Live Like a Sultan in a Moroccan Riad - a break with a difference - perhaps add extras like a hot air baloon ride, cooking classes or quad biking This is a holiday with a difference and becoming very popular. Located in the historical city centres of Morocco, more specifically in the medinas of Marrakech, Essaouira, and Fez amongst other cities, are riads that are ancient palaces and private residences that once belonged to Sultan princes, aristocrats, and noble families. Nestled in the labyrinths of the medina's, these residences represent and reflect the Moroccan artisan richness and patrimony. Today, these residences have been transformed into luxury bed and breakfasts and boutique hotels inviting travellers to experience Morocco in an entirely new manner.
Despite their very busy locations once you enter through what seems a very ordinary doorway you enter a large, well proportioned courtyard and discover a hidden palace. The central courtyard is typically sprinkled with flowers and trees providing shade. Fountains are elaborately decorated with mosaic designs and often you will find a mosaic tiled water basin serving as a small swimming pool.
The courtyard is shaded by the living structure that surrounds it. Typically there are four faces of the riad overlooking the courtyard with windows that may be decorated with intricately carved wooden shutters. Riads respecting traditional Moroccan architecture are redone using materials such as tedlakt and zellige. The columns supporting the roof are set out from the riad and form a collection of open galleries that open onto the central patio.
Typically there will be a communal salon and living area located on the ground floor along with the kitchen, bath, and two or three bedrooms. Principal bedrooms and suites are primarily situated on the second floor. Shaded rooftop terraces are almost always present.
Various options with this kind of stay can be considered.
On its own as a short break holiday or combine for example Marrakech with a stay in the picturesque seaside town of Essouria - just a two hour car transfer or perhaps instead with a trip (at the right time of year) into the Atlas Mountains.
Hot Air Baloon Ride
Enjoy the pure African light and the music of silence as you drift gently over the fantastic desert landscape with views of secluded berber villages and the snow-capped Atlas Mountains on this magical balloon flight.
Traditional Moroccan Cooking Class at La Maison Arabe
Although the souks of Marrakech are bursting with great gifts and household objects, how about taking home something really special, the secrets of Moroccan cuisine!
Quad Biking in Marrakech
Take an exhilarating burn through the lush green oasis of the Marrakech Palmeraie.
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