Marakesh hotels & riads
English-owned Riads and Hotels in Morocco
We are often asked about English-owned and therefore English-speaking riads and hotels in Morocco – Marrakesh and Fez in particular.
There are a number of these riads and hotels, which we have listed here for viewing ease.
It is useful to remember that whilst these riads and hotels are owned by English people, that is not to say that these owners are there on site when guests are there. Often, in our experience, the English owners (like French and other nationality owners) will travel to and from Morocco throughout the year. Do not expect them therefore always to be your hosts.
Often however, the English owners are on site or can be contacted during a stay if needed. They also tend to ensure that their staff speak a high standard of English.
Dar Zemora was purchased in summer of 2001 by its English owners and opened in September 2003 as a guesthouse comprising four suites and three bedrooms. Created as a “country house hotel” Dar Zemora is a convenient retreat, situated in the peaceful Palmeraie area but within a short drive to the city of Marrakech. Read more about Dar Zemora here.
Dar Zemora pool above.
Originally home to a fortune-teller, Riad Zamzam is located in the historical and religious site of Zaouia Sidi Bel Abbess, the shrine of Sir Bel Abbess. It is now owned by Emma and Marcus Joyston-Bechal who moved to Morocco from the UK in order to restore the riad (you read more on their adventures in coming to Morocco at their blog here). Or read more about Riad Zamzam here.
View over Fez from Dar 47
In Fez, Dar 47 was purchased in 2007 by owners Michael and Emma Crane for its panoramic views of the medina. The house offers exclusive rental from two to nine people, with a minimum of a two-day stay. Located near the centre of Fez, guests can expect a short drive to the city centre and places of interest, or slightly longer walks. Read more about Dar 47 here.
A full listing of English-owned and English-speaking riads and hotels in Morocco can be viewed by clicking here.
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Marrakesh’s Dar Si Said Museum
The DAR SI SAID MUSEUM is a sumptuous palace in Marrakech which houses the very quintessence of Moroccan art.
On the ground floor you can find clothes, objects in beaten copper, arms and Berber jewellery.
Splendours from the past? Not at all, for many of the objects on display are still used and worn in mountain areas of Morocco.
The first floor salon impresses with its Hispano-Moorish decoration and elegant furniture in cedar wood.
The other rooms are filled with an abundance of carpets such as those originating from the Sahara region, characterised by the use of leather, and large, simple mats evoking the dry beauty of the semi-desert.
A remarkable collection of door and window frames is to be found around the courtyard, all encrusted with delicate and refined ornamentation.
And once back in the streets of Marrakesh, one can often better appreciate that the City’s inhabitants know how to keep the traditions of their culture alive.
The DAR SI SAID MUSEUM is located within a short distance of many of the riads and hotels of Marrakesh listed here.
Riad Attajmil’s New Farm
One of the Marrakech riads on Morocco Gateway, the popular Dar Attajmil, has recently acquired a small farm, Farm of Lalla Abouch, located 25 km south of Essaouira.
The owner of Dar Attajmil, Lucrezia Mutti tells us more about the Farm and what it offers it guests:
“Working with families of the area, we cultivate and process our products using local materials and traditional techniques” under the caring eye of Argan Abouch, a hundred year old argan tree to whom locals are devoted. We welcome guests to visit us and enjoy a healthy way of life that can only be found in rural Morocco.”
“During their stay, guests can enjoy privacy, a tranquil setting, traditional rustic meals and also easy walking treks through the surrounding area, donkey trails and other farm activities. Breath-taking sand beaches and the lovely beachside town of Essaouira are close by. We also offer massage and yoga classes at the farm, and for those who appreciate culinary arts a cooking experience is available, introducing guests to some of the most typical and authentic Berber dishes.”
The Farm of Lalla Abouch grows a variety of herbs, vegetables, and grains including barley and wheat for our breads and couscous. They also raise poultry, rabbits, and goats for milk and goat cheese – all organic.
They also produce their own organic olive oil and argan oil for both culinary and cosmetic purposes.
Guests are welcome to share in any moment of the farmer’s life, from barley harvest in May and olive oil extraction at the old mill in October, to caring for the goats and cultivating the orchards and gardens all year round. If preferred, guest can just rest in a hammock, have a dip in the pool, or go on a walk with the farm’s dogs.
To get in contact with Lucrezia directly and to learn more about staying at the Farm, visit our Dar Attajmil profile.
