8 Instagrammable luxury riads in Marrakech that are absolutely dreamy

8 Instagrammable luxury riads in Marrakech, Morocco that are the stuff of dreams

Sarah Khan

13 Mar 2018

1/8
Villa les Orangers
Where: Rue Sidi Mimoun, Place Ben Tachfine

This luxury 5-star haven is a feast for the eyes and senses. All of its 27 bedrooms are furnished with a citrus theme and exquisitely designed with meticulous attention to details - right down to the intricate lattice work on its tiles to the ornate wooden chests. Its central location is also an added bonus too.

Photo: Villa les Oranges
2/8
Riad Kaiss
Where: Just minutes away from Jemaa-el-Fna Square

This gorgeous nine-room riad features earthy-pink walls beautifully juxtaposed against the green and blue Moroccan tiles and vibrant art work. In short: it's the stuff of every travel Instagrammer's dreams. Renovated by esteemed French hotel designer Christian Ferre, it's unsurprising that it's been featured in various reputed design and decor magazines. Fun Fact: Riad Kaiss was actually once the harem for Moroccan Sultan's Moulay Yacoub's favourite concubine. Who knew?

Photo: Riad Kaiss (Facebook)
3/8
Riad Moucharabieh
Where: Near Bab Doukkala

Moucharabieh's 9 rooms are divided across its two wings: the Delacroix wing which boasts of a more authentic Moroccan vibe, and the Matisse wing which feels more contemporary. All the rooms are equipped with handsome fireplaces (as well as heating and air-conditioning for the different seasons) and have some of the most beautiful mural designs we've seen. The best part? Spend your Moroccan evenings on its furnished roof terrace that overlooks the entire medina and the Atlas Mountains looming in the horizon. It certainly doesn't get any better than that.

Photo: Riad Moucharabieh
4/8
La Maison Arabe
Where: In the Bab Doukkala area of Medina

Besides being just a stone's throw away from the best souk bargains in the medina (old town), this riad has a total of 26 lavishly-decorated rooms and suites. Furnished with exquisite fabrics, hand-carved furniture and that quintessentially Moroccan architecture and textiles, it's certainly quite the palatial riad experience. Its two fine-dining restaurants, which offers fine Moroccan cuisine against the backdrop of traditional Moorish music, certainly sweetens the deal.

Photo: La Maison Arabe
5/8
Dar Darma
Where: Moqf District (near the Marrakech Museum)

This recently restored 18th-century mansion boasts of 4 suites, 2 apartments, a hammam (Moroccan bath) and a pool, among other delightful amenities. Despite its restoration works, it still manages to retain everything its authentic riad elements and design touches. Each of the spacious rooms here come with a living room, private bathroom, Wi-Fi, TV, and even a fireplace - making it great for those traveling with kids.

Photo: Dar Darma (Facebook)
6/8
Riad Nashira
Where: Diour Saboune, Derb Sidi Makhlouf (5 minutes from Ben Youssef Madrasa and Museum of Marrakech)

This riad, which is part of the open-air musuem of Medina, features 16 rooms, a sun terrace, traditional hammams, amongst others - all while in close proximity to the city's mosques and other major attractions like the Medersa Ben Youssef, the Souk, Jemaa el-Fnaa Square and more.

Photo: Riad Nashira (Facebook)
7/8
Riad Les Yeux Bleus
Where: Located inside the Medina (near the Jemaa-e-Fna square)

With its phenomenal staff, excellent roof terrace and charming aesthetic, the Riad Les Yeux might be less 'palatial' in size compared to a few other riads on this list, but it offers a delightfully authentic Moroccan stay. You'll definitely appreciate retreating into its tranquil cocoon after the hustle and bustle of the neighbouring souks.

Photo: Riad Les Yeux Bleus
8/8
Dar Moda
Where: Close to Jemaa-el-Fna

With its monochromatic common areas and sleek design touches, Dar Mo'da is the perfect riad for those who prefer a more minimalist aesthetic. This chic riad has just five rooms, but boasts of two pools, a marble hammam, and a stunning roof terrace (that is actually one of the highest in the medina), which promises some of the best views and sunsets you'll ever see.

Photo: Dar Mo'da (Facebook)

When in Marrakech, do as the Moroccans do; and above everything else, stay in a riad.

One word to describe Marrakech, Morocco’s third largest city? Enchanting.

The city itself is split into two distinct parts: Medina (its historical city) and Gueliz or Ville Nouvelle (the new European modern district). Whichever side of the city you find yourself in however, one thing’s for sure: stay in a riad.

But first, what is a riad?

A riad is a traditional house in Morocco. Perhaps its most identifiable feature is the inner courtyard or garden at its center; in fact, ‘riad’ actually comes from the Arabic word ‘ryad’ which means garden.

Instead of having large open windows that face outside, all the rooms in a riad are designed with windows facing inwards instead, towards the inner courtyard or garden. This characteristically Moroccan aesthetic stems from their Islamic ideals of privacy and inner reflection. What you’ll find as a result is a refreshingly tranquil haven from the bustling energy of the souks outside.

Not only are riads a truly uniquely Moroccan stay you can’t find elsewhere, they are also exquisitely furnished. With Moroccan-style mosaic tiles and vibrant bursts of colour everywhere, they’ll genuinely have you feeling like you’ve stepped into a different era in history – a beautiful one that you never want to leave.

We’ve put together our top pick of luxury Instagram-worthy riads in Marrakech for the most delightful stay (including one that actually used to be a palace for a Moroccan king) – feast your eyes in the gallery above.

Sarah Khan

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