AFC Morocco Tours

Discover the Authentic Charm of Moroccan Riads

Discover the Authentic Charm of Moroccan Riads

Visiting Morocco is still like turning the pages of some illuminated Persian manuscript embroidered with bright shapes and subtle lines- Edith Wharton. Morocco blends Berber, African, Mediterranean, and Arab ethnic and religious influences. The people are warm and are known for being extroverts. Hospitality is part of their culture and guests are given the place of God. Morocco is rich in history and culture. The food, the people, and the architecture are all one of a kind. Eating the food, talking to the people, and living in Riads are a sure way to take in the wonderful Moroccan culture truly.

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Living in a Riad is almost necessary to take in the complete Moroccan experience. Riads are the typical Moroccan home, well actually, communal home. A Riad, by definition, is an enclosed garden or courtyard. However, today they have come to stand for a traditional Moroccan house with an interior garden. Traditionally several families would live together in a Riad. On the flip side, for the rich, a Riad was nothing less than a palace. Riads can be of all kinds. From humble and homely, to ornate and grand. Tourists are attracted to Riads, as bees to honey. It lies at the center of Moroccan culture.

According to Elle Décor, Marrakech is home to upwards of 800 Riads (traditional Moroccan houses with central courtyards) — each one with its own story, told through inspired design. Exquisitely decorated spaces, appointed with glazed ceramic tiles, Berber rugs, and hand-woven textiles, hide behind the unassuming doorways and meandering alleys of the medina.

The key feature of a Riad is a fountain, at the center of a courtyard. The fountain is the focus of the courtyard, while the courtyard is the focus of the Moroccan Riad. It is a symbolic representation of water in a desert land. Updating this Moroccan architecture for the tourist’s needs has brought about the addition of swimming pools, Hammans, and other modern amenities.

The next question to be asked is why stay in a Riad?

Setting

First and foremost, is the intimate setting.  Riads generally have only 5-6 rooms. This allows for guests to be attended individually by the hosts. It also allows for the feeling of being cocooned from the outside world.

Architecture

The architecture of the Riad makes you feel like you have found an oasis in the middle of the desert. It is quiet and tranquil. Allowing for some great relaxation. It also makes a great contrast to the hustle and bustle of the busy Moroccan cities.

Variety

Experience the True Essence of Moroccan Riads

No two Riads are alike. Even rooms within a Riad are different. You can opt for whatever your style is; humble or grand. Some Riads can transport you back to the days of Moroccan royalty. Staying in them can even make you feel like one! The rooms, washrooms, and décor are all super grand.

Design

Each Riad usually follows a theme. The color and design scheme usually are influenced by this theme. It could be mono-chromatic or an explosion of color. The design in most cases is influenced by the traditional Berber and Arabic style. The influence of Islam is also clearly reflected in the design. They are nothing less than an interior designer’s paradise!

Food

Experience the True Essence of Moroccan Riads 2

Now coming to the food. The food at the Riads comes at an additional price. But it is a price well paid! You are served authentic home-cooked Moroccan meals. There is no better way to experience the local cuisine. A traditional Moroccan dinner will usually consist of a variety of seasonal mezze salads, pastilla (a crispy pastry filled with chicken, beef, or pigeon), and a tagine served with fluffy couscous.

To experience Marrakech in its full glory, staying in a Riad must. One of the places to stay in Marrakech, Morocco is Riad Edward. Staying here will help you experience the traditional Moroccan architecture of a Riad. What is unique about it is that it is not a Moroccan-owned Riad, but rather English. The Riad has been restored and updated but has not been compromised.

Another must-experience is Le Riad Yasmine. It is a second example of non-Moroccan-owned Riad. The Riad was taken over by the French couple, Gabriel and Alice. They have transformed the Riad into an oasis, in the middle of the desert. Located in the heart of Medina, Marrakech, it invites both tourists and locals for an enjoyable experience. The team ensures you feel at home and employs mostly locals. It includes a swimming pool, a reading nook, and a view to die for!

In response to the increased demand from tourists who want to experience living in a Riad, updates are being made to the traditional Moroccan Riad architecture. This is being done to adhere to the tastes of all kinds of people. The minimalist Riad in Marrakech came into being because of this. Riad, a Moroccan holiday home, has been transformed under its French-Belgian owners, Sarah and Grégoire. Apart from its prime location, which makes it inviting is its soothing color scheme. The earthy tones can calm you right down, even though you will find a bustling city right outside its walls. Its rooftop deck and ornate balconies cinch the deal. People who want to experience living in a Riad but do not enjoy the grandeur, find this an appropriate compromise.

Now, living in a Riad might seem to come at a very high cost. In some cases it does. This is not to say that all Riads are very expensive. There are a variety of options based on your budget. Your choice, of course, will ensure the services you will get. The truth is, it is worth the pocket pinch. It is an immersive experience you will carry for the rest of your life!

To conclude, we have to remember that even though the typical Moroccan home has changed over the years, its essence remains the same. It has the ability to transport you to a different era, a more affluent lifestyle. Riads have also been a great way to inject money into the economy. Many affluent Europeans have set shop in Morocco because of these Riads. Your stay in a Riad is sure to be a transcendental experience.