Riad Malika is one of the oldest and most characterful riads in the medina. Aside from its enviable jasmine-scented exotic garden, the property is filled with Jean-Luc Lemée’s funky-chic 1960s décor.
Set in a delightful quiet street off Rue Bab Doukkala minutes from the great new Musée des Confluences. From here, it’s a 15-minute walk through the souks to the Djemaa el-Fna. Pick up taxis at Dar el Bacha.
Set in a delightful quiet street off Rue Bab Doukkala minutes from the great new Musée des Confluences. From here, it’s a 15-minute walk through the souks to the Djemaa el-Fna. Pick u Riad Malika offers a little slice of Marrakech’s boho history. It was the one-time home of Jean-Luc who converted it to a guest house in the Eighties, when accommodation in the Medina was few and far between. Little has changed since then, except the wildly thriving garden which provides a home to hundreds of birds come dusk.
The property links together two riads via a series of zigzagging, zellij-tiled staircases. One patio is given over to a classic riad garden centred on a fountain, while the other is set with large (unheated) pool decorated with striking graphic tiles and lined by retro Zublena sunloungers.
The eclectic creative vibe is stimulating and the four salons are packed with design brilliance: Verner Panton sofas, Deco tallboys, Naugahyde chairs, bubble lamps, posters and vintage radios and lamps. It’s very a very personal place rather than a piece of perfectionist interior styling. p taxis at Dar el Bacha.
The riad has four living rooms, one of which is the ‘computer’ room. There’s also a small hammam near the unheated pool and a massage room just off the main courtyard. Beside the pool there’s a covered portico with a bar, which makes for a nice lunch spot.
Arabic and French are predominantly spoken here although manager is multilingual. Still, polish up a bit before you go to facilitate interactions with the friendly staff who have all been here years.
The nine rooms are huge and riotously decorated with Eastern, Art Deco and vintage pieces, which are framed by walls decorated with coloured tadelakt (polished plaster) and zellij tiles. More jewel-like tiles carpet the floor while up above are painted and carved cedar wood ceilings. Bathrooms are equally maximalist and furnished with roll-top tubs, quirky mirrors and vintage sinks and fittings. The three junior suites are the size of mini European apartments and the two suites are twice the size.
In some, the layout isn’t terribly practical but this is due to the historic nature of the house. The largest room, the Presidential Suite, has two bedrooms and two bathrooms complete with hot tubs. All rooms have views over the garden or the pool patio, a secluded balcony and log fires. Televisions and CD players are supplied.
A breakfast of fruit, Moroccan yogurt and pancakes is served on the terrace, lunch by the pool and dinner in the candlelit garden or in one of the salons in front of a roaring fire. Dinner must be ordered in the morning and consists of a three-course Moroccan menu prepared with care.
Expect various tasty tagines and a super variety of Moroccan salads, including cumin and orange blossom spiced carrots, fava beans and chermoula, and delicious stewed okra and tomatoes.
Not suitable.
While there’s no specific policy with regard to children, the house isn’t suitable for families with small children due to the steep staircases, large, unguarded pool and couple-centric clientele.
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