ANIMA

Marrakesh can be a beauty, but its crowds can also be a bit of a pain. ANIMA is a place to escape the craziness of the city. It’s a fair distance outside the city center and can be difficult to find, but it’s worth a visit.

ANIMA is the work of artist André Heller. It’s an opulent oasis; a fantasy-like place where verdant plants and vibrant art speckle the earth. There’s no fake “oriental” feeling here—this is genuine art.

The garden is so lush, you’d be forgiven for forgetting you’re in a desert as soon as you step inside its colorful walls. Walkways wind among the cacti, palm trees, and roses that form a rather unconventional forest.

You’ll also feel as though you’ve entered a fantastical museum gallery. Artwork dots the land, so you’ll easily spot anything from paintings to photographs to unique sculptures nestled among the plants. Keep an eye out for works by iconic artists like Keith Haring and Pablo Picasso.