True to its name, which means ‘House of Harmony’, Dar Housnia is a peaceful and artful haven, showcasing the best Moroccan craftwork with a sympathetic contemporary sensibility. As a result, the six suites are supremely comfortable and are matched by charming service and elegant cuisine.
Located in the untouristy neighbourhood of Kâat Benahid, Dar Housnia is within easy walk of the Maison de la Photographie, the Ali ben Youssef medersa, the Marrakech museum and the souqs. It’s a 10-minute walk from the Djemaa el-Fna and 20 minutes from the palace museums in the southern part of the medina. Taxis are available near the riad in Place Moqf.
With its sun-baked pink patio tiles, carved white plasterwork and elegant lancet arches, this riad has an unmistakable Arabo-Andalucian feel. While true to the house’s heritage, the décor feels refreshingly modern with small, bright splashes of colour and interesting artworks and artefacts framed perfectly by the building’s elegant structure.
Owner, Eveline, has an impeccable design eye and you’ll find much to admire from the beautifully knotted silk curtain ties to impressive artworks, such as the fabulous paper kaftan by Isabelle de Borchgrave. In addition, Christophe Siméon’s clever structural design keeps public and private spaces separate with multiple staircases revealing a shaded first floor loggia, a secluded mezzanine pool, a self-contained, two-bedroom douiria (guesthouse) and two roof terraces, one with a pretty loggia with a most welcome misting system.
With a staff of six, the riad is unusually well serviced with day and night butlers, a manager and an efficient housekeeping and kitchen team. Staff are gentle, friendly and exhibit a high degree of professionalism, and can help guests arrange pretty much everything. There’s also a very helpful house folder, which provides inspiration for excursions, insider shopping trips and dining out. Aside from the wonderful, secluded mezzanine pool (one of the few riad pools not overlooked by diners!), there’s a small hammam and massage room, which can be booked in advance.
The four thoughtfully luxurious, air-conditioned suites and two-bedroom douiria (guesthouse) eschew glitzy frippery for subtle style and comfort: warm hand woven blankets for cold Marrakech nights, well-positioned bedside lights, complimentary babouches and plenty of well-placed sockets. Each room has an individual look and is beautifully decorated around a standout piece of art or antique, such as the 19th-century Koranic chest in the Sabaa suite or the sun-drenched oil paintings by Jacques Majorelle in the Mogador suite.
In addition, the Fez suite has a lovely private, outdoor salon in the first floor loggia and the douiria, with its two bedrooms, handsomely decorated Colonial-style living room and terrace lounge (with Berber tent), can be made entirely independent of the rest of the house.
A sunny breakfast of homemade yogurt, deliciously sweet fruit and home baked breads and eggs is served on the rooftop terraces, while dinners are served at linen-dressed tables in the patio or salon. Cordon Bleu trained chef Rachidia is one of the best in the medina serving Moroccan dishes such as hand-rolled couscous alongside French classics such as bouillabaisse, duck with apricot compote and seafood platters piled high with Oualidia oysters, spider crabs and shrimp. Don’t miss the delicious desserts especially the Belgian chocolate torte.
Suites from €140 ($163) in low season; and from €160 ($187) in high season; the two-bedroom douiria from €340 ($397) in low season; and from €390 ($455) in high season. Breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi.
Not suitable.
The main riad is a romantic bolthole for couples, but the two-bedroom guesthouse is a great self-contained space for families with older children. It comes with its own roof terrace and sitting room, which is supplied with CDs and DVDs.
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