Morocco riads
Valentines day in Fez
Due to the popular reaction to our recent article on Valentines Day special offers and ideas in Marrakesh, here are some alternatives in the perhaps even more romantic ancient city of Fez in Morocco.
Set in the old city’s winding streets, Riad Ibn Battouta in Fez offers seven suites stylishly designed to mirror the journey of Ibn Battouta, a fourteen-century pilgrim who travelled extensively from Spain to China, from Africa to Russia. Perfect location for a romantic escape we think. Riad Ibn Battouta is offering Morocco Gateway users complimentary dinner for two for stays over Valentines weekend of 3 nights or more. For more details on the riad and to make an enquiry, click here
Riad Ibn Battouta
Nearby in Fez is the wonderful Riad Mabrouka. Built in 1920, the Arabo-Andalousian house of Riad Mabrouka was renovated and restored in 2000 to create a guesthouse of 6 suites and 2 rooms, complete with a small swimming pool and restaurant. Riad Mabrouka has a special offer valid until the end of February and including Valentine’s weekend of dinner for 2 persons offered for a 3 nights stay minimum. Click here for more details on the riad.
Riad Mabrouka terrace
Or to view all hotels and riads in Fez including Riads Mabrouka and Ibn Battouta, click here.
Valentine’s day in Morocco and Marrakesh
With Valentine’s day 2011 already on the horizon, there are fewer better places for a romantic weekend than Morocco. Just a few hours flight time from the UK and Europe, Marrakesh is an ancient city of intense colour, culture, escape and romance. And a number of the riads and hotels featuring on Morocco Gateway are offering Valentine’s Weekend special offers.
In Marrakesh, Riad El Cadi is a fourteenth-century house only a two minute walk from the local souks and a five minute walk from the main Jemaa el Fna square. The riad is offering Morocco Gateway users a romantic lunch on the roof terrace, sun-drenched and decorated with rose petals. For more details on Riad El Cadi, click here.
Riad El Cadi roof terrace
Still in Marrakech Riad Mezouar offering a Valentine’s Special of 2 nights in a junior suite with arrival and departure air-conditioned transfers from the airport, in-room breakfast, three-course menu romantic candlelit dinner for two, perfumed bubble bath with rose petals and a pampering massage for two. Price for two persons for two nights is only €545 (valid 10/02/2011 to 15/02/2011). See more details here.
Riad El Mezouar room
Riad ZamZam is offering a special 3 courses valentines dinner by its top chef for €50 per person. The dinner includes, Mojito cocktail, canapes, smoked salmon and buckwheat blinis with creme fraiche, chicken trid or lamb tanjia with vetable couscous, chocolate and fig torte with vanilla ice cream, moroccan petit fours and tea or coffee. Zam Zam can also advise and book romantic trips ie caleche rides, hot air ballooning, etc. For more details on Riad ZamZam click here.
Riad ZamZam room
At the more luxury end of the market, the award winning Ksar Char Bagh is offering 3 nights accommodation in a traditional Harim Suite (of approximately 70 square meters with private terrace or private garden], a Valentine day dinner for 2 persons (beverages not included), daily breakfast and airport transfers for €565 per person over for 3 nights (Based on a double occupancy and excluding local taxes and 10% government taxes. View more details here.
Delivering beauty treatment which speak of centuries of deep Moroccan hammam expertise, consider also the range of spa hotels as a gift to female partners in particular – by clicking here - or you can see our full listing of romantic riads and hotels in Morocco by clicking here.
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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Morocco self catering accommodation
For people looking a self-catering accommodation option in Morocco, many of the riads and hotels clearly do not fit the bill.
But good news! There are a small number of riads and private apartments which do offer self-catering, most of them also providing a house-keeper who can very usefully assist with food ingredients buying and preparation.
Located near the centre of Fez, Dar 47 offers exclusive rental from two to nine people in its five bedrooms. Dar 47 has two terraces – the front terrace is a good place for guests to sunbathe with sun loungers, parasols, tables and chairs and a “rainforest” shower to cool off in while the rear terrace on the other hand becomes an al-fresco venue. A built-in barbeque, dining table and lounging chairs adjoins to a terrace kitchen which is fully equipped for guests to use. Although Dar 47 is generally thought a self-catering accommodation choice, the live-in housekeeper provides breakfast and daily cleaning. Additionally, guests can request lunch and dinner for a supplementary cost. Read more about Dar 47 here.
Dar 47 terrace above
Chez Rebecca in Essaouira on the Atlantic Coast is a self-catering apartment in Essaouira’s historically listed medina. The house itself is round 150 years old and renovated in 2008 by four English friends and managed by a Moroccan team of staff. Its location is central, with food souks on the doorstep, and the beach only a ten minute walk away. Chez Rebecca includes a fully-equipped kitchen, spacious living room and dining area. Read more about Chez Rebecca here.