Riad ZamZam’s Spa Retreat for 2011
One of our featured riads, Riad ZamZam, has just announced the 2011 dates for its new “Goddess Retreat”, which will be held between 2 and 6 February 2011.
ZamZam’s owner Emma Joyston-Bechal tell us more about the Goddess Retreat.
She explains. “Like all our specialist retreats, the Goddess Retreat goes beyond the traditional. We get rid of the mysticism usually related to life exploration and come directly to the heart of the human condition. Based at Zamzam Riad in mystical Marrakech we also explore the Atlas mountains, the Sahara desert and the Atlantic coast.”
“By clearing energetic pathways, stirring up the fire of the breath and discussing what arises in a straight talking, refreshing way we help you gently peel back the layers to uncover your true liberated potential.”
“We think its time to lighten up to Enlightenment and whilst disciplined in our practice we also laugh together, celebrate and enjoy the magical gift of connection, allowing you to leave with a renewed sense of energy and joy.”
To get in contact with Emma directly and to learn more about the retreat, visit ZamZam’s page with us by clicking here.
Hotel of the week: Riad Ksiba
Got a fascination for reading, writing and literature? Riad Ksiba in Marrakech could be your ideal destination.
Name: Riad Ksiba
Address: Derb Kbala No. 147, Marrakech Medina
Rating: ***
Ksiba opened its doors in 2004 after two years of extensive restoration work using traditional Moroccan craftsmen and skills. Najib Tabiai, the accomplished Moroccan architect, oversaw the restoration work and the hotel has been given a First Class licence by Marrakech’s tourism board.
The literary theme is encapsulated in the naming of the six suites – each is called after a famous Moroccan writer. Many of the bedrooms have seating areas, while the Nizar Suite comes with its won private terrace on which to curl up with a book or write your own stories with notepad and pen.
There are plenty of communal relaxation areas, too. The roof terrace, for example, has an open shower to take the edge off on a hot day and has many parasol covered sun loungers to lie on.
On the ground floor you will find the plunge pool, which is surrounded by banana, orange and lemon trees that provide ample shade.
Internally, there are two salons – one summer, one winter – in which you can rest, read, play games and generally relax.
There is no real in-house restaurant at Ksiba, but the kitchen can serve three meals a day, and caters for vegetarian, vegan and other special dietary requirements.
Breakfast is included in the price of your stay and, so long as you request it at breakfast time, lunch and dinner can be cooked for a small charge. The riad’s staff will go to the market and purchase the ingredients fresh on the day, ensuring a delicious meal.
Riad Ksiba is located south of the main Marrakech medina, meaning it’s ideal for exploring the city on foot. Nadia, the riad’s owner, is happy to give advice on places to visit, while car and driver hire and personal shoppers and guides can also be arranged.
Morocco Gateway can offer special rates for guests at Riad Ksiba. For more information, contact us via our booking enquiry page.
We also have many special offers on Morrocan hotels and riads, both in Marrakech and beyond.
Family holidays to Morocco
Morocco is a great destination for all the family and a family trip to the North African country promises adventure, excitement, the chance to experience an ancient culture, and a large smattering of fun.
Generally, Morocco is very welcoming of children and a child friendly country to visit. Depending on your destination and the age of your children, there are a range of activities for all the family to enjoy.
Activities such as camel trekking are a great way of entertaining older children and teenagers, enabling them to get out and about and experience the richness of Moroccan countryside and stunning Atlas mountains.
If you have younger children, a family excursion in a jeep may be a better option, enabling the younger ones to have a sleep if the heat gets too much for them.
Visiting Marrakesh is an excellent family holiday because there’s lots to do within easy access of the central city. Oasiria Water Park is open throughout and a shuttle bus runs from the city to take you there. There is also an amusement park adjacent to the water park, with bouncy castles and other entertainment to keep the young (and young at heart) occupied.
In the Menara Gardens you can go on cycle rides, climb trees and enjoy a picnic, while at the Royal Equestrian Centre the whole family can have riding lessons and go for a pony trek.
If your children like to try new foods, you can usually ask for a smaller portion of food. In Marrakesh there are also familiar chains such as KFC and Macdonalds. You can also get pizza quite readily here.
Many of the Morocco hotels and riads that Morocco Gateway work with are family friendly, although it is always best to check before making a booking. In general, however, the noise and buzz that children create is welcome and expected in Moroccan destinations.
