STAYING IN A TRADITIONAL RIAD.

The best way to immerse yourself in the culture of Marrakech.

No-one should come to Marrakech and miss out on the wonderful experience of staying in a riad.

If you truly want a taste of Moroccan life, spending time in a riad with traditional tadelakt tiles and gurgling water features will give you just that.

Riads are the homes once lived in by the well-to-do of Marrakech. They are built around a central courtyard and have various citrus trees and foliage in the middle, reaching up through the open rooftop.

The roof top can be reached by climbing the tiled steps, where you will be greeted by colourful seating areas to escape from the heat and admire the views of the medina below.

The rooms are traditionally decorated in Moroccan lamps and Berber fabrics, including cushions and bedding with the most exquisite patterns and colours.

I prefer to stay in the mid- range priced riads because they still maintain their original appearance, and it’s like being immersed into a tale from 1001 nights.

The higher priced riads are also very beautiful but tend to lose some of their authenticity for me.

Many riads have been renovated by Westerners to appeal to the needs of tourists. They are modern and have televisions and bidets in the rooms.

My choice of riad is a family owned property, one that still has it’s old world charm and feels as though I’m staying with a Moroccan family.

Some of the riads I have stayed in have a slightly rustic quality. They cook delicious home cooked food and offer a Hammam service.

Waking up to the sounds of birds singing in the trees, and the gentle flowing of water from the fountain is such a wonderful start to the day.

The early morning sunshine reflecting off the beautifully tiled floors, puts you in a happy mood for the day.

Most riads provide their guests with breakfast, which is often sweeter than we are used to in the west. Some riads cook omelettes and there is always fresh orange and homemade yoghurts and jams served with traditional bread.

I love sunbathing on the rooftop, listening to the call to prayer from the Koutoubia mosque and the musicians in the square.

In the evening, I like to watch the sunset as the Jamaa El Fnaa comes alive with thousands of visitors. You can hear vendors calling out to beckon them into their food stalls, the aroma of the food cooking catches your breathe and the merry throng of the street performers entertaining the masses can be heard.

Back in the courtyard, you feel as if you are in an oasis. The calm, peaceful environment is a far cry from what is happening outside the big heavy wooden door of the riad.

The sound of Moroccan music plays at low volume, adding to the spirit of the surroundings, creating an authentic experience.

When I stay in a riad, the people working there can’t do enough to ensure I have a brilliant time. They are kind and helpful, and nothing is too much trouble. They are always smiling and happy to chat with their guests about Marrakech and it’s history.

They suggest places where you can eat and can arrange excursions for their guests.

Many of the larger riads have swimming pools. They are a welcome retreat after the exhausting heat of the hot African sun.

I like to spend a few days having what I call a ‘riad experience’ just relaxing by the pool amongst the flora and fauna before heading off to do activities.

Whichever type of riad you choose to stay in, you won’t be disappointed.

It’s one of the most delightful experiences you can have whilst visiting Marrakech.

I can’t wait to return..

Ask for recommendations.