About us

Meet The Founders

Angela & Mohamed Mellak

Together, they have created businesses built around connection connection to people, culture, creativity and place. Their vision is simple: to help guests experience Morocco in a more authentic, enriching and personal way.

Originally from Australia, Angela brings more than two decades of experience in marketing, brand building, hospitality and community development.

A qualified yoga teacher and experienced entrepreneur, she has founded and led multiple successful businesses throughout her career. Her passion for design, storytelling, wellbeing and exceptional guest experiences has shaped both Riad Botanica and Marrakech Retreats Co., creating spaces and journeys that inspire connection and curiosity.

Born and raised in Marrakech Morocco, Mohamed brings a lifetime of local knowledge, trusted relationships and cultural insight. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Law and with almost a decade of experience working within Melbourne’s property industry, he combines international business experience with deep roots in Morocco. Through his network of artisans, designers, makers, guides and local hosts, he helps guests access experiences that go far beyond traditional tourism.

Together with their daughter Zahara, they have built Riad Botanica as a family-run business that reflects their shared values of hospitality, creativity, respect and genuine human connection.

Whether welcoming guests to Marrakech, hosting a retreat, introducing visitors to local artisans or creating new experiences through Marrakech Retreats Co., Angela and Mohamed remain passionate about helping people discover the Morocco they have come to know and love.

"What your heart desires, your spirit attains"

Rumi

Founder Snapshot

Angela Mellak

  • Australian entrepreneur

  • Founder of Riad Botanica, Marrakech Retreats Co. and Ex Animo

  • Qualified yoga teacher

  • 20+ years in marketing, brand development and hospitality

  • Retreat producer and experience curator

Mohamed Mellak

  • Moroccan entrepreneur

  • Co-founder of Riad Botanica and Marrakech Retreats Co.

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Law

  • Extensive experience in hospitality, property and business development

  • Local cultural expert and relationship builder

Together, They Specialise In

  • Boutique hospitality

  • Retreat production

  • Cultural experiences

  • Artisan and design connections

  • Wellness and wellbeing experiences

  • Property and renovation projects

  • Meaningful travel throughout Morocco

REIMAGINED 2023

Why Guests Choose Riad Botanica

We believe everything happens for a reason. Whether you discover Riad Botanica by chance, through a recommendation, or while searching for the perfect place to stay in Marrakech, we like to think our paths were meant to cross.

  • Award-winning boutique riad in Marrakech Medina
  • Family-owned and operated by Angela and Mohamed Mellak
  • Design-led interiors inspired by Morocco and Australia
  • Personalised hospitality and local expertise
  • Cultural experiences and artisan connections
  • Accessible accommodation options available
  • Wellness experiences, retreats and private events
  • Walking distance to Marrakech’s major attractions
  • Small and intimate with just five guest suites
  • Trusted by travellers, retreat leaders and creative communities from around the world

EST 1072 REIMAGINED 2023

As a family-run riad, we genuinely love welcoming people from around the world into our home. Hospitality is more than a profession for us; it is a privilege. We hope you'll feel our passion for people, culture and meaningful connection in every interaction, and leave with memories that stay with you long after your journey ends.

" They say Paris is for lovers, we say Marrakech is also for lovers of design and culture."

Introducing the family

Our Team

Amine

Front of House

With more than 15 years of experience in riads, hospitality and guest services, Amine Mellak is both a valued member of the family and a senior member of the Riad Botanica team. Known for his calm nature, attention to detail and genuine care for guests, Amine plays an important role in ensuring every stay runs smoothly. Whether welcoming guests, coordinating operations or sharing local recommendations, he is committed to creating exceptional experiences and making every visitor feel at home. Deeply connected to Marrakech and passionate about Moroccan hospitality, Amine embodies the warmth, generosity and personal service that Riad Botanica has become known for.

Hamza

Front of House

Joining the Riad Botanica team in 2025, Hamza brings more than five years of hospitality experience along with a strong work ethic, mature outlook and genuine commitment to guest satisfaction. Known for his reliability, professionalism and willingness to go the extra mile, Hamza has quickly become a valued member of the team. Whether assisting guests, supporting daily operations or helping behind the scenes, he approaches every task with care, attention to detail and a positive attitude.

