5 stylish and exquisite stays in and around Marrakech

Marrakech is a magical destination and an ideal city trip for those looking for sun and culture without having to travel too far. This enchanting Moroccan city has an ancient medina that you will enjoy getting lost in, full of artisan stores, delicious eateries and impressive sights such as the world famous Djemaa EL Fna Square. Marrakech is also known for its beautiful city palaces, called riads, which are the perfect place to stay for those who love to soak up the local color. VILLAS gives you an overview of the best addresses to take your city trip in Marrakech to a higher and more beautiful level. Many thanks to Stéphanie Cassan of the Virage.S agency.

Hotels in the medina of Marrakech

Stay in the beating heart of the old city and be enchanted by the beautiful architecture and unforgettable charm of the medina.

Riad Dar Kawa

The decor of this seventeenth-century, four-room riad is the perfect marriage of authentic Moroccan architecture and an alluring, contemporary style. Owner Valérie, founder of Valérie Barkowski, a stylish and ethical brand in home linen, is a very sympathetic hostess who has lived in Marrakech for over twenty years and knows the city like the back of her hand. She had the riad restored to its original glory by architect Quentin Wilbaux, an expert in Moroccan architecture. Valérie has decorated Dar Kawa with exquisite yet understated taste, inspiring guests with a refined style that is enhanced by carefully selected furniture and accessories with a touch of exoticism. The friendly and helpful staff of Dar Kawa is always at your service and the delicious cooking of the cook is also worth mentioning. 

A tip: Are you – like us – in love with the beautiful bedding with which the spacious rooms and suites are decorated? Then be sure to visit Valérie’s boutique in the medina, just off the souks, and take home a stylish interior souvenir from Marrakech. 

Riad Tarabel

If you love the unmistakable charm and elegance of a French château, Riad Tarabel is definitely the right place. This former caravanserai was completely transformed into a luxurious city palace where you will not want to leave and where every corner is photogenic. Tarabel was originally the private summer home of the owners, who opened their doors to epicureans and travelers with a strong sense of aesthetics. Today, you can enjoy an exquisite stay in peace and quiet, amid the bustle of the medina. Take a pleasant swim in the heated pool, enjoy a tasty breakfast on the roof terrace and sleep like a rose in the beautiful rooms and suites … Pure enjoyment in all luxury and beauty. Tip: Riad Tarabel is known by the locals for its exceptional spa, Les Bains de Tarabel, which is also accessible to non-guests and opened its elegant doors in 2015. There you will be completely pampered by professional beauticians and can enjoy massages, beauty treatments and a hammam ritual according to local traditions. In addition, the spa works with Nectarome, Moroccan beauty brand known for its natural and high-end products.

Riad Kitula

This insider address is located in an eighteenth-century traditional riad near the Bab el Ksour entrance to the medina and the famous Jema el Fna square. The swimming pool located in the lush green courtyard is surrounded by swaying palms and fragrant orange trees. Kitula‘s interior is also a feast for the eyes, with a soft mint green running like a thread through the riad, adding a fresh touch to the contemporary décor laced with local influences. The innovative cuisine is also a blend of Moroccan and more Western flavors and is prepared with fresh and organic ingredients from the garden.

Hotels in Agafay

Just outside of Marrakech, about a 45-minute drive from the Red City, you will find Agafay, a special oasis in the middle of the desert. This intriguing place is an ideal complement to a city trip to Marrakech for all those who want to alternate the bustle and cultural attractions with a relaxing stay in unspoiled nature.

La Pause

This exceptional eco-resort was founded in 2003 and effortlessly manages to strike the right balance between a contemporary desire to be fully in touch with nature and an ecologically tinged feeling of luxury and pleasure. You will stay in traditional cottages overlooking the dunes, furnished with a romantic four-poster bed and local furniture. The more adventurous souls can also stay in luxurious tents, for an unforgettable glamping experience. During the day, you can explore the surrounding nature or relax by one of the two idyllically located swimming pools that comprise the domain. Once the sun disappears behind the horizon, La Pause is immersed in a truly magical atmosphere. The domain is completely lit by dozens of candles, the tables are decorated with bouquets of fresh roses and local musicians play their mysterious and enticing music, which makes you feel at a glance in a fairy tale of a thousand and one nights. You’ll enjoy a tasty Moroccan meal and a delicious glass of wine from the enchanting starry sky that is so characteristic of the desert.

The White Camel

If you are looking for the ultimate in luxury in the middle of the desert, the exclusive The White Camel is the place to be. You can stay in peace and quiet in Berber tents, stylish lodges or – for those who are only satisfied with the very best – the royal suite with private pool. The domain has two restaurants, the Singita, with its earthy interior and beautiful views, and the Nomad, with a more traditional interior and the perfect place to watch an unforgettable sunset. The White Camel also offers numerous activities and excursions, such as invigorating yoga sessions, exploring the desert on horseback, camel or quad, or – a must – an astronomy evening where you get to know the spectacular night sky better.