Riad Africa

Situated in Riad Laarouss area, just ten minutes walk north of Djemaa el Fna, in the very heart of the ancient medina of Marrakech, Riad Africa is a classic three bedroom Marrakech Riad dating back to the 18th century. This beautifully restored, luxurious and highly sought-after Marrakech home retains many of its original features and is tastefully furnished with rich local fabrics, hand-crafted rugs and hand-made furniture and is available for exclusive rentals.

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Riad Africa is a haven of peace and quiet for guests seeking a truly private retreat from the melee of bustling souks. Tastefully enhanced with several stylish features including a courtyard plunge pool for summer cooling and roaring log fires for winter warming, the riad has three luxurious en-suite bedrooms and a large salon/dining room. Ideal for friends, large family groups or as a luxurious honeymoon retreat for two, Riad Africa offers a housekeeper and accommodates up to 9 guests. Rates are from £140-200 per night for upto 4 people and then then £190-250 for 5+ people.

Rooms

The Imperial Suite – Sleeps up to 3
On the ground floor is the largest of the bedrooms, the ‘Imperial’ suite, complete with a huge king-size bed and hand-made cedar wood furniture. An en-suite bathroom offers ‘his and her’ traditional brass washbasins set into a marble surround, hammered brass feature mirror, a toilet and a tadelakt-lined bath/shower tub big enough for two! For the added comfort of our guests the room also offers a chaise-style sofa (which can be used as a single bed for a child), an air-conditioning/heater unit, satellite TV (with numerous English-language channels) and a hair dryer. A view of Riad Africa’s shimmering plunge pool through the arches of the ornate cedar doors adds to the appeal of this grand bedroom.

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The Atlas Suite – Sleeps up to 4
Perfect for a family with two children (or four adults), the ‘Atlas’ suite has two single beds in the main bedroom and a funky elevated mezzanine area with two single beds beds reached by a cedar wood staircase. Arabesque-style double doors open into a spacious en-suite bathroom with corner spa-bath/shower set into a marble surround, white ceramic washbasin, cedar window shutters, a toilet and ornate hand-made mirror. There is an air-conditioning/heater unit, a hair dryer and a flat-screen wall-mounted satellite TV (with numerous English-language channels).

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The Sahara Suite – Sleeps 2
With a corner-fireplace and a private balcony overlooking the courtyard below, the ‘Sahara’ suite is influenced by the vibrant colours of Morocco’s deep south and offers intimacy, space and privacy. A huge king-size bed, intricately painted leather Sahara stools and a built-in wardrobe sit comfortably in a tall-beamed room with adobe decorations and pale terracotta walls. Arabesque-style double doors open into a spacious en-suite bathroom with an extra wide bath with shower set into a marble surround, white ceramic washbasin, cedar window shutters, a toilet and ornate hand-made mirror. There is an air-conditioning/heater unit, a hair dryer and satellite TV (with numerous English-language channels).

Click to see the view of The Sahara Suite

Beautiful Roof Terrace

The banana and orange tree-filled roof terrace of Riad Africa is quite unique compared to many other Riads in Marrakech due to its elevation. Standing up above all of its neighbours, the views from the terrace of medieval minarets, medersas and mosques, High Atlas peaks and lofty date palms are near unsurpassed. Well-equipped, the terrace has four sun-loungers with tables and chairs to seat up to 12 people. A traditional roof tent provides shade during the day and a cosy place to sleep at night. The magical atmosphere of the medina (assisted by a barbecue and private corner bar) will tempt you to balmy evenings of candle-lit dinners under a star-filled African sky.

Click to see the view of Terrace

Moroccan Salon

On the ground floor of Riad Africa is a large beamed pale terracotta salon/living/dining room with a traditional Moroccan ‘salon’ and cushions, coffee tables, atmospheric floor lighting, solid wood carved dining table and chairs for eight people, feature-fireplace with large open grate for roaring winter log fires and satellite TV with DVD, radio stereo (with iPod player) and PlayStation 2. An arched double-door opens into the kitchen.

Well-equipped Kitchen

Riad Africa’s high-beamed kitchen is very well-equipped with a Siera electric oven and gas hob, Bosch fridge/freezer, Bosch washing machine and Bosch dishwasher. Other electric equipment includes a kettle, toaster, juicer and microwave. Pale yellow hand-built cupboards blend harmoniously with ivory tadelakt walls.

Other Property Features

Just off the courtyard under the stairs which lead up to the first floor there is a separate WC with washbasin. The front door leads into a small entrance hall ideal for storing a pushchair, bicycles or luggage. There is an under stairs laundry area and small ornate fountain on the first floor.

Services Included in the Private Rental Price

• The assistance of multi-lingual local riad manager who will welcome you to Riad Africa, hand over keys, assist with meal arrangements, arrange excursions, provide local information and be on mobile phone contact throughout your stay should you need any help.
• Bath and pool towels and all bed linen are included in the exclusive rental price and are changed twice during weekly rentals. The outdoor areas of the Riad, the kitchen and salon are cleaned on a daily basis in the morning by the housekeeper, Aisha. Daily cleaning of bedrooms and making up of beds is available upon request to our local house manager.
• A typical Moroccan breakfast is included each day, prepared by the housekeeper. Breakfast includes freshly squeezed orange juice, tea, coffee, cereals, a choice of omelettes or Moroccan pancakes, croissant, pastries, jam, honey, fresh bread and yoghurts. All produce is sourced and purchased locally in the Riad Laarouss area to support local businesses. Aisha is also available on request to cook delicious Moroccan evening meals. Basic foodstuffs are included in the kitchen along with a range of local spices.
• The riad stock a selection of Moroccan fine wines, local beers, sparkling mineral water and soft drinks for private and personal consumption in the Riad. The cost of any beverages consumed should be refunded to the Riad manager before your departure.
• A wide range of day trips and local excursions during your stay in Riad Africa can be organised– popular options include a day trip to Imlil or Ouirgane in the Atlas Mountains, the atmospheric Atlantic town of Essaouira, the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou or the Ourika Valley.
• An initial supply of firewood is included in winter months, with further supplies available locally.
• Hi-speed internet access and the use of our Riad laptop (ideal to assist with research of latest flight information, local restaurants and things to do in Marrakech).
• Provision of a local mobile phone for local calls with our riad manager.

Click for more information on: Marrakech Riads, Essaouira, Morocco Holidays, Fes, Medina Holidays. Better still give us a call on 0207 112 0019 or email morocco@fleewinter.com for free independent advice on the best places to stay.

Notes
1. Price guide at high/peak times for indicative purposes only – please contact us for a specific quote.
2. Prices quoted “per night” are usually for one room based on 2 people sharing and breakfast is also often included
3. Prices “per week” are for entire property on a self-catering basis.  Extra days are charged at 1/7 th of the weekly rate.
4. All properties are fully equipped, including bath towels and bed linen.
5. Whilst every effort is made to keep details up to date individual owners may make alterations and improvements as they see fit. Clients are advised to seek confirmation for specific aspects that are particularly important to them.
6. All bookings made with Fleewinter are fully bonded under a UK Government approved scheme managed by the Association of British Travel Organisers Trust.  Our ABTOT membership is 5133 and more info can be found at www.abtot.com or by calling (UK) 0845 4504 618.