Yahoo Finance Holidays to Morocco: 10 of the dreamiest riads in Marrakech
Morocco reopens to British travellers today, meaning a weekend meandering the souks and alleyways of the Medina is an actual possibility this spring.
Once you’ve haggled yourself senseless you’ll need a shady nook to recover. And, when in Marrakech, a chain hotel just will not do.
With rooftop bars and cool underground spas, below is our round-up of the prettiest riads to book now.
Le Riad Yasmine
Situated in the heart of the Medina, you’ll find this stunning eight-bedroom urban retreat. A safe haven in the red city, expect to be enveloped by a sense of calm as soon as you walk though the front door. Le Riad Yasmine was bought by French couple Gabriel and Alice in 2015. Since then they have renovated and decorated their passion project into the lush green city oasis it is today – and have recently opened Riad Yasmine’s little sister right next door, the smaller three-bedroom riad, Le Petit Yasmine.
Rooms from £90 per night. riad-yasmine.com
El Fenn
One of Marrakech’s most iconic riads and converted boutique hotels, El Fenn was redesigned in 2012 and expanded again last year to now encompass 31 rooms and 12 interconnecting riads, three pools, a rooftop restaurant and large terrace, two cocktail bars and a spa, with an impressive fine contemporary art collection for guests to peruse. Each individually-styled room features jewel-coloured walls offset by antique furnishings and some also feature private plunge pools.
Rooms from €385 per night, el-fenn.com
Riad Due
At Riad Due, traditional Moroccan craftsmanship meets quirky design with brightly coloured furnishings juxtaposed with the white washed walls and wooden accents. One for book lovers, the library is a stand-out. Compiled with texts on Moroccan design and history, you can read these in a number of inviting nooks around the riad or cosy up next to the fireplace in your deluxe room or suite.
Rooms from 168 per night with a two-night minimum stay, riaddue.com
Dar One
Dar One is the closest you’ll get to a Scandi-style riad. With its minimalist design and muted hues, the six rooms at Dar One are wonderfully understated with exposed beams and marble sinks. Book into one of its Moroccan cooking classes or horse riding excursions in the Moroccan countryside before retreating back to the riad where halcyon evenings await.
Rooms from £83 per night, riad-dar-one.com
L'Hôtel Marrakech
If you’re after a touch of opulence, this riad is one of the dreamiest in Marrakech. Originally the central part of a Caidal palace, the 19th century riad comprises just five suites surrounding a handsome pool and courtyard, where the scents of the garden waft skywards. L'Hôtel Marrakech oozes 1930s charm which is offset by the modern fixtures and Moroccan craftsmanship. Enjoy an evening tipple on the rooftop among orange blossom and fig trees, honeysuckle, bougainvillea jasmine and roses as you watch the sun set over snow-capped mountains.
Rooms from £255 per night, l-hotelmarrakech.com
Riad 72
In the heart of the colourful Medina, you’ll find a peaceful Eden at Riad 72. Each of the 11 rooms and two suites are individually decorated with their own unique style, but our pick would be one of the light-filled grand suites with original wood-carved ceilings. Take a break from sightseeing in Riad 72’s authentic hammam spa, before enjoying a sundowner on the roof followed by dinner under the twinkling stars.
Rooms from £152 per night, riad72.com
P'tit Habibi
At the north end of the Marrakech Medina you’ll find this charming and eclectic riad that fuses traditional artisan craft with modern design. With two suites and three rooms, opt for the Hazy Moon suite with its stand-out red tiling around the bed and private roof terrace with views of the Atlas Mountains. Films can be screened in the courtyard or opt for sunset drinks and a sneaky pool dip on the rooftop.
Rooms from £97 per night, ptithabibi.com
Riad Les Yeux Bleus
You’ll notice at once that Riad Les Yeux Bleus has a number of similar touches to El Fenn, and this is because it’s from the same interior designer, Willem Smit. While modern with its amenities and electric pops of colour, this riad also leans into tradition with wrought-iron fixtures and carved wooden doors. Located in the Bab Doukkala district just a 10-minute walk from the main Jemaa el Fna square, the eight rooms in this boutique riad are a delight, as are the two pools, library and spa.
Rooms from £150 per night, marrakech-boutique-riad.com
Riad Azzar
Once you enter through the heavy front door off a winding street in the Medina, you’ll be greeted by a tranquil sanctuary of calming muted green and white hues. The three-room, three-suite Riad Azzar centres around a stunning plunge pool and banana tree in the courtyard. Opt for the romantic Suite Zemmour during your stay, with deep mauve and taupe furnishings, an art deco bathroom and view over the courtyard.
Rooms from £114 per night, riadazzar.com
Riad Tchaikana
For a classic Moroccan riad, direct your gaze to Riad Tchaikana. This 200-year-old riad is burrowed in the heart of the Medina and offers views of the Atlas Mountains from the rooftop above the elegant haven. Expect a mix of African and Oriental influences on the décor and be sure to check out the traditional garden and patio which is decorated with orange trees.
Rooms from £62 per night, tchaikana.com
