Hotel of the Week: Riad Dar Ilham
Wouldn’t it be lovely to get away from the stresses and strains of working life and enjoy some proper relaxation? We certainly think so and the idea of being pampered in a luxurious Moroccan riad sounds like our idea of perfection. That’s why, for this week’s hotel of the week, we’ve chosen Riad Dar Ilham, a modern riad in Marrakech.
Hotel: Riad Dar Ilham
Region: Marrakech and region
Address: Oulad Hassoun douar Jallal Route de Fés, 40 000 Marrakech
Rating: ***
Riad Dar Ilham sits on the Marrakech to Fes road, meaning that it’s in a great location for transport links. However, once you’re in the riad you may not want to leave – the key here is relaxation and the sumptuous surroundings mean you cannot fail to enjoy some chill-out time.
Use of the hammam is included in the price of a regular stay, and on request you can arrange a four-day pampering programme – perfect to de-stress, detox and relax. Nawal, the riad’s resident beautician, will take expert care of you.
On the first day, you’ll enjoy a body scrub and full 30 minute relaxation massage. The second day includes a seaweed body wrap, a well recognised way of removing toxins from your system and also good for toning the skin. Toning work continues with a toning massage – ideal for tired muscles.
To revive the mind as well as the body, essential oils are the order of the day, along with a facial”
Day three and you should be feeling pretty relaxed and refreshed. To revive the mind as well as the body, essential oils are the order of the day, along with a facial to give you a truly radiant complexion. On day four, you can enjoy a henna envelopment and final relaxing massage – by now we guarantee your cares will have faded away.
All guests also have use of the outdoor Jacuzzi, located in an intimate corner of the sumptuous garden, which is filled with roses, and an oval-shaped swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers. There is a larger swimming pool at the nearby kasbah, which guests can use most of the time, although it is advisable to check first as the kasbah can sometimes be exclusively booked up.
On the rare occasions when weather is bad, or if you just want to get out of the sun for a few hours, there is an indoor lounge with an open fireplace, large television and good selection of board games.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, there are a good range of outdoor activities within easy reach of Dar Ilham. The hotel can arrange horse riding trips along the palm grove or SUV, buggy and quad bike rides around the Moroccan countryside. For a truly unique view of Marrakech and surrounding mountains, why not take to a hot air balloon ride? Balloon trips take off just 15km from the riad and can be booked through the hotel staff.
From paragliding to golf, there are a large range of sporting options available to you, while if you’re travelling with a sweetheart you can enjoy a night under the Moroccan stars in a bivouac.
If you’re travelling with a sweetheart, you can enjoy a night under the Moroccan stars in a bivouac”
Food lovers will be spoiled at Dar Ilham, where the menu is extensive and exquisite. The head waiter speaks English fairly well although guests may find difficulty in communicating with other staff. Guests will have the choice of soups, meat-based tagines, couscous dishes and seafood, while vegetarians can enjoy salads and vegetable tagines, all made from ingredients from the local market. Meals are usually served in the flowered courtyard or rose garden.
Wherever you are in the riad, you’ll feel close to nature. Five friendly tortoises share the garden space with guests and snake charmers regularly visit to practise their art.
Morocco Gateway can offer special deals on your stay at Dar Ilham and other riads in Marrakech.
To book your stay at Dar Ilham, click this link.
