The Prettiest Riads in Morocco

Derived from the Arabic word for “garden”, riads date back to the Idrisid dynasty ruling from the late 8th to 10th century. They’re categorised as houses or palaces featuring indoor gardens and/or a courtyard, separated into four sections and connected by a small pool or fountain. Historically, these complexes were hidden within the Medina walls of the old city, where passers-by would be oblivious to the magical world that existed inside. While many of these traditional buildings became deserted and dilapidated over the years, recent waves of tourism have injected new interest in the riad tradition, with some ASMALLWORLD Collection hotels included in the mix.

La Mamounia

Situated on the Avenue Bab Jdid, on a former 12th-century royal estate, La Mamounia is draped in Moroccan heritage. This marble-clad property has changed somewhat since its regal origins, having operated as a luxury hotel since 1923, but the opulent details remain. Guests are immediately greeted with the seamless indoor-outdoor reception, with Art Deco accents and Moorish-inspired lacquered ceilings. Separate from the main hotel, guests can also book one of the three riads available. The riads, as they were historically used, offer a discreet environment to relax in with private access to a garden, patio, and pool area, providing well-needed respite from the nearby Jemaa El-Fna square.

THE INTERIOR COURTYARD OF A PRIVATE RIAD AT LA MAMOUNIA

Image courtesy of La Mamounia

Kasbah Tamadot

Located approximately one hour from Marrakech, in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, Kasbah Tamadot is a majestic property wrapped in rolling gardens. In the wake of the Moroccan earthquake last year, the property and surrounding villages were forced to rebuild and restore previous structures, which for the hotel included six new riads. These sites take Moroccan opulence to a whole new level, with rooftop hot tubs, private pools, a collection of guest rooms and traditional Berber-Moroccan carpentry and carpets.

THE EXTERIOR VIEW OF KASBAH TAMADOT [LEFT] AND THE INTERIOR COURTYARD [RIGHT]

Images courtesy of Kasbah Tamadot

Royal Mansour Marrakech

Situated not far from Marrakech’s Jemaa El Fna square, the Royal Mansour Marrakech is a work of art funded by the King of Morocco and offers a truly authentic Moroccan experience. Designed to be a medina within a medina, it offers 53 private riads, housing between one and four bedrooms, all of which culminate in a rooftop plunge pool. Elsewhere, enjoy traditional Moroccan, French and Italian gastronomy alongside cookery and pottery classes, and world-renowned spa treatments and facilities.

THE BAUTIFUL LOBBY OF ROYAL MANSOUR MARRAKECH

Image courtesy of Royal Mansour Marrakech

La Sultana

La Sultana embodies the spirit of Moroccan culture, set within Marrakech’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kasbah neighbourhood and close to the Royal Palace, Jemaa El-Fnaa Square and Moulay El Yazid Mosque. The property is immersed in Moroccan history and heritage with artisanal brickwork, a riad-inspired central courtyard and pool area, and a decadent rooftop bar overlooking the city.