Enjoy Moroccan hospitality at its finest in the 11 lavishly restored suites of this historic medina mansion, owned by one of Marrakech’s most renowned antique dealers and showcasing the very best Morrocan craftwork.
Extremely well situated just inside the Bab Doukkala gate, midway between the Djemaa el-Fna and the Ville Nouvelle (New Town) where you’ll find the Jardin Majorelle and the new Yves Saint Laurent Museum. Unusually for Marrakech, the house is easy to access and you can pick up taxis at Bab Doukkala or Dar el-Bacha.
With experienced antiquarian Mohammed Bouskri at the helm, Riad Kniza is an utterly authentic riad home and guesthouse. The house has been in the Bouskri family for nearly 200 years and has been restored by some of Morocco’s most highly skilled craftsmen. Set around three intricately stuccoed and tiled patios – one of which features a large pool – the soaring salons, richly decorated bhous (seating alcoves) and tranquil patios make no apology for their decorative excess.
On top of this artful canvas, Haj Bouskri’s beautiful antiques, Berber rugs, crushed velvet-silk sofas and embroidered curtains add depth and personality, creating the sumptuous look of a luxurious Marrakshi home. In winter, fires warm the book-lined library and cosy drawing room, while in summer mint tea is served in courtyard bhous (seating nooks) and on the plant-screened terrace with its sweeping views.
With celebrity clientele on its books, service here is appropriately subtle, attentive and discreet. Meals are served whenever and wherever you like, there’s a pool, spa and hammam for pampering, and Haj Bouskri’s expert tours have helped countless VIPs locate the souks finest treasures. Across the lane, the family have opened another riad exhibiting their own impressive collection of Moroccan antiques and craftwork, alongside top quality contemporary examples which are for sale.
With some of Morocco’s finest furniture and furnishings passing through his antiques showroom, Haj Bouskri has filled Riad Kniza’s 11 rooms and suites with incredible pieces: painted wedding chests, golden canopies, carved cedarwood screens, silk and woollen rugs, Berber wedding blankets and Oriental paintings. In some, the sumptuous king-sized beds sit beneath intricately carved stucco domes, while in others they stand on raised platforms screened by silk or gossamer curtains.
The Junior and Senior suites are more like small apartments, while the Royal Suite Bahia is the size of a small house. At this level, you can expect spacious seating areas furnished with super comfortable Moroccan sofas set beside decorative fireplaces. Marble-clad bathrooms are similarly well-appointed, sporting his n’hers sinks, heated towel rails and bath tubs, with the exception of the Ambar Suite, which has a rain shower.
Just like any self-respecting Moroccan household, food at Riad Kniza is an occasion whether it be the spoiling breakfast of homemade pastries, yogurt, eggs and pancakes served on the roof terrace; light lunches of rose-scented carrot salad; or multi-course evening feasts.
The latter starts with cocktails in the courtyard, where Gnawa musicians play classic Moroccan love poems, then moves to the romantic dining salon where a parade of dishes are served, including the six-dish Moroccan salad starter, a savoury soup (lentil or chickpea), a pigeon pastilla (pigeon in layered pastry), a delicious, slow-cooked tagine or couscous, and a French-style dessert.
Double rooms from €220 ($256); suites from €306 ($356). Breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi.
Not suitable.
No under-12s are allowed. Junior and Senior suites can take an extra bed for no additional charge.
Leave a review