In Marrakech, a fascinating destination for all seasons, there is a refined oasis where ethnic style meets design. The Mena & Beyond Riad takes its name from its founder: a young globetrotter who imported her international touch into Morocco and who now also promotes local culture.
Red hair, fair complexion, a model-like body. Philomena Schurer Merckoll looks like she has stepped out of a painting by Botticelli, but there is a lot more to her than her ethereal beauty. A bit like the Riad Mena & Beyond, which she opened in Marrakesch in 2014 with the help of architect Romain Michel-Menière.
Besides being named after her own nickname, the Riad offers six suites expertly furnished in Moroccan style mixed with design masterpieces of the 50s and 60s; most of all, this Riad is a “break”, a little haven of peace where you can socialize, if you feel like it, you can do yoga, get a massage, Tai Chi lessons or a detox treatment. If you prefer to explore your surroundings, you can visit of the 3000 souks of the Medina or some of the many places of interest, such as the Majorelle Gardens, once belonging to Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé.
“Beyond” the Riad, however, we can easily notice the soul and culture of our hostess. German by birth and Londoner by adoption, Mena lives between London, Paris and Marrakech and she is a a collector, a creative consultant and an interior designer. She loves art, design, fashion and photography.
For this reason, next to the Riad, last September she inaugurated The Pink Door Shop: a “shop window” that, in addition to displaying vintage and contemporary designer fashion, sells modern ceramics produced by local artisans, Soufiane carpets, tapestries designed by French artist Louis Barthélemy, and desert scenes shot by Tangier photographer Hicham Gardaf. With the aim of promoting the local culture, this space will also host an exhibition of local handicrafts next February.