Fatna

Cook

Part of the Riad Botanica family for nearly two years, Fatina brings warmth, dedication and a calm presence to the kitchen every day. While naturally quiet and reserved, she takes great pride in preparing traditional Moroccan dishes and ensuring guests are well looked after. Be sure to say hello when you see her, behind the scenes, she's an important part of the hospitality and home-cooked flavours that make Riad Botanica feel so special. She cooks up deliciously fresh and healthy menu catering to all food lovers, and can cater for Gluten-free, dairy-free and Vegetarians. Must try is Fatina's famous homemade chicken tagine.

Bouchra

Housekeeper

Bouchra has been part of the Riad Botanica team for nearly three years and is a valued member of our housekeeping team. Known for her reliability, steady pace and positive attitude, Bouchra takes great pride in ensuring every room is beautifully prepared and every detail is taken care of. Her dedication behind the scenes helps create the welcoming and comfortable environment our guests enjoy throughout their stay. Hardworking, dependable and always ready to help, Bouchra plays an important role in the day-to-day running of Riad Botanica and is a much-loved member of the team.

Sana

Housekeeper

New to the Riad Botanica team, Sana has joined us with a wonderful attitude, a willingness to learn and a genuine passion for hospitality. Friendly, hardworking and always eager to help, she has quickly become a valued member of the team. As she continues to grow in her role, Sana brings positive energy, dedication and care to everything she does, helping to ensure guests feel welcomed and well looked after throughout their stay. We are excited to have her as part of the Riad Botanica family and look forward to watching her continue to develop and thrive.

Sana B

Housekeeper

Sana has been with Riad Botanica since the day we opened our doors and has become an important part of both our team and our story. Known for her delicious Moroccan cooking, warm nature and dedication to our guests, she has helped create many of the memorable meals and experiences enjoyed at the riad over the years. Sana is currently on maternity leave as she prepares to welcome her new baby. We miss her dearly and look forward to having her back as part of the Riad Botanica family when the time is right.

We are Hiring

Looking to join us?

At Riad Botanica, we are always looking for kind, passionate and hardworking people who share our love of hospitality, culture and genuine human connection.

As a family-run business, we believe that great guest experiences start with great people. Whether welcoming guests, preparing meals, supporting housekeeping or helping behind the scenes, every member of our team plays an important role in creating the warm and personal atmosphere we are known for.

If you take pride in your work, enjoy working with people from around the world and would like to be part of a supportive and growing team, we would love to hear from you. To express your interest in future opportunities, please contact us with your CV and a short introduction about yourself.

Current Opportunities: We welcome expressions of interest for hospitality, housekeeping, guest services, culinary and wellness roles.

  • Location: Bab Doukkala, Marrakech, Medina
  • Industry: Hospitality, Tourism & Wellness
  • Employment Type: Full-time, Part-time Opportunities

Moroccan & Australian

Supporting Artisans & Creative Collaborations

Riad Botanica is more than a boutique riad; it is a platform for creativity, culture and meaningful collaboration. Over the years, we have partnered with artisans, designers, wellness practitioners, botanical brands, retreat leaders and creative businesses who share our passion for craftsmanship, wellbeing, sustainability and authentic experiences.

From limited-edition product collections and artisan collaborations to wellness experiences, creative retreats, design partnerships and branded experiences, we enjoy bringing together people and ideas that celebrate Morocco’s rich culture and creative spirit. Our collaborations have included fashion and caftan collections, artisan-made homewares, botanical and wellness products, cultural experiences, design-led retreats and partnerships with brands that value quality, storytelling and human connection.

As our community continues to grow, we are also developing our own collection of Botanica-branded products inspired by Morocco’s traditions, ingredients and craftsmanship, alongside new wellness and lifestyle concepts designed to extend the Riad Botanica experience beyond our walls.

If you are interested in collaborating with Riad Botanica, we would love to hear from you.

We Collaborate With

Fashion & Caftan Designers
Artisans & Makers
Wellness Practitioners
Botanical & Natural Product Brands
Designers & Creative Brands
Photographers & Content Creators
Homewares & Lifestyle Brands
Cultural Organisations & Community Projects
Travel & Hospitality Partners

Book your stay with us