In Morocco, there is a flair to the old houses that have been turned into charming little boutique hotels called Riads.
Built with mud and clay, these dwellings are almost imperceptible from the outside except for a small door, but once you enter, a feast awaits for the senses! With trees, flowers and fountains, there is a courtyard open to the sky, surrounded by rooms on all four sides.
Generally, the kitchen and relaxation areas are on the ground floor. In Morocco, they often use the layers of the living room as beds at night.
On the upper floors there are small sleeping rooms, with balconies overlooking the courtyard.
Privacy is not really valued in Morocco, except between genders so that women and girls have their own room, and boys and men are fine, except for married people, with very few possessions other than clothing and perhaps jewels.
Visionaries have turned these ancient dwellings into hotels that are absolutely delightful to experience. They have been reworked with the most beautiful tile and tapestry work, furnishings and fabrics. There is a timeless luxury that feels divine!
Traditional riads are mainly found in old cities, or Medinas, of cities. As you walk the cobbled streets, you are literally walking between blank walls, but behind those walls is an incredible hidden world, thriving houses full of cuisine and games.
As you explore the city during the day, you can feel the rhythm of life in Morocco, with street vendors and acrobats and an unimaginable variety of exotic crafts, food, scents, and design. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the variety of colors, sounds, and scents … so when you return to your riad in the evening, drink in the mystical peace and quiet, kicking back and relaxing after your exciting day of exploring.
Fez is an ancient center of knowledge and spirituality. It is over a thousand years old and has the “largest car free zone” of any city in the world due to its narrow cobbled streets. Your competition is the donkey carts (watch your steps!) And the street vendors of cookies and sweets.
Marrakech is an ancient desert oasis in the middle of the country, located in front of the High Atlas Mountains. Using Marrkesh as a base, you can explore the Berber villages high in the mountains, or take a day trip to Essaouira on the coast, or spend your days wandering through the old market, called Souk, to find your perfect memories.
Everyone who visits Morocco raves! When are you going to come and find out what all the hype is about?
