Old and new converge in this whitewashed minimalist mansion with five super-sized bedrooms, hidden down the bottom of a winding derb in Kaat Benahid, a bustling and authentic part of the Medina. Unwind on the starkly beautiful roof terrace or in the mezzanine lounge, which is the perfect spot for afternoon mint tea.
Strike out on an adventure to find this hidden gem buried down a winding derb in the bustling north-eastern neighbourhood of Kaat Benahid. Nearby you’ll find the Medersa Ben Youssef, the Maison de la Photographie and a handful of good restaurants, while the Djemaa el-Fna is a 15-minute walk. Taxis can be picked up at Place Moqf.
Owners Sarah and Grégoire have pared everything back to essentials creating a Zen-like sense of calm and letting the soaring architecture of the riad sing. A shallow marble fountain sits flush in the centre of a creamy tadelakt (polished plaster) patio set with potted banana palms that stand like twin sculptures framing a deep bhou (seating alcove). Opposite, a glass walled salon, furnished with low-slung sofas, woven Malian mats and an exposed brick fireplace, offers a cosy retreat in colder winter months. Wander upstairs through scalloped arches and you’ll discover a generous mezzanine lounge, which is the perfect spot for afternoon mint tea. And, right at the top, a super stylish roof terrace with a sail-like tent shading a platform lounging area supplied with handwoven hats for long, idle afternoons.
Owner Sarah personally welcomes guests and fills them in on some excellent Medina recommendations. Otherwise, in keeping with the minimalist vibe of the house, service is unfussy and unobtrusive. A traditional hammam and massages are available on request, and a rooftop plunge pool opened in 2019 that really completes the serene picture.
The riad has three double rooms and two suites, although in reality all the rooms are super generous. They, too, are light and bright, and soothingly monochrome with soaring ceilings and lovely architectural elements on display. Large comfortable beds virtually span the room, dressed in crisp white linen and the softest hand-loomed woollen blankets. Underfoot are thick pile graphic Berber rugs set on the silky smooth tadelakt floor. The simplicity continues in the bathrooms, which are also finished in tadelakt and sport moulded sinks with simple brass fittings, separate loos and large open showers.
Breakfast is a convivial meal, served on the starkly beautiful roof terrace at a communal table. It works well and given the intimate nature of the house feels quite natural. It’s also well supplied with home baked bread, a variety of different cakes each morning, fruit, yoghurt and eggs, on request. Dinner needs to be requested in advance, and features well-executed Moroccan classics, such as zaalouk (a smoky aubergine salad), taktouka (roasted red peppers and tomatoes) and tagine.
Double rooms from €95 ($110), year-round; suites from €125 ($145), year-round. There is a 20 per cent rise in rates at Christmas and New Year. Breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi.
Not suitable.
Children are welcome and suites can accommodate an extra bed for €25 (£22) per night. That said, this is a design-conscious riad and there are few child-friendly facilities.
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