Marrakech riads
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.
Marrakech Film Festival
This year’s Marrakech International Film Festival (2010) is set to be one of the most exciting yet. The 10th edition of festival which runs 3-10 December 2010, is set to see a host of stars attending, which will add to its global profile.
John Malkovich will be acting as the President of the competition jury, which includes Gabriel Byrne, Maggie Cheung, Gael Garcia Bernal, Benoit Jacquot, Eva Mendes and Faouzi Bensaidi.
The renowned director Francis Ford Coppola will host a Master Class for both film students and festival-goers.
Sigourney Weaver, will also be attending as President of the festival’s first ever short film jury and will hold the honours of awarding the contest winner will be a 300,000 dirham prize (about $37,200), with all the proceeds to go to the funding of a second short film that will have to be completed within three years.
So if you are interested in film and are planning a trip to Morocco, early December will be a good time to choose. Just make sure you don’t leave it too late to book a Marrakesh riads or hotel – for a selection click here.
Hotel of the Week: Riad Dar Sbihi
If you’re looking for a relaxing break a stone’s throw from Marrakech’s medina, Riad Dar Sbihi could be the one for you.
Hotel: Riad Dar Sbihi
Address: 25, Derb Taht El-Khochba, Zaouia El-Abbassia
Rating: ***
Riad Dar Sbihi sits to the north of Marrakech’s medina, away from the hustle and bustle of city life but just 15 minutes walk from the souks and main square.
Owners Sibylle and Saad Sbihi live in the riad full time, meaning they can always give advice and information to travellers and are more than happy to share their expert knowledge of Marrakech and surrounding area.
Dar Sbihi is a classically designed riad with four arcades giving access to all the rooms. Inside, the riad has been decorated by local craftsmen with Fes-style sculpted plaster, furniture carved from cedar wood and coloured glass windows surrounded by prettily patterned curtains.
This is a large riad, with five standard rooms, three mini suites and two large suites. One of the suites has its own private terrace.
The bathrooms are tiled in a traditional Moroccan style but are European in style. A real treat is contained within, as shower gels, soaps and other toiletries made locally using the famous Moroccan argan oil are on hand for guests to use.
Home made toiletries are also used in the marble hammam, where body scrubs and massages are on offer.
Breakfast is included in the price of your stay and there are also options for lunch and dinner, serving a range of traditional Moroccan cuisine. Mint tea and a selection of pastries are also available.
Indoors, there are two lounges in which to relax, also doubling up as a restaurant in the unlikely event that bad weather prevents eating in the courtyards.
The courtyard itself is beautiful and relaxing with a huge variety of fauna, including peach, banana and lime trees. A fountain filled with fresh flowers provides a central focal point.
Riad Dar Sbihi’s four terraces enable guests to view the Atlas Mountains and nearby sanctuary of Sidi Bel-Abbes. There’s a sun deck on one terrace to soak up the rays, and inside the Douiria (‘small house’) is a small swimming pool for guests to cool down in during the day.
If you’re planning an energetic holiday, there are bikes available for hire, and you can also explore the surrounding area on camel back or quad bike, go horse riding or take a flight in a hot air balloon. All in all, a hotel with something for everyone.
Morocco Gateway can offer special rates for guests at Riad Dar Sbihi. 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 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: 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: Ryad Mabrouka
Planning on visiting Fez for a romantic break? We’d recommend one of the Fez riads just ten minutes walk from the ancient medina.
Hotel: Ryad Mabrouka
Address: 25 Derb El Mitter, Talaa Kbira, Fez Médina, 30200, Fez
Rating: ***
Ryad Mabrouka is a Fez hotel with romance at its heart. Should you be there to celebrate a honeymoon or other romantic occasion, the hotel staff will provide flower and wine in your room. Fez itself is steeped in romance and is Morocco’s oldest Imperial city, packed with spiritual and cultural highlights and with a truly magical feel.
The riad was built in 1920, making it comparatively modern for Fez. It was transformed into a guesthouse in 2000 and comprises six suites and two rooms. As well as a perfect retreat for couples, Ryad Mabrouka is ideal for those wanting to explore the city or people keen to relax and recharge their batteries.
Mabrouka’s interiors are well furnished and decorated with a mixture of French and Moroccan art. The sculpted platerwork, cedar wood ceilings and mosaics have been preserved and the hotel’s owners have also added contemporary comforts including air conditionng and heating in the ground floor guest rooms and en-suite facilities for all rooms.
All of the riad’s rooms are arranged around a central courtyard, which contains a swimming pool accessible through the internal courtyard, which contains a fountain surrounded by seating.
On top of the riad is a roof terrace where you will experience stunning views of the historic city and surrounding countryside. Here you will find ample sun beds to relax on.
Dinner is serverd on the veranda and is a combination of French and Mediterranean cuisine. If you fancy eating out, there are myriad eateries for every taste in Fez’s main square.
There are souks aplenty and many small shops to browse off the main square, but Fes is also surrounded by countryside and hiking, horse riding and cycling trips can easily be arranged.
Trips to the famous Roman ruins at Volubilis can be arranged, as can transfers to other cities in Morocco.
Morocco Gateway can offer special deals on your stay at Ryad Mabrouka. Click here to make an enquiry.
Relax in four-star luxury in our newest Marrakech hotel
Here at Morocco Gateway, we’re always on the hunt for new hotels where we can offer some great discounts on visiting Morocco.
That’s why we’re pleased to welcome Dar Zemora, a Marrakech riad with a four star rating, to the Morocco Gateway family. Read on to discover this little bit of luxury just a short drive from the heart of the city.
Dar Zemora was bought by its English owners in 2001 and opened its doors as a hotel in 2003. It comprises the large main house and the smaller Pavilliion Suite, which has two bedrooms and a private pool – ideal for a small group or pair of couples.
The decoration of all the bedrooms maintains a traditional Moroccan style, each unique with painted zouak ceilings, moucharabieh woodwork and tadalkt walls. There are also a selection of reception rooms – the Casablanca Room is relaxed and informal, the Omar Room cosy and perfect for couples. There’s also the Fan Room, with traditional floor seating, where guests can order drinks.
For entertainment, there is a library with books and board games such as backgammon and chess available, along with playing cards. Although there are no televisions in the bedrooms to help maintain the riad’s peaceful atmosphere, there are portable DVD players and even iPods available to borrow.
Meals are a particular highlight at Dar Zemora; Ahmina, one of the chefs, hosts taste test nights four times a week, and as Dar Zemora has its own herb and vegetable gardens there are always plenty of fresh ingredients available.
For relaxation, guests can walk through the herb garden to the treatment room, where beauty treatments including manicure and hammam are available. There’s also a croquet lawn and large swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers.
Perfectly distanced from Marrakech to give a real sense of retreat but close enough for an easy visit, Dar Zemora is a haven of relaxation. If you feel like being adventurous, staff can also help arrange trips for such things as camel or horse riding, golf and tennis.
Click here for details of Morocco Gateway’s special deals on Dar Zemora.
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.