Scott Dunn: ANYTHING ELSE IS JUST A HOLIDAY

Description

Through an unobtrusive wooden door in the heart of the medina, Riad Farnatchi is a peaceful, stylish and contemporary riad. This luxury boutique property has been created out of three small riads and has all the features of a traditional Moroccan home, with its large central courtyard and abundance of authentic Moroccan touches.

The nine suites all vary in layout but all have the luxury of having seating areas and all but one has a balcony or private sun terrace. Nearly all the furniture in the riad has been hand made especially for the hotel as the owners believe strongly that everything should look authentic but should also have the added benefit from extreme comfort.

On the ground floor there are plenty of cosy sitting rooms and covered areas of the courtyard where guests can relax and the style throughout the property is a fusion of traditional Moroccan with modern European design. Included in these communal areas is a candlelit dining room, a roof garden with barbecue and sun loungers, and numerous other spots for private dining and relaxing.

There is also a roof terrace with stunning views of Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains and this is where you can sip sundowners at dusk soaking in the sounds and smells of the city beneath you. Riad Farnatchi is a true haven from the bustle of Marrakech and offers a hammam and swimming pool in which to relax after your sightseeing and shopping.

Accommodation

Riad Farnatchi's 9 suites all vary in style by have the common comforts of hand made beds, Egyptian cotton sheets, air-conditioning and heating, TV/DVD players, Bose iPod docking stations, wifi and simply stunning interiors. Every room has at least one sitting area and all but one have a private balcony or sun terrace. Suite 2 is smaller than the others with no outside space but is a duplex suite with heaps of character and plenty of natural light. Suites 1 and 2-8 all vary dramatically in layout but have plenty of space and wonderful individual features making it hard to choose between them. Suite 1 is like a mini riad with its own private patio and fountain, Suite 3 has a large private balcony overlooking the pool, Suite 6 is a duplex suite with large private sun terrace and Suite 9 is the grandest, a magnificent suite with a private courtyard and beautiful hand crafted plaster and metalwork.

Childcare

Everyone is welcome at Riad Farnatchi, including children of all ages. The owners do point out, however, that the house's traditional architecture (such as stone floors, roof terraces and steep steps) mean that children will need to be heavily supervised. There is also no pool attendant. Meals and babysitting can be arranged on request.

Facilities

Fresh Moroccan cuisine, purchased daily from the market can be served for dinner in the location of your choice as long as your meal is ordered earlier in the day. Riad Farnatchi has a white marble hammam and wonderful gommage, massage and beauty treatments are given by trained therapists. The 7m swimming pool has an underwater jet stream for swimming and is heated in the cooler months. There is also a beautiful pool and garden outside the medina where guests can go and spend the day.

Activities

Marrakech has plenty of activities to occupy visitors including museums, palaces, plenty of shopping and wonderful cafes and restaurants. Guides can be arranged for any outings within the city and also for excursions for trekking, mountain biking, quad biking, horse riding and even hot air balloons. One can also venture out to Riad Farnatchi's gardens and swimming pool located outside the medina for an afternoon or day as an alternative to the riad's pool and the bustle of the city's ancient centre.

When to travel

Location and directions

Marrakech, Morocco

Riad Farnatchi is very centrally located in the Medina, around the corner from the Medersa Ben Youssef museum.

How to get there

3-hour 30-minute direct flight to Marakech Menara Airport. The 20-minute transfer from the airport to the hotel.

Additional notes