You can find Morocco Gateway’s family friendly riads and hotels here.
Image credits – CCA: Camel by Mr Angeloux; Marrakesh by Cafe du Monde.
Hotel of the week: La Maison Arabe
If you’re looking for a getaway with a culinary flavour then here’s a Marrakech riad that will really tickle your tastebuds. La Maison Arabe was originally the site of popular Marrakech restaurant during the 1920s. It opened as a riad in 1946 and is now one of the city’s most popular and well-known places to stay.
Hotel: La Maison Arabe
Address: 1 Derb Assehbé, Bab Doukkala , Médina Marrakech
Rating: ****
Food remains central to La Maison Arabe. The riad has two restaurants that are open to guests and visitors alike. Le Restaurant is highly decorated in a traditional Moroccan style, with a hand-painted zouaké ceiling and traditional Moroccan menu.
You will dine accompanied by the gentle tones of lute and guitar and can sample the specialities of the house with some dishes unique to the hotel.
For a less formal dining experience, La Maison Arabe’s second restaurant, Saveurs d’Ailleurs, offers a more modern fusion cuisine of several international dishes in a tapas style. Here, the musical accompaniment is provided by Andalusian pianists.
La Maison Arabe has a famous cookery school, so if the delicious dishes you taste in the two restaurants have whetted your appetite to learn the secrets of Moroccan cookery you can do it without leaving the hotel.
Moroccan chefs will teach you how to cook a variety of dishes, and English, Arabic and French interpreters are all available to help.
Step out of the kitchen and you’ll enter a world of relaxation. An on-site hammam offers traditional steam baths, massages, facials and mud baths, with many of the treatments using locally produced herbs and plants.
There is a private swimming pool, gardens and kasbah located just outside the city, accessible by the riad’s free, private shuttle service in just 15 minutes.
Here there are shaded areas in which you can relax and enjoy light refreshments from the snack bar.
At the main hotel there are two patios, one with an impressive water feature, the other shaded by olive trees and both full of flowers.
Staff at the hotel can arrange activities a little further afield. Golf, tennis and camel riding are among the activities available. Additionally, Maison Arabe is located just minutes from the heart of Marrakech medina.
Morocco Gateway can offer special rates on La Maison Arabe, as well as other riads in Marrakech and beyond.
Click to make a booking enquiry and find out more about this hotel.
Hotel of the Week: Tigmi
Looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life? This riad in Marrakech region is perfectly located just 20 minutes away from the city.
Hotel: Tigmi
Address: Douar Tagadert el Kadi, Km 24 Route d’Amizmiz, Outside Marrakech
Rating: ***
Tagadert is a small village not far from central Marrakech, ideally located between the bustling city and the tranquil beauty of the Atlas Mountains. The main house of Tigmi has stood on this site since 1840 and was recently renovated by teams of local master artisans.
A second house, on the other side of the farm track, was built in 2008 and provides more modern accommodation that nevertheless retains its rustic roots.
There is one swimming pool in each house and relaxation is an important part of the Tigmi experience. It’s very peaceful and you can enjoy being pampered in the large hammam, which has rooms for each separate therapy for an intimate and private experience. Treatements include steam room, gym, massage and skin care.
Outside, you can chill in the shade of banana palms, citrus and olive trees or catch some sun on the stretch of lawn beside the pool. Some of the suites have their very own private plunge pool, others a private courtyard, and for groups of family and friends there are some rooms that are interconnected.
For a break from the sun there are lounges full of books – all written in English – where you can marvel at the high ceilings and authentic decoration as you read. The lounges benefit from a great deal of natural light thanks to courtyards connected to them.
Tigmi’s restaurant serves delicious food made from local ingredients where possible – the olive oil used is produced just 500 yards from the riad! Vegetarian and other special diets can be catered for so long a you let the hotel know in advance.
The vast majority of the staff come from the village and can fill you in on what to do during your stay. Because of the remote location of this riad, sports including hiking, mountain biking and water sports are popular activities – you can even try microlight flying if you so desire!
Take a wander into the village and return with many authentic Moroccan goods. Tigmi even employs its own weaver, who will make you a piece to order.
Morocco Gateway can offer special rates on Tigmi, as well as other riads in Marrakech and beyond.
Click to make a booking enquiry and find out more about this hotel.
Hotel of the Week: Riad el Mezouar
Looking for a royal retreat? Then check out Riad el Mezouar, a Moroccan riad fit for a king (or queen).
