One cannot visit Morocco without staying at a one of its famous riads. But what exactly are these magical places that everyone talks about and influencers keep instagramming? To put it simply, a riad is a residence in the Medina characterized by a central courtyard and fountain. Once the lavish homes of wealthy merchants and courtiers, today’s riads have been converted into some of Morocco’s hottest hotels and most enchanting spaces.
The History of the Riad
The first reference of riad architecture dates back to the Roman city of Volubilis in the 8th century and later spread to the medina of Essaouira and Marrakech. The inward facing design was prized for its ability to keep the home cool by shading the hot Moroccan sun, while offering peace and privacy for the family away from the bustling medina streets. This design mirrors the urban construction of the city which dedicates certain streets to commercial activities and keeps residential impasses accessible only to those who live there. Everything is built to ensure the tranquillity of the home. Pretty clever, isn’t it?
From the outside, a riad is unassuming and modest with few, if any, windows peering in. Even the front door is usually very insignificant — but when you push it open, you find yourself in a home of startling splendour. At the centre of the square courtyard is invariably a fountain or water basin, which represents the vital force of the house and is a powerful symbol of life in Morocco’s desert lands. In accordance with Islamic tradition that forbids the representation of living figures decorative arts, geometric or floral forms serve as the basis for multifaceted designs in the opulent interior. Traditional riads were often adorn with Zelige, colourful and complex tile work; Tadelakt, a glissening waterproof lime plaster; and intricately carved wooden lattice moucharabieh screens.
The Modern Riad
Sadly, during the French protectorate of the last century, city development was concentrated in the new town and ignored the medina, which led to its subsequent decay. However, in recent years, riads have seen a resurrection with often-crumbing buildings in Marrakech, Fes and Essaouira being restored to their former glory as hotels or restaurants. This revitalisation has been essential to maintaining Moroccan handicraft traditions passed down from father to son. Today guests can stay in the palatial homes of Morocco’s ancient past with the convenience of modern amenities.
With their central location in the heart of the medina, riads offer travellers an authentic experience and easy access to notable sights and monuments.Characteristically riads house very few rooms, which allows for individual attention from the owners and staff. Modern luxury riads are typically richly decorated, with a distinguished experience and many comforts such as in-house restaurants, bars, swimming pools and lounge areas.
The Art of Riad Living in Marrakech
While in Marrakech, we visited some our favourite and the Ochre City’s best riads. Here are a few of our top picks!
Riad Houma
Riad Houma is a hotel you walk into and instantly feel at home in – it's bright, it's peaceful and it's modern without losing its Moroccan charm. Hidden and tucked into a narrow street in the medina, this cosy riad makes you completely forget the hustle and bustle of Marrakech. You can easily spend an entire day lounging in the hotel and soaking up the sun on the rooftop Jacuzzi. When you want to leave your peaceful abode all you have to do is open the front gate and find yourself in the heart of the city. But when your hotel is so lovely and serene, why would you want to leave?!
Riad de Tarabel
Antique heirlooms and Emmanuel whicker chairs give this elegant riad its French Riveria-flare. As an old colonial style mansion Riad Tarabel’s Proustian memoirs and slate-blue and grey details invite you to bygone ages without leaving the modern day. It is a home of peace and tranquillity dripping in majesty - complete with tree-lined patios, sun-bathed terraces and comfortable nooks to luxuriate and indulge. Each of the riad’s sublime 10 rooms feature romantic claw-foot bathtubs perfect for long soaks and large comfy beds with dreamy, white linens that will make you never want to wake up. It is Marrakech's best kept secret, so you didn't hear it from us!
The Royal Mansour
Formerly a private royal residence, the Royal Mansour is where you stay if you are or want to be treated as Royalty. Upon your arrival at the sumptuous hotel, you are escorted through the interior Medina and Gardens to your private residence; a reconstructed Moroccan Riad. That's right: when you stay at the Royal Mansour, you don’t stay in a room but you have an entire riad to yourself - complete with 3 different floors, 1 to 4 bedrooms, a living room, bar and private rooftop pool. The Royal Mansour is truly about devotion to customers and exclusivity; it is the only hotel in the world offering this unique concept.
