PROFILE:

Name: Carmen Haid
Profession: Luxury Brand Specialist
Lives in: Marrakech
Web: carmenhaid.com.

What was your first impression of Marrakech and what did you immediately like about the city?
I love the colors, the contrasts, the colorful life, the nature. The city has a unique offer and inspires me every day anew.

Anima Garden: The garden, a magical synthesis of the arts by artist André Heller full of trees, shrubs, flowers, pavilions and sculptures, invites you to stroll extensively. Carmen Haid loves it, too! anima-garden.com

Why did you decide to move to Marrakech?
Everything is possible here, I don't know any other place where you can find something like this. Marrakech is a wonderful mix of culture, international crowds, excellent cuisine and nature. I have been coming to Morocco on and off since 1996 and as of 2019, I have been living in Marrakech part-time.

What traditions do you appreciate most about Morocco?
It is firmly anchored in the culture to pass on crafts from generation to generation. This ensures that time-honoured techniques such as tadelakt, ceramics, basketry and metal crafts are not forgotten.

Concept store 33 Rue Majorelle: Here you can find a wide range of selected products - from clothing and household goods to cosmetics and stylish office items. A special eye-catcher are the handmade crocheted lamps, each of which is unique. 33ruemajorelle.com

In your opinion, which is the most beautiful neighbourhood in the city?
Definitely Sidi Ghanem. The up-and-coming industrial district has changed and developed a lot in the last three years, with more and more interesting creative studios and art studios settling here. Absolute must-sees are Hassan Hajjaj's new gallery, boutique and restaurant concept Jajjah, ceramics studio and boutique by Belgian artist Laurence Leenaert and the headquarters of fashion label Marrakshi Life, founded by New York photographer Randall Bachner.

© Patrick Langwallner

Related: A Weekend in ... Marrakech

Text: Michaela Hessenberger, Philipp Rossmann and Heidi Rietsch