence for Moroccan craft, Angela & Claire envisioned Riad Botanica as a thoughtful design dialogue between two cultures. One of the most compelling elements is the inclusion of Florence Broadhurst’s iconic ‘Arabian Birds’ wallpaper—a daring and poetic motif that effortlessly echoes the curves and carvings of the riad’s traditional architecture.From hand-trowelled plaster arches to carved timber doors and handcrafted brass light fixtures, every detail honours Moroccan artisanship. Yet, layered into these textures are vibrant Australian textiles, modern silhouettes, and expressive printwork that ground the space in Claire’s own design lineage. As Claire puts it, “This wasn’t about contrast—it was about harmony.”

Design Without Borders: A Retreat in Creative Sourcing

For guests on the Muse Marrakech InStyle experience, this curated fusion becomes a living classroom. Over six luxurious nights, you’ll explore the winding souks and ateliers of Marrakech, sourcing with purpose under Claire’s expert guidance. When a local mohair throw couldn’t be found, Claire selected vivid Australian-made alternatives from St Albans, reminding us that design knows no borders—only resonance. In each room, plant-inspired themes come alive through colour, texture, and Broadhurst’s timeless patterns, revealing the extraordinary potential of placing cultures side by side in celebration, not contrast.

The Living Heart of the Riad

At the core of Riad Botanica stands its soul: a centuries-old orange tree, gently anchoring the riad’s inner courtyard. Its significance is twofold—evoking the Islamic architectural genius of natural ventilation and light, and simultaneously honouring the Australian lifestyle that embraces indoor-outdoor flow. It’s more than a design feature—it’s a philosophy of grounded elegance and connection to place.

Styling with Story: Your Design Journey Begins Here

On this retreat, Claire will personally help you choosing pieces that reflect your own space and design aspirations. Whether you’re renovating a home or simply refining your style, the journey begins by learning to source objects with emotion, intuition, and narrative. You may discover a hand-dyed babouche slipper that inspires a colour scheme, or a brass lantern whose geometry becomes the spark for an entryway makeover. As Claire guides you through these layered processes, your design vision will sharpen—and take root. Because, as Claire likes to say, “Great spaces begin with great stories.”

Begin Your Own Design Story

Muse Marrakech InStyle is a retreat for the curious, the creative, and the style-conscious woman who seeks more than just a holiday. It’s an immersion into the beauty of Marrakech—and the designer within. To learn more and reserve your place: https://marrakechretreats.co/design-discovery/ Call: +(61) 466 619 631 Email: [email protected]