Sounds Of The Souks

Tag: accommodation in Marrakech

An exploration of The Red City known as Marrakech.

  • LA Maison Des Oliviers.

    A beautiful resort with exotic, tranquil gardens.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    I was searching for the perfect place outside the medina to enjoy some peace and tranquillity.

    I heard about La Maison Des Oliviers and decided to spend a few days there.

    The grounds of this popular resort are absolutely beautiful and very well maintained.

    Surrounded by olive trees, palms, and citrus trees, it feels very exotic, and the building is like a mediaeval castle with its cob walls and lush gardens.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    There is a heated swimming pool that is kept immaculately clean and a pool bar serving good food and alcohol.

    La Maison Des Oliviers is set over 3 hectares and has 10 standard rooms, 10 deluxe rooms, 17 senior suites, and 3 ambassador suites.

    There is a small shop selling souvenirs on the premises.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    I stayed in one of the standard rooms, and it was large and comfortable, with all the amenities I needed for my stay.

    It was lovely just relaxing by the pool and literally spending several days doing absolutely nothing.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    There is a restaurant serving breakfast and dinner.

    The food was nice, and the outdoor seating area was perfect for pre dinner drinks or a night cap.

    There is a shuttle that takes guests into the medina, which is 10 minutes away from the resort.

    Some people have mentioned the surroundings outside the gates of the accommodation.

    It is undeveloped, and I wouldn’t walk around in the evening by myself, but I did feel safe visiting the small supermarket during daylight hours.

    La Maison Des Oliviers is a place for total relaxation.

    I would recommend staying there after a few days in the busy medina.

    It is a welcome break from the nonstop pace and a well-deserved retreat where you can completely wind down and catch a few sun rays.

    I enjoyed my relaxing break here. However, I did miss the authenticity of the medina.

    Although the staff were friendly and helpful, they are simply doing a job, and I missed the charm and more personal experience that I get from staying in a riad.

    I would return again, purely for the contrast to the lively, touristic side of Marrakech.

    Sometimes, it’s nice to do nothing except sunbathe and kick back for a while.

    I missed stepping straight out of my accommodation into the bustling medina, so I would probably make it a short visit at the end of my trip.

    La Maison Des Oliviers is located near the Agdal area of Marrakech.

    KM 6, Route de l’Ourika,

    Tassoultante

    40000  Marrakech Morocco.

    It is possible to get a ‘Day Pass’ also.

    La Maison Des Oliviers is also a popular wedding venue.

    Image by Freebird.
    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
    (more…)

  • Riyadh Al Moussika

    A beautiful riad, home to the popular Italian restaurant, Pepe Nero.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    I was fortunate enough to stay at Riyadh Al Moussika in the medina.

    The interior was absolutely spectacular as it was once home to the Pasha of Marrakech.

    The two courtyards were beautifully preserved and a haven of peace and tranquillity in the morning.

    The sound of birdsong and the gentle trickle of water from the fountains was a lovely way to begin each day.

    The riad is also a popular Italian restaurant called Pepe Nero, which I feature in a separate article.

    Once the restaurant is open for business, music is playing, but during the afternoon, between 4 and 6, it is peaceful and relaxing.

    The evenings can become livelier, so earplugs are a must if you wish to retire to bed early as the tempo of the music is slightly louder.

    I didn’t really find this an issue, and the restaurant closes at 11.30pm, becoming quiet very quickly afterwards.

    The rooms are huge and feel very noble.

    The blue suite is incredibly grand, fit for royalty.

    I stayed in the single room, and it was perfectly adequate for me with all the amenities I required.

    Rooms in riads are generally quite dark to keep them cool, but this is part of the authenticity of them.

    Riyadh Al Moussika is a very traditional riad, with intricate tilework adorning the water features and stunning plants, trees, and bougainvillaea climbing the walls.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The rooftop is separated into private areas for guests, with sun loungers to absorb some  hot African sun.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    It was a pleasurable experience, sipping a Disaronno and listening to the burbling fountain whilst gazing into the clear pool surrounded by exotic foliage.

    The location of Riyadh Al Moussika is also very good.

    It is in a quiet area with a small carpark close by.

    There are several restaurants and cafes situated a ‘stones throw’ away, including Mandala Society.

    The staff were very professional but still maintained a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

    They were helpful and polite at all times.

    Complimentary water and mint tea were available for guests each day, which was a nice touch.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The breakfast was a good start to each day and consisted of typical Moroccan sweet treats with the option of omelette also.

    Msemen pancakes, croissants,  cheese, fruit, and yoghurt, freshly squeezed orange juice, and coffee all served in the tranquil courtyard.

    I really enjoyed my stay in Riyadh Al Moussika and would highly recommend it.

    The music is definitely something to bear in mind if you are someone who likes to retire early, but as a solo traveller, it took away the feelings of isolation that can sometimes occur.

    Taking a pair of earplugs definitely helped.

    The excellent service and exquisite environment made up for the slight inconvenience of the bustling restaurant vibe.

    Riyadh Al Moussika can be located at;

    62 Derb Boutouil,

    Marrakech 40000

    Morocco.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com

    (more…)