Category: Places to stay.

Immerse yourself in the culture of Marrakech.

Everyone visiting Marrakech should stay in a traditional riad at least once.

If you want a taste of  authentic Moroccan life, spending time in a riad inside the walls of the medina will give you one.

Traditional zellige tiles and the sound of trickling water from the ornate fountain in the central courtyard is just a small part of what riad life has to offer.

Riads are the homes once lived in by the well-to-do of Marrakech.

Whole families lived inside them, and they offered a private, secluded place, especially for the women in the family.

They are built around a central courtyard with the windows facing inwards and have citrus and palm trees in the centre, reaching up through the open rooftop.

Many have a small pool for cooling off in, and most of them still have their original fountain from when they were first constructed.

The rooftop can be reached by climbing the steep tiled steps.

You will be greeted by a vibrantly coloured seating area where you can escape from the heat and admire the incredible views over the medina.

The interior rooms are traditionally decorated in Moroccan lamps and Berber artefacts, which include colourful rugs, cushions, and exquisitely handcrafted furniture.

Many riads around the medina have been purchased by Westerners, renovated and refurbished to appeal to the ever growing influx of tourists.

A lot of riads still maintain their original appearance, and staying in one is like being immersed in a tale from ‘1001 nights’

Some of the original tiles from hundreds of years ago have been brought back to life, and they exude charm and character.

High-end riads are also  beautiful and rather luxurious.

They include bidets and television sets in the rooms.

All riads are charming, and it all depends on whether you favour luxury over authenticity.

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.

Like a tale from an ‘Arabian Nights’ adventure, a testimony to the beauty of Islamic architecture and craftsmanship.

Most riads cook delicious home cooked food for their guests and offer cooking lessons.

There is also a hammam and massage service available in most riads.

This is a wonderful experience, and something everyone who comes to Marrakech should indulge in at least once.

Rooms in a riad are usually slightly dark inside.

This keeps them cool in the summer when temperatures can exceed 50°

Some of the windows have intricate screens from when the riad was a harem to keep the women private and secluded.

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

The early morning sunshine reflecting off the beautifully tiled floors puts me in such a happy mood.

Most riads provide their guests with a hearty breakfast, which is sweeter than we are used to in the west.

Some staff cook omelettes, and there is always fresh orange juice and homemade yoghurts and jams served with traditional bread.

The msemen pancakes served with honey and amlou are my absolute favourite.

I love sunbathing on the rooftop, listening to the call to prayer from the Koutoubia mosque.

If you’re staying near Jamaa El Fna,you can hear the gnawa musicians and the drumming in the distance.

This is a true immersion in the culture of Marrakech.

In the evening, I like to watch the sunset from the rooftop.

At dusk, Jamaa El Fnaa comes alive with thousands of visitors.

You can hear the vendors calling out to beckon tourists into their food stalls.

The aroma of the food cooking catches your breath.

Back in the courtyard, you feel as though you are in an oasis.

This calm and peaceful environment is a far cry from what is happening outside the big, heavy wooden door of the riad.

The sound of  gentle music plays quietly in the  background, creating a sense of tranquillity.

Staff at the riad can suggest places where you can eat and also arrange popular excursions for their guests.

They are eager to please and go above and beyond the call of duty.

For me, staying in a traditional riad has a more intimate feeling than a hotel.

I like to spend a few days having what I call, a riad experience, and enjoying the culture of Marrakech like a true local.

Whether it’s a former palace or a family owned business, staying in a riad is one of the most authentic experiences you can have when you come to Marrakech.

(more…)