Hotel: Riad el Mezouar
Address: 28 Derb el Hammam, Issebtinne, 40000 Marrakech
Rating: ***
Based in the North of Marrakech medina, Riad el Mezouar is an elegant town house dating back to the 18th Century. Once owned by Moroccan royalty, the name means “head of the family” and the riad has a classy feel. It’s owned by Michel Durand-Meyrier, an interior designer who has maintained the original architecture of the building and preserved its character while at the same time giving it a contemporary and comfortable feel.
When the riad was restored, Michel employed only local craftsmen and traditional materials to add to the authentic feel. Being environmentally conscious was also high on his priorities and touches such as ceiling fans in place of air conditioning are of note.
There are five rooms in this riad – three suites and two doubles, all en-suite and all uniquely decorated in different styles. Throughout the rooms and halls of this Marrakesh riad you will find an eclectic mix of art from Africa, Asia and Europe, while bespoke silk fabrics drape over the furniture. The eye is naturally drawn to these stunning furnishings thanks to the minimalist whitewashed walls.
Step outside to the courtyard garden and the first thing that hits you is the glorious scent – lavender, jasmine and myrtle create an olfactory delight. This garden borders an Arabian marble fountain and the swimming pool, where energetic guests can work out with aqua gym lessons.
Riad Mezouar also has a roof terrace with sunbeds and seating areas, all overlooking the Atlas Mountains. Indoors, communal salons are available for guests to use at any time, and there’s also a small library and gift shop to peruse.
Although there is no in house spa, you can enjoy spa treatments including massage with essential oils.
Meals are an exquisite mix of Oriental, Asian and French cooking, making use of herbs from the courtyard and fruit from the surrounding trees. The chef was previously employed by Lailla Aicha, sister of King Hassan the Second, so you’re always guaranteed a quality feed. You can also learn how to cook the meals yourself as the chef offers cookery lessons.
Private concerts of Arabo-Andalusian music can be arranged by the hotel staff and excursions can also be organised around the city and to the Atlas mountains.
Morocco Gateway can offer special rates for guests at Riad el Mezouar. For more information, contact us via our booking enquiry page.
We also have many special offers on Morrocan hotels and riads, both in Marrakech and beyond.
Hotel of the Week: Riad Zina
Fancy a city break in Marrakech? That’s probably a silly question – who wouldn’t want to visit this hotbed of culture and history at the gateway to North Africa? If you’re considering spending a lot of your time in the historic city, Zina is a riad in Marrakech’s heart – ideal for exploring the city.
Hotel: Riad Zina
Address: 38 Derb Assabane, Riad Laarouss, 40008 Marrakech Medina
Rating: ***
Riad Zina is a 350-year-old family house converted into a riad in 1998. Just north of Marrakesh’s ancient medina, this is the perfect base from which to experience the many attractions of the city and beyond.
When the riad was renovated by owner Beate Prinz, the guest house’s original architecture was preserved and the resultant feel is very much of a traditional Moroccan house with the added benefit of modern comforts.
Many worlds are fused together for a leisurely and relaxing atmosphere, contemporary furnishings and original features blending seamlessly. In the Alkamar Suite cedar wood ceilings and intricate plasterwork remain from the original house, while elsewhere throughout the riad Beate displays the work of modern Moroccan artists.
The whitewashed walls and ochre tadlekt are contrasted with retro furnishings from 1970s France and lovingly collected from local flea markets.
Outside, there is a traditional Islamic garden and courtyard with some gigantic cacti that have to be seen to be believed – they’re as high as the roof of the riad. There is also a fountain full of fresh roses around which there is seating for you to relax. There’s also a resident tortoise who’s always eager to meet guests.
The main square of Marrakech is just 20 minutes walk away and here there are plenty of places to experience traditional Moroccan cuisine. Within the riad itself, authentic Moroccan meals are available and if you wish you can get involved in the preparation of these meals.
Friendly and knowledgeable, the staff are always willing to recommend and help organise excursions for guests. Horse riding, swimming, golf and spa trips are just a few examples, and if you happen to be celebrating a special occasion during your trip to Morocco, they will be more than happy to organise celebrations for honeymoons, birthdays and the like.
Morocco Gateway offers special rates for guests at Riad Zina. For more information, contact us via our booking enquiry page.
We also have many special offers on Marrakesh hotels and riads.