The art of doing nothing is sometimes the hardest thing of all, but fashion duo Cyrielle and Julien have perfected it in their authentic and soulful seven-bedroom riad where they have preserved some extraordinary craftsmanship and host creative artist retreats.
Easily accessible in the Bab Doukkala neighbourhood. From here it’s a five-minute walk to the souks and a 15-minute walk to the Djemaa el-Fna. Hail taxis at Bab Doukkala or at the Dar el Bacha palace.
Escaping hectic lives in Paris, Cyrielle and Julien landed in Marrakech determined to create a slower life filled with their various passions for design, photography, artisanship and artistic collaboration. The riad reflects that philosophy in its intimate but artful atmosphere. Instead of reinventing the wheel, the couple left untouched the lavish stuccowork that creeps like lace frosting around the courtyard, the metres of bejmat floor tiles and the wildly thriving garden that makes this a true oasis in this sun-baked city.
Instead they concentrated on restoring the beautiful tadelakt (polished plaster) to a rich caramel sheen and adding vintage local furniture and artisanal carpets and textiles. Deep bhous (seating nooks), a shaded roof terrace and tranquil salons lit through stained glass windows are where you’ll find guests resting, reading books and drinking tea. It’s a beautiful, respectful and restful place.
Cyrielle and Julien are personable hosts and their kind staff do their utmost to make you feel at home in Marrakech. Like many Marrakshi houses, the riad has two courtyards: a large public courtyard filled with fruiting trees and a small, secluded patio where the women of the house congregated and which is now an open-air kitchen/dining room. There’s also a comfortable salon to cosy-up in during the winter and a tall terrace strewn with carpets and cushions for summer lounging. Another salon houses a curated shop where you’ll find Cyrielle’s enigmatic photographs and some delightful artisanal items. As part of their sustainable ethics the house doesn’t have a pool or a hammam, but then part of the adventure of staying here is living as the locals do.
The riad has seven beautifully finished rooms, ranging from a snug double with a spectacular painted ceiling to the largest first-floor suite, which can sleep four. Like the rest of the house, Cyrielle and Julien have resisted the urge to overdress the rooms allowing the decorative details to speak for themselves. Magpie finds from flea markets add colour and character, while natural textures such as brass lanterns and raw wooden furnishings lend an air of unaffected simplicity. Bathrooms are comfortably sized and finished in tadelakt (polished plaster) with pretty zellij (mosaic tile) detailing. One has a tub. Due to the design of the house, the absence of air-conditioning is only noticeable in the hottest summer months.
Breakfast here is a great feast of organic, seasonal fruit from the farmers market, nuts, cereals, yogurt and pancakes. Uniquely for Marrakech, the kitchen serves only vegan and vegetarian dishes for lunch. Style-wise you can expect a delicious fusion blend of Moroccan and Mediterranean flavours, which are showcased in salads, wraps, pastas, soups and stews. Dinner isn’t served, but there are plenty of well-regarded restaurants nearby that the staff are happy to book for you.
Not suitable.
The two suites have additional beds, one in the junior suite while the large suite has an extra room accommodating two single beds.
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