BE is both a boutique guesthouse brimming with life, colour and creativity, and a clever concept around which you can craft any number of Marrakech experiences. Behind the idea are the super fun and energetic Swiss-Moroccan duo, Nicole and Mohammed.
Riad BE, located in a peaceful, but prime spot near Bab Doukkala, is within easy striking distance of the Musée des Confluences, the souks and the Djemaa el-Fna (15-minute walk). Also on your doorstep is a lively, local market, and taxis can be hailed at nearby Dar el Bacha.
Nicole and Mohammed’s joie de vivre is apparent the minute you step through Riad BE’s unassuming front door. Not for them the overly serious muted tones of many designer riads, instead you’ll be assaulted by a winsome mix of colour and pattern. Retro, ceramic tiles cover the floor and climb the walls of the original Oasis Riad.
The vibe in this house is busy and sociable, a complete contrast to the quieter mood of the second riad, Essence, which is finished in cappuccino-coloured tadelakt (polished plaster) and black-and-white zellij floor tiles. The contrast is intentional, providing guests with different atmospheres and spaces where they can relax or live it up a little. Upstairs, everyone comes together on the roof terrace chatting, smoking shishas and drinking mint tea in cushioned nooks and crannies.
It isn’t just the exuberant character of the place that makes riad BE special, it’s the culture of the house from Mohammed and Nicole’s smart multi-cultural outlook to their creative engagement and interesting programme of events. They’ve installed the first professional yoga studio (the Flow Studio) in the old city, stocked with equipment from Switzerland and occupied by international yoga instructors.
There are also fun cookery courses on demand, an on-site hammam, a well-curated shop stuffed with great local products, a small swimming pool and a travel designer to help you work out excursions further afield. You name it and they’ll sort it for you. That’s why people love this happening home away from home.
The five rooms in the Oasis Riad are typical of a classic home – long and fairly narrow. Rooms in the quieter Essence Riad are larger and more secluded. The two houses also have very different décor.
Rooms in the former are Instagram gold with ornate ceramic tiled floors, bright colour washes on the walls, artful textiles and furnishings, and brightly tiled shower rooms; while those in the latter have a calming neutral palette and are finished in glossy tadelakt (polished plaster). It might sound jarring, but the decorative split between the two houses works well. Also in the BE family are two secluded riads for rent, one with two bedrooms and one with three bedrooms.
A standout breakfast is served on the roof terrace or around the plunge pool in the patio. It’s better than many a breakfast at high end establishments, including among other things a bountiful fruit salad, sliced avocado, muesli, Moroccan pancakes, fresh cream cheese, a variety of jams and even homemade cake. A subtle lunch of salads is available on request as is a home cooked Moroccan dinner.
Not suitable.
This riad is popular with millennials, retreat junkies and couples rather than families. That said, the two secluded riads are great value for family travellers.
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