Description
The 18th century building which is home to Riad Kniza, has been in the same family for over 200 years, has all the features of a traditional townhouse with its large central courtyard and roof terrace with stunning views of Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains. The charming host and owner is one of the city's renowned antiques dealers and has been a professional guide for over thirty years, a combination resulting in a fabulously adorned riad with some of the best insider knowledge of the city available to guests.
The eleven bedrooms and suites are located around three open courtyards and have been beautifully decorated with the colours and textures of Morocco. Most rooms have open fireplaces and comfortable seating areas, making your room a wonderfully homely place to retreat to at the end of the day.
Superb meals are served in the various salons or on the roof terrace and the cuisine is largely Moroccan, allowing you to explore the many flavours and aromas of the local culinary tradition. The chef can give guests a half day cookery course so that they can take home with some of the secrets of creating the perfect Moroccan meal.
The riad's spa area has a traditional hammam, massage rooms and there is a swimming pool for cooling off in the heat of the day. Riad Kniza is run by a charming local family who provide a personal and exceptional level of service and knowledge and ensure that Riad Kniza is a true haven from the bustle of Marrakech.
Guide price
£690 Per person
£690 per person for 5 nights, based on 2 people sharing a Deluxe Room on a bed and breakfast basis including international flights and private transfers.
Accommodation
All of Riad KNiza's rooms and suites are designed and decorated with true Moroccan authenticity with rich colours and wonderful fabrics throughout. Marjana and L'Orientale are the 2 Deluxe Rooms, both different but exquisitely decorated. Samar and Qamar, the 2 Superior Deluxe Rooms are more spacious and have seating areas and open fireplaces. The 2 Junior Suites Johara and Loubana both have separate living rooms and cosy open fireplaces. The 4 Senior Suites, Ambar, Kenza, Yakout and Sultan are extremely spacious and Ambar is split over two floors. For the ultimate in indulgence, the Royal Suite, Bahia, is both the largest and grandest in the riad. All rooms are air-conditioned and have satellite TVs and wireless internet access.
Childcare
Children over the age of 12 are very welcome at Riad Kniza which warmly welcomes families with older children, but please note that there are no specific facilities for them. Babysitting can be arranged on request.
Facilities
Exquisite Moroccan cuisine is served in one of the salons or on the riad's roof terrace and the food is renowned across the medina for its excellence. There is a swimming pool, spa with sauna, massage rooms and hammam, 4 traditional cosy salons 3 of which have open fireplaces, 3 open air courtyards and a spacious roof terrace with sitting areas and sun loungers. Laptop rental is available on request.
Activities
Improve your culinary skills with a hands at a hands on half day cooking workshops with Riad Kniza's excellent chef which culminates in a delicious communal meal. Alternatively fill your days wandering around Marrakech's souks, palaces and museums or venture further out to the foothills of the Atlas Mountains for trekking, riding or quad biking.
When to travel
Weather-wise, the best times to go are spring and autumn, when temperatures are 20°C to 25°C by day and at least 10°C by night, and November to February, with cooler nights but similar daytime temperatures and light rainfall possible. The weather in March and April features sporadic, light rainfall with some sandstorms in April, while June sees dusty siroccos (desert winds) sweep through the city. From mid-June to August temperatures rise into the 30s and occasionally 40s.
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Location and directions
Marrakech Medina, Morocco
Located in the heart of Marrakech's Medina, Riad Kniza is in the Bab Doukala area. It is conveniently located within only few minutes' walk from the famous Jema l' Fna square, the wonderful souks and the most important monuments and cultural treasures of this imperial city, and a short distance from the Gueliz, the modern quarter of Marrakech.
How to get there
3.5 hour flight to Marrakech's Menara Airport. Riad Kniza is a 30 minute transfer from the airport.
