Ait Ben Haddouh, the oldest city in Morocco.
hind sebti She was attracted from a young age by Moroccan beauty rituals, such as the hammam, and she ended up finding in the world of natural cosmetics, the spirituality and pleasure of these traditions brought to the present. She was born and raised in Meknès, and her love for Morocco she has translated it into the scents, textures and shades of her signature skincare. The formulas of whind They feature powerfully sensory local ingredients.
This interview is part of "The World Made Local", a global project of Condé Nast Traveler in the seven international editions, which gives voice to 100 people in 100 countries to find out why her own territory should be your next destination.
How would you describe Morocco?
It is my home, the one that gave me everything and made me who I am. He showed me the beauty, that of its landscapes, from the atlas mountains until the Sahara desert, passing through its endless coasts that extend over the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The beauty of its architecture and crafts, with its medinas, its awesome kasbah, the Mediterranean peoples, the colorful works of Amazigh art... The traces of the Amazigh, Roman, Arab, Andalusian, European, African heritage... visible in the diversity of its people, in its food, in rituals and in art ... That ancestral modernity keeps it alive. To all this, we must add the beauty of its people, with their generosity, hospitality and joy. His warmth and also his accepted contradictions.
How was Whin born?
A few years ago, while she was enjoying a wonderful hammam ritual with the aromas of rose water, orange blossom water and the creamy textures of rhassoul clay, I understood that she wanted to share the warmth of Morocco and our vision of beauty with the world. Since I was little, thanks to the artisanal objects of everyday life –such as silky handmade caftans or our rituals– that beauty is not only how you look, but also how you feel. When I set out to create wind, I wanted to bring to the world skin care based, of course, on science, but also wrapped in a more sensory experience. For the formulation, I relied on my 20 years of experience in beauty and in the best laboratories, and **for the sensory I was inspired by Morocco. **
What are your favorite cities?
When I'm in Meknès either White House I'm home. away from home are Marrakesh Y Tangier.
The founder of the cosmetic firm Whind, Hind Sebti
Where do you recommend us to eat?
If you are looking for a turn of the century atmosphere in Marrakech, The Grand Cafe de la Poste either alfassia, the best Moroccan home cooking. One dish you have to try is the chicken, olive and lemon tagine.
What to do beyond the usual tourist circuits?
Walk the meknes old town, World Heritage Site by Unesco, or by the center of Tangier, the true inspiration of the film Casablanca, with its mysterious glamour. The architecture of Morocco is impressive. It is like an open-air museum to get lost and travel back in time.
If you are in Marrakech, I recommend staying at Jnane Tamsna . In Tangier, my favorites are House of L'Elephant Blanc either Le Mirage. I love this city. I used to spend all my summer vacations there until I was 19, but I haven't been back for a long time. I liked to go to Al Haffa Cafe, an iconic cafe overlooking the bay of Tangier and with the most eclectic mix of people you've ever seen, from rock stars to poets to local grandparents... They serve the Mint tea sweeter. And for a drink in the city, Villa Josephine.