OVERVIEW \ Modern & Minimal RIAD with rooms starting at $120
Fusing local artisan craft with modern design, this chic riad feels more like a private residence than a boutique riad. The five-bedroom 'Little House of Happiness' was designed by the Norwegian owner and architect Knut Hovland, who beautifully blends Moroccan design with a Scandinavian aesthetic, giving this peaceful hideaway a somewhat eclectic and rock 'n' roll feel. Geometric hand-cut floor tiles, James Bond-esque gold and mother of pearl chandelier, intricate hand-carved walls, richly embroidered cushions. Cool down in the rooftop plunge pool, enjoy a sundowner overlooking the golden-hued city, or stay in and enjoy a film in the private cinema. Whatever your desire, nothing is too much trouble for the wonderful staff who are there to help and create a memorable experience that will have you wishing you could make this your home away from home!
NOTEWORTHY
The five rooms are all individually decorated with an eclectic mix of painted wooden furniture, flea market finds and photographs of Morocco in the 1960s. Our favorites are the White Room, which has a private balcony overlooking the courtyard, and Hazy Moon, which has 5.5m hand-carved ceilings, exclusive access to a roof terrace and a large, hammam-style bathroom with a bathtub and separate shower.
Breakfast is normally served in the library, or on your private patio, if you have one. Lunch and dinner can also be prepared and are served in the courtyard or on the terrace. Try the spread of salads with more than 10 different dishes, from carrots sprinkled with orange blossom to artichokes and preserved lemon.
Additional features include: AC, wifi, plunge pool, restaurant, airport shuttle, library, DVD library, ipod docking station, films shown on an outdoor projector.
LOCATION
59 bis Zaouia Bellabes, Taouia Sidi Ghanem, Bab Lakhmis
Located in a quiet neighborhood in the north end of the medina. Just a 10 minute walk to the souks.
It is approximately a 20-minute drive from Marrakech-Menara Airport.
RATES
Rates for double room start at $120 low season/ $130 high season, Suites start at $200 low season/ $220 high season.
Rates for the entire riad (5 bedrooms) $785 mid season/ $860 high season.
Rates includes breakfast and mint tea. Some rooms require a minimum stay of 3 nights.
NEED TO KNOW
Children are welcome, however, the hotel's traditional architecture and pool mean young children will need to be supervised. A cot is available. Babysitting can be arranged.
No pets allowed. Not suitable for wheelchairs. No smoking.
IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD...
Marrakech's old medina is filled with famous Marrakech Souks and other places of interest, such as Medersa Ben Youssef, the Museum of Marrakech, the Koubba Almoravid, the Dar El Bacha Palace, Jmaa El Fna Square, Majorelle gardens and a lot of delisious restaurants and traditional hammans.
Day trips to the Ourika Valley, the coastal, UNESCO World Heritage town of Essaouira and the impressive waterfalls 150km north of Marrakech, Cascades dOuzoud.
CONTACT \ booking
Visit their website for contact and booking.
*images courtesy of The Nomadic People