Hotel of the Week – Dar Baraka
Morocco is a country steeped in romance and art. It’s the ideal place to get away if you’re seeking artistic inspiration, so this week we turn the focus on an intimate little riad in Rabat that’s perfect for anyone seeking their muse.
Hotel: Dar Baraka
Region: Rabat
Address: 26 rue de la Mosquée, Kasbah des Oudayas, 10000 Rabat
Rating: **
Dar Baraka is a truly intimate Moroccan riad situated on the Atlantic seaboard coast. Small and simple, this quaint little riad is perched atop a rocky spur, overhanging the naturally cooling estuary of the Bou Regreg.
The building was originally constructed by French owners in the 1920s. Although the riad is small, it is elegant, with only two bedrooms – one twin, one double – for a real sense of intimacy. This makes it the perfect retreat for couples seeking to get away from the rat race, or for artists and other creative types travelling together in search of inspiration.
Dar Baraka is now owned by Pauline, who also runs an art gallery in Rabat, and you can really see her influences throughout the little riad.
The decor will appeal to those of an artistic bent and people who enjoy antiquing”
The decor of the riad will appeal to those of an artistic bent and people who enjoy antiquing. Both bedrooms are light and breezy and are decorated with antique furniture and original art work. They are both en suite and in the double room you’ll find the original bath with 1950s fittings and ivory tiling, while the twin room benefits from a traditional zellij (mosaic) and Italian marble.
As for the location itsellf, Kasbah des Oudayas was founded in the 12th century and by the 18th century had become a nest of pirates. Remnants of this past can be found in Dar Baraka itself, most notably in the vaulted cellar that dates from this time and is littered with canon balls.
The pirate past is long gone, however, and Dar Baraka is now a place of meditation and relaxation. There are two separate terraces and garden areas surrounded by fig trees and other sumptuous vegetation. That’s not to say the riad is without mod cons, however. There is a TV lounge with DVD player and wireless internet is available throughout the building.
The pirate past is long gone, and Dar Baraka is now a place of meditation and relaxation”
Food lovers will be well catered for. Breakfast is a banquet, with many kinds of juice, breads, pancakes, eggs, yoghurts and cheeses. Lunch and dinner are also available on request with plenty of delicious salads, chicken and fish. Vegetarian options are also available.
Dar Baraka is a 30 minute drive from Rabat-Sale airport and 1.5 hours from Casablanca. What’s more, it’s just five minutes from the beach.
Morocco Gateway can offer special deals on your stay at Dar Baraka and other Moroccan hotels and riads. To book your stay at Dar Baraka, click this link.
