Crafted with care by Italian art director and designer, Umberto Branchini, Riad Joya provides a high-octane dose of minimalist, Italian chic amid the medina’s dusty lanes. Food is a real focus here, try the cookery course which involves a visit to the market, a lesson from the chef and culminates in your own meal.
Riad Joya has a prime location down a winding alley in the central Mouassine neighbourhood. This puts it within easy walking distance of the Djemaa el-Fna, the souqs and all the major sights. Taxis can be picked up at the Djemaa.
Although the riad is relatively modest in size, Branchini’s design has a sense of grandeur. Taking his cue from Morocco’s rich history, which blends Berber, Roman, Ottoman and Byzantine influences, he has conjured an impressive space. The main patio centres on a scalloped marble fountain and is flanked by four Doric columns that soar skywards, lifting the eye to a beautifully carved cedarwood mousharabiya. A calm, neutral palette lets the architecture and craftsmanship speak for itself, while bespoke furnishings covered in burlap and silk velvet add a touch of luxurious texture. Beside the courtyard there’s a salon-cum-library and a romantic dining room, while below stairs a subterranean hammam glows in the soft light of fretwork lanterns.
This boutique riad prides itself on offering guests a very personal service, with butlers, guides, massage therapists and drivers all on hand to deliver top quality tours, spa treatments, excursions and shopping itineraries.
Joya’s seven sumptuous suites are extremely luxurious and finished to a high standard. Each of them is individually styled with bespoke furnishings created by Branchini, including four-poster beds, fainting couches finished in velvet and brass bedside tables. Every room has a sitting area, a separate dressing room and a sexy bathroom finished in dark tadelakt (polished marble) with a large shower and glinting, hand-beaten basins in brass and copper. The two downstairs rooms also have a fireplace.
Food is a real focus here and chef Ahmed Doulaki goes out of his way to talk to guests and get an idea of their preferences. French, Moroccan and Italian dishes are on offer and meals can be taken anywhere at any time. Many guests prefer to take their breakfast in their room or on the terrace, enjoying a platter of pastries, pancakes, yoghurt and eggs on request. Lunches consist of salads, grilled brochette or pasta, while dinner is an á la carte affair. Most fun is the combined cookery course and meal, which involves a visit to the market and a tutored lesson from the chef culminating in your own meal.
Double rooms from 2,200 MAD ($230) in low season; and from 2,600 MAD ($271) in high. Breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi.
Not suitable.
Riad Joya is aimed at adults but children under six can be accommodated for free. For children between seven and 13 there’s an additional 600 MAD (£48) charge for an extra bed.
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