Prepare for a dose of serious minimalist Milanese glamour when you step through the door of Riad Numa. This is a truly urban pad that pays respect to raw materials and the riad’s classical proportions while allowing the bespoke designer furnishings to shine.
Buried in the absolute heart of the souks just minutes from buzzing Place des Epices and five minutes’ walk from the Djemaa el-Fna. Once you have your bearings, this is an awesome location very close to some great shops and restaurants, including Riad Yima Tea House, Nomad and Shtatto. First timers will either find this spot brilliantly exciting or stressful and confusing. The closest place to pick up taxis is the Djemaa el-Fna.
The décor at Numa is exciting and the vibe is sophisticated without being stuffy. Entering from the hot, dusty souk you’re plunged into a hushed, midnight blue corridor. A bright doorway at the end draws you forward into a brilliant white patio paved with polished white terrazzo and planted with two verdant green citrus trees. It’s beautiful, still and peaceful. Along one side there’s an open-air lounge set with a chic dining table and leaf chairs, a sofa, velvet pouffs and a fireplace. Two staircases disappear upstairs, creating flow and space. The rooms, too, are sleek without being boring. They are fitted with bespoke brass lights and wardrobes, well-chosen furniture and large beds dressed in pristine white linens. Then there’s a sizeable plunge pool set in a sun spot on the first floor, while the roof terrace is laid with punchy green loungers and mosaic-topped tables where glam guests linger over breakfast.
The riad is owned by Milanese transplants Mauro and Claudia who have a background in design and their aesthetic sensibility shows in everything from the top-notch coffee to the smart service. They are also very hands on and go out of their way to help guests with shopping tips, day trips and even picnic bags for early airport transfers. Working alongside them are three members of staff who are friendly and on the ball.
The first-floor pool is a real highlight and is large for a Medina mansion. Raised up, it also sits in a sun spot for most of the day. There’s no on-site restaurant, but some of Marrakech’s best dining options are on the doorstep, which gives the riad the feel of a fashionable pied-a-terre.
There are six lovely bedrooms, two double rooms and four suites. They have an air of uncomplicated elegance, the focus being on a few well-designed pieces of bespoke furniture, top quality beds and beautifully finished terrazzo floors and tadelakt (polished plaster) walls. The lack of clutter makes them feel calm and cool. Colour is used sparingly, but to dramatic effect, such as the bright green zellij tiles in the shower of Suite Six or the dark charcoal floor of Suite Four. Bathrooms are also well configured and have large showers, contemporary fittings, chic bath linen and organic Botanika products.
Breakfast, which is served on the sunny roof terrace or in the open-sided salon downstairs, is simple and flavourful. Perfectly fresh seasonal fruit is followed by Moroccan beghir (pancakes) and bread hot from the bakery. There’s also an endless supply of excellent coffee served from a proper espresso machine. Dinner needs to be ordered in advance and involves well-executed traditional Moroccan dishes such as Moroccan salads, tagine and couscous. And, on occasion, a rather super feast of homemade Italian ragù.
Double rooms from €140 ($247) in low season; and from €160 ($299) in high. Breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi.
Not suitable.
Not really. This is a chic place favoured by couples and urbanites. In addition, the stairs are steep and the pool area is restricted and unguarded. That said, two of the suites can accommodate a third bed.
Bellissima esperienza al Riad Numa