riads
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: AnaYela
March 4th is World Book Day, and to celebrate we’ve picked a hotel with a literary theme to take the spotlight as our first Hotel of the Week. Whether you’re a book worm, a writer seeking inspiration, or a modern day Heathcliff and Cathy in need of a romantic retreat, the AnaYela Riad in Marrakesh could be the one for you.
Hotel: AnaYela Riad
Region: Marrakesh
Address: 28 Derb Zerwal, 40000 Medina Marrakech
Rating: ****
AnaYela is a Moroccan riad that dates back 300 years. The name “AnaYela” means simply “I am Yela” and comes from a letter left behind by a young girl called Yela who fell in love and ran off from the house with a local boy. The story creates a romantic backdrop and means this Marrakesh riad is ideal for those seeking an amorous atmosphere, while the riad is also perfect for creative visitors seeking inspiration, being styled as it is around the Ana Yela tale. Engraved calligraphy runs across the doors and words are painted on the ceilings.
Renovated in 2007, AnaYela’s owners employed more than 100 local artisans using local materials such as wood and tadelakt to create a traditional environment by hand. This hand-crafted feel makes AnaYela stand out from other Marrakesh hotels.
The rooms remain elegantly dark and cool during the day and are gorgeously lit with candles in alcoves and lights under the beds. Following the literary theme, the rooms are called Chapters – two of which are located on the ground floor next to the swimming pool. On the first floor there are two ‘romantic’ chapters – which have a bath for two. Guests can even buy handmade candles from the hotel for that extra romantic touch. Honeymooners or those celebrating anniversaries can expect a specially decorated suite with roses, incense, a sensual bath for two with ½ bottle of champagne, music, candles, roses or a romantic dinner.
AnaYela’s owners seek to offer a cultural and sensual experience, which has been confirmed in a number of positive reviews, including Forbes Traveller rating AnaYela as “Morocco’s Sexiest Hotel.”
On arrival at AnaYela, guests will be greeted with a glass of milk and dates to welcome them into the family of the riad. Meals can be served outside on the big table for ten guests or the small table for four, both tables are arranged by the patio next to the pool. If guests prefer a view whilst they eat, the terrace tables (or Berber tent) are available, as is the ìFlying Carpetî tower richly draped in red offering one of the highest points in the city. In cooler weather the inside salons have tables and huge sofas which guests can be served at.
AnaYela’s resident storyteller will vividly describe the Ana Yela story in Arabic.”
For evening entertainment, AnaYela’s resident storyteller will vividly describe the Ana Yela story in Arabic. Trips can be arranged to the Atlas mountains, and there are golf courses and swimming pools nearby (though AnaYela has its own small pool). Spa treatments can also be booked by guests to have in their own rooms – a thoroughly relaxing experience.
As well as romantic breaks, this Marrakesh hotel is also perfect for business travellers to Morocco. Rooms can be arranged for business meetings and group work, complete with presentation facilities, under AnaYela’s workshop package. Laptops are available for free hire, and all guests are given a mobile phone for the duration of their visit, enabling them to stay in touch with taxi drivers and other staff.
AnaYela is just 15 minutes’ drive from Marrakesh airport, and 15 minutes walk from the city.
To find out more about AnaYela and the special rates Morocco Gateway can negotiate, follow this link: http://www.morocco-gateway.com/hotels/anayela.html