If you are planning a trip to Morocco, you must consider staying in a riad. These charming traditional Moroccan homes are being renovated into guesthouses at astonishing speeds to coincide with the rise of Moroccan tourism. Choosing a riad as your accommodation allows you to live like a true Moroccan, coupled with the fabulous Moroccan hospitality and luxurious amenities, you will be set to have an unforgettable trip. For those eager to learn more about riads and why you should stay in one, then this is the article for you!
The Architecture is Unique
The word riad translates to ‘enclosed garden’ in Arabic and this translation aptly describes the design of this traditional Moroccan structure. Riads are built around an inner garden or courtyard space. The house will be at least two stories tall, with all windows and balconies facing inwards towards the garden. Sunlight streams directly through the centre of the riad into the inner garden and most have roof terraces (perfect to enjoy the views of Morocco).
Their interesting shape and structure are based on the geographical location. Many Moroccan cities suffered from a lack of space, by building upwards families were able to enjoy the same level of space that would be afforded with traditional construction. The lack of outside windows also meant that homes could be built side by side or even back-to-back. This ensured that space was maximised to its fullest, but it has led to many Moroccan cities having very confusing maze-like streets (ensure that there is a pick-up service when choosing your riad!).
Riads are also built with privacy in mind. As the outdoor space and windows are concealed by the inside of the property, women could enjoy privacy and seclusion within their home. They could relax and do housework with the assurance that they needn’t cover up. This is especially important as Morocco is a predominately Islamic society. This privacy is a bonus for tourists; after a hectic day exploring the local sites and markets, you can return in the evening and enjoy the peace and privacy that the unusual structure brings.
The Décor Oozes Luxury
Riads are decorated in the traditional Moroccan style. You are likely to see lots of patterns – geometric shapes, Qur’anic calligraphy and flowers. Tiles help to keep the structure cool; the inner garden is usually adorned with tiles that are colourful and intricately designed. While your budget may vary, most riads will adorn their rooms with traditional Moroccan crafts and soft furnishings. The more colour the better; you will find striped cactus silk throws, dyed camel leather pouffes and ornate silver Moroccan tea sets. Riads truly are an interior design dream.
While most private riads tend to have flower beds and a fountain (water is seen as a sign of wealth in Morocco) in their inner garden, those turned into guesthouses are increasingly making the space more luxurious. Depending on the size of the riad, there are often plunge or swimming pools in the centre with glamourous loungers and the option to have ‘hammam’ style treatments poolside. The inner garden truly is the focal point, with most of the meals being taken there and the reception set up just off the garden so incoming guests can marvel at the riads beauty.
The Customer Service is Fantastic
The small-scale nature of these guesthouses mean that customer service is at the highest level and your trip can be catered to your needs. It is not unusual for riads to offer everything from laundry, to booking excursions, to helping you haggle in souks for your souvenirs. One of the best parts of staying in a riad is that they are often run by families and this means you can indulge in traditional Moroccan family recipes passed down through generations. The majority of riads will offer some sort of food package, be that solely breakfast or the addition of lunch/ dinner. Whilst eating out in Morocco is an experience in itself, you should not miss out on the opportunity for an intimate dinner in your riad. You can often help to cook your meal and learn tips and tricks on how to prepare and cook authentic Moroccan cuisine.
So, there we have it, three reasons as to why you should stay in a riad on your trip to Morocco. Have you stayed in a riad? What did you think
Sources:
https://riadliving.com/2018/01/03/typical-moroccan-riad/
https://verybestofmorocco.com/riad-history/
https://www.onthegotours.com/blog/2018/08/what-to-expect-when-staying-in-a-moroccan-riad/
