Riad de Tarabel

This luxury riad is nestled in one of the oldest and most beautiful districts of the Marrakech Medina, near the Dar El Bacha Palace. Unlike many in the city, Tarabel's owners Rose and Leonard opted for an elegant mix of French and Arabic styles for the interiors, with furnishings sourced from all over the world including pieces from Leonard's parents' own château back in France. Handmade wallpapers and bespoke pieces make for a decidedly luxe feel, and the service is unfailingly attentive and professional too.

With its sun-kissed terraces, hidden corners and tree-lined courtyards, this charming, serene hideaway is the perfect spot for those after a more refined experience. And dinner served up on the terrace with city vistas is a must.

Note: Riad de Tarabel is adult-only (guests over the age of 16).

Host story

Really we built it as a house for us in the beginning but then we had a lot of people wanting to stay, so we decided to turn it into a hotel. We now have 10 rooms but we won’t make it bigger because the soul of the house would change and the atmosphere would change. We wanted to create a very peaceful atmosphere. With it being only 10 rooms, you don’t realise there are other people in the riad – it’s like having your own home in Marrakech. The décor is a real mixture – with the Moroccan architecture but then art and furniture from all over the world. Our decoration is the real difference between us and the 900 other riads in Marrakech – CNN came and said that we were one of the top riads here.

- Rose Marie Fournier & Leonard Degoy, Owners 

Read Rose Marie's and Leonard's full story here >

Imagine an elegant and exclusive restaurant in Paris; that is how you'll feel dining at Riad de Tarabel. While there's no official restaurant per se, the charming staff will set up a table wherever you choose. Whether by candlelight in a quiet corner of the courtyard or up on the terrace with views out over the Medina, you'll enjoy the chef's tasty mix of French and Moroccan cuisine. Be sure to arrive with an appetite – the meals are abundant. Alcohol is served (not a given in the Medina); just pick your tipple of choice.

Breakfast is delicious: sample Moroccan specialities including divine pancakes, muesli, homemade yoghurts, cakes, cooked-to-order eggs, fruit, and juices.

Don't just take our word for it - read blogger Julia Mateian's review here >

The10 air-conditioned rooms and suites are filled with antiques, family furniture, and old photos. Each has a French colonial feel, allowing you to drift back to bygone ages. Tiled floors, open fireplaces, rolltops , crisp sheets and sweet-smelling fresh roses are just some of the features in the rooms. One of the bedrooms has a pair of baths, making it the perfect choice for couples.

Whichever room you choose, take advantage of a local mobile phone along with a daily delivery of homemade Moroccan pastries, mint tea, and soft drinks. 

Marrakech is great for a 3-night dash or a week-long holiday. Shop until you drop in the souks of the Red City, head to the new town of Gueliz, where you'll be spoilt for choice by interior and leather shops, or spend a few hours at Yves Saint Laurent's Jardin Majorelle. For longer stays, we'd recommend heading taking a day trip to the Atlas Mountains. 

For a spot of relaxation, spend a day by the swimming pool or cool off in the rooftop plunge pool. Massages and beauty treatments are also available, as are cookery courses – why not hone your skills? General Manager Laurent and his excellent staff are also more than happy to organise treks, leisure activities, and events. 

Free Wi-fi is available.