Welcome back to our conversation with Helios Retreats founder Hugo M. Mensch, sharing what has been his most inspirational moments that helped shape each Helios destination.

For this issue, we talk about all things Morocco. From hiking up the high Atlas and embracing the distinct personalities of Marrakech to one of the remotest corners of the world, exploring the breathtaking Sahara Desert.

This is our way of travelling vicariously through the stories and tales of the man behind the brand - as we patiently wait, planning for the day we can reboot, recharge, refocus away once again.

Tell us a travel secret, somewhere only you know about Morocco. What makes it so special? 

There are some incredibly beautiful places to visit in Morocco, we all know that, but what fascinates me is the people of that country and the simplicity of how they go about their daily lives, taking one day at a time. It’s one of those places where you have no choice but to gracefully embrace their lifestyle from the moment you arrive and bring that philosophy back with you.

If I’m to share a secret of what makes this destination so special, it's got to be the Sahara Desert. Arriving in the vast golden dunes after hours of driving through the arid country, we set off on camels to our luxury camp as the sunsets. After enjoying a delicious meal, we go outside to gaze at the stars by the sound of traditional Berber performers is truly one of the most unforgettable experiences I get to revive year after year whilst on the retreats.

We’ve all done something stupid or risky while travelling. What’s yours?

I’m an adventurer at heart and love skiing. Sometimes I’d like to think I’m better on the slopes than I am. I was skiing in Austria with friends on my very first ski trip and already going down a few blue slopes on my own. I lost my friends and ended up going down a black slope by mistake. Alone and with no experience, it took me about two hours to find a cabin in the middle of nowhere where I eventually got help to come down safely. My friends were desperately trying to contact me and had the emergency services ready to search for me, madness!

Fortunately, all was well in the end and we had a great evening in the Aprés-ski that day.

I want to spend a day and a night in Marrakech. What shouldn’t I miss?

If I had only one day to explore, I’d visit the Medina early. Pop at the souk and the lovely bazaars to secure a souvenir home. Stop by and visit the UNESCO Heritage Kutubiyya Mosque in the heart of the Medina, then head to Jardin Majorelle and the YSL museum, both unmissable. 

There are incredibly peaceful Riads and luxurious hotels with relaxing spas and Hammans, a mixture of sauna and hot baths, the perfect treat especially after a long trip returning from the Sahara Desert.

To end the night, I'd go for dinner at Riad Mansour for one last taste of Morocco and some traditional live music. It ticks all the boxes for me.

What’s the biggest feeling of culture shock you’ve ever had in Morocco?

Marrakech is amazing! But if you come from any European city or a smaller town, you will be shocked by the many people around you. It just explodes on you, how dense it is.

I sometimes hear of unpleasant experiences in Marrakech. This can be a put off when you’ve never been to the country. One advice I always give is to avoid visiting the medina at night. It gets busy, quite a shock having too many people around, beggars and hagglers asking to buy stuff can be sometimes frightening and taxing.

Every traveller is looking for something different. What’s your motivation?

The main motivation for me is to travel is to experience different places and cultures as closely as I can. To absorb that insight-knowledge only the locals can offer you. To really feel it. 

What’s your favourite film, book or TV series about travel? 

All of the travel series with Michael Palin or Simon Reeve on BBC. I’ve watched all of them. They inspire me to go as far as I can and experience as many cultures as possible when travelling.

Morocco has always been a popular destination for the avid explorer type of traveller, what motivated you to create a luxury retreat in the Northern part of Africa, and how did you achieve this?

After the successful opening of Helios Retreats in Mykonos, many clients asked about the possibility to explore other countries. At the time, a client of mine just returned from a trip in the Atlas Mountains and recommended me checking the spot they stayed. It was love at first sight. Ever since we go from strength to strength. More and more people, like myself, return home in love with the country. It's the perfect balance of activities, sunshine and cultural exploration.

We have a new spot for our retreats in Morocco; The Source Marrakech. A beautifully exclusive boutique hotel, with an amazing area for yoga, outdoor fitness and Spa. I’m counting down the days until our next retreat.

The food in Morocco is delicious. What’s your favourite dish?

If you have ever been to one of my retreats, you will know my love for Moroccan cuisine. Favourite dish? Tagine; A delicious mix of couscous with vegetables and Lamb or some protein, slow-cooked and oven-baked in a clay dish... you’re making me hungry now!

The next Helios Retreats Morocco runs from October 18th to the 22nd (18th to the 25th + Sahara trip) and is available for bookings here.