Marrakech – Riad Round Up

Where? Marrakech, Morocco

When? Sept 2015

Why? With Marrakech being one of the chicest winter holiday destinations of the moment, I decided to spend a few days exploring the ancient walled city.

I Stayed at? On this particular trip I stayed at Riad Wow and Riad Adore.

Riads are traditional Moroccan houses or palaces with an interior courtyard or garden, commonly found in Marrakech. There are so many to pick from, all budgets are catered for. Keep scrolling to get the low down on my favourite boutique riads.Above and below: Scenes from within the ancient medina in Marrakech, exquisite rose and ochre hues prevail in the winding, haunting streets.
Above: Me The Style Traveller in the walls of the city, snapping away with my new Olympus Pen Generation camera!

Below: The facade at Riad Wow.
Riad Wow

Situated on the edge of the medina, just a short walk away from the Koutoubia tower, Riad Wow boasts a great location from which to discover the delights of the city. It’s literally a five minute stroll from the de Djemaa El Fna, the main square which is a world heritage site, so you have all the action right on your doorstep.

The quirky and at times ostentatious decor of the old palace is traditionally Moroccan in style, with dusky pink walls, accented with colourful furniture, akin to a set from The Game of Thrones. Take a dip in the courtyard plunge pool or have a relaxing massage at the in house hammam. There’s a pretty rooftop terrace and bar, filled with bougainvillea and views of the city below. Style Traveller tip? Book a bedroom on the top floor so you get views of the inner courtyard as well as the medina life outside. Above and below: the roof terrace and inner courtyard at Riad Wow
Below: The roof terrace at Riad Wow at dusk, with views of the nearby Koutoubia Mosque
Below: Me hanging out on the balcony at the stylish Riad AdoreRiad Adore

Hidden away down a secret passage on the prettier, more peaceful side of the Medina, Riad Adore is the ultimate in chic, boutique, picture-perfect places to stay. The white-washed walls and duck egg blue shutters, surround a beautifully calm, courtyard plunge pool. This place oozes luxury, elegance and is filled with light, airy bright spaces and a calming atmosphere (a rarity in Marrakech). Step inside and you’re transported away from the heat and bustle of the medina.

It’s centrally located, so near all the action, but once you enter the newly refurbished mosaic corridors and stunning interiors, you’ll not want to leave. Have a deliciously healthy lunch or dinner prepared for you, to eat in the romantic privacy of the rooftop terrace, or watch the sunset, from underneath the colourful blankets of an authentic bedouin tent on the roof. The rooms are immaculately designed with beautiful modern art works and photography, in keeping with the city’s heritage, whilst appealing to discerning clientele. This is indeed a stunning property and one I will definitely be visiting again soon.Above and below: Elegantly chic bedrooms at Riad AdoreBelow: The bedouin tent on the roof at Riad Adore
There are so many spectacular riads to stay at in Marrakech, It’s a shame I only stayed at two this time. Other noteworthy riads I would highly recommend (as would their a-listers guests) are the beautiful Maison MK and the effortlessly stylish El Fenn. Watch this space for updates on both of these properties later in the season.

To see more on Moroccan style click here for the What to Wear in Marrakech post…