Chez Rebecca terrace above
You may also want to look at the private riad and house options across Morocco here which do provide all meal catering but without the need to share with other guests.
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New year in Marrakesh and Morocco
For those people who have not yet arranged their new year’e eve and day, Morocco and Marrakesh in particular represents a great destination, only a few hours from the UK and Europe, and offering sun, clear skies (usually!) and a party atmosphere!
Most riads and hotels stay open for the Christmas and New Year season, and some of these have interesting special offers for their remaining rooms – you can read more about there in our recent article on special offers here. Remember that most of these special offers have been negotiated by Morocco Gateway and are therefore only available through ourselves.
For those people who want to get away but for peace and quiet, there are a number of riads and hotels on the outskirts of Marrakesh such as La Palmeraie area, which are always popular over the Festive season. We have listed these in a selection called “Marrakesh Borders” here.
Almost of interest may be our list of clubs and restaurants in Marrakesh here.
For family trips in Marrakesh and across Morocco, have a look at our selection of family-friendly riads and hotels here, and for multi-family parties, you may also want to look at a choice of riads and hotels that cater for large parties by clicking here.
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Oasiria Water Park, Marrakesh
The Oasiria Water Park in Marrakesh has already been open for 5 or so years now and provides a great day out for families and couples alike.
A more recently added 300m heated pool tucked away from the rest of the park in a beautiful secluded garden with its own restaurant is the perfect place for any sun worshippers to spend the day soaking up some rays.
In another area of the park, children, they will be thrilled to climb aboard the pirate ship and sail the Marrakesh seas. Then they can ride the artificial waves as they crash down onto the Marrakesh beach the Park has created, and like all good beaches you can have a game of volleyball or football.
As water slides, the Park offers the Anaconda, the Boa and the Cobra. For the bravest visitors, there is the 17m high Kamikaze slide.
When your energy starts to fade you can take a dinghy and lie back and be carried along by the lazy river.
The Park also provides a choice of 5 different restaurants and snack bars so you will never go hungry. Each restaurant menu offers a variety of choice from snacks and pizzas to a full sit down multi-course lunch.
After lunch, you can take a stroll through the 10 hectares of shady gardens.
Oasiria is easy to get to as the park provides its own bus shuttle service to and from town. Click here for a timetable.
For a full day at Oasiria in the summer season that runs from The 27th of March to the 31st of August you can expect to pay 180dhs (€12-14) adult and 100dhs per child (€6-8) whilst children under 80cm go free. For just an afternoon its 140dhs per adult and 80dhs per child, and again children under 80cm go free.
The Oasiria Water Park is a short distance by taxi from any of the hotels and Riads of Marrakech listed here.
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.
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: Riad El Cadi
Fancy a Moroccan holiday in a riad steeped in culture? If visiting museums and antiquing are among your favourite pastimes, a hotel full of artefacts will suit your perfectly. El Cadi, a riad in Marrakesh, is that hotel.
Hotel: Riad El Cadi
Address: 87 Derb Moulay Abdelkader, Dabachi, Medina, Marrakech
Rating: ***
The central building of Riad El Cadi was originally a 14th Century house owned by a nobleman. Far later, a former German ambassador combined that dwelling with seven surrounding buildings to create a larger than average riad.
The result is a spacious and winding guesthouse and a meander through the courtyards, staircases and corridors of the seven houses providing the perfect view of ancient Moroccan architecture.
Clay pots, watercolour paintings and prints – artefacts you’d expect to find in a museum – line the walls of the 12 guest rooms, but there’s more. Not only are early Berber textiles, Islamic and Byzantine art worked into the rooms, there are also many pieces of modern art produced by friends of the ambassador.
Outside in the courtyard there are alcoves perfect for reading and relaxing and there are plenty of shady areas to take a break from the sun. There’s also a roof terrace where you can sunbathe, with sun shades available, overlooking the medina.
Just minutes from the main Jemaa el Fna square, Riad El Cadi offers all the benefits of a city centre riad while remaining quiet and peaceful.
Because of the design of the building, many of the guest suites interconnect, making it ideal for groups and families travelling together. Many of the suites have a private balcony or access to the courtyard.
For those requiring a more intimate room, the petite suite is a cosy choice, while the Blue House is a good choice for groups who want to stay together, with two bedrooms, kitchenette and own courtyard.
Riad El Cadi serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The former meals are usually light in style, while dinner is a three course affair. The cuisine is traditional Moroccan fayre with a few international touches. El Cadi’s chef can cater for a range of diets – including fussy eaters!
From the riad’s central location you can visit many of Marrakech’s attractions on foot, and the hotel can also arrange local activities such as tennis, golf and camel riding.
For special deals on Riad El Cadi, contact Morocco Gateway.
We can also offer a range of special offers on many Morocco riads and hotels.