Riad Hikaya

A real hidden gem located in the Kasbah of the Marrakech medina, Riad Hikaya bedazzles with its sumptuous interiors and luxurious rooftop terrace. English-born owner-manager John Pittaway has spent four four years meticulously renovating the historic riad alongside traditional craftsmen and artisans, eschewing the more minimalist style of similar properties for a richly evocative interior filled with handcrafted artefacts, enchanting objects d’art, and quirky vintage Italian film posters.

The riad’s peaceful inner courtyard provides a sanctuary from the medina streets, while the hotel’s all-season heated swimming pool is the perfect refresher during sultry summer days as well as chillier winter nights. The rooftop terrace, shaded by fragrant citrus and pomegranate trees, gives beautiful views across the rooftops of the Red City to the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains glinting in the distance. Opulent yet deeply intimate and welcoming, Riad Hikaya is perfect for those looking for luxury in the Marrakech’s medina.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner can be served either in the restaurant, Café des Epices, by the pool or on one of the roof terraces. In the evening a three course meal of delicious Moroccan treats such as cous cous, tagine and harira is served; you’ll have to make your choice in the morning so that the kitchen staff can source the freshest ingredients from the market during the day.

The 8 bedrooms at Riad Hikaya are all individually furnished with an enchanting décor of sumptuous fabrics and local artwork, and furniture handcrafted specially for the hotel by local artisans. Bathrooms are spacious and elegantly tiled, featuring either bathtubs or showers.

Riad Hikaya offers all year round swimming with its heated pool and the roof top jacuzzi, shaded in a bedouin tent for added privacy.  Pamper yourself in the hammam, or treat yourself to a traditional Moroccan massage by Riad Hikaya’s in-house masseuse using natural products such as savon noir, which cleanses the skin with its mixture of olive oil, ground olive pits and eucalyptus.  The two roof terraces, planted with orange, lemon, grapefruit and pomegranate trees have beautiful views over the medina, making them the perfect spot to enjoy a traditional Moroccan breakfast as the sun rises, or a refreshing drink at sun down.

Nestled in the winding streets of the medina, Riad Hikaya is perfect for exploring the bustling medieval heart of Marrakech. Dive into the souks to try and find a bargain (but be prepared to haggle!), or mingle with the crowds who flock to Jemaa el-Fnaa to watch the magicians, snake-charmers and storytellers who perform there daily. The hotel can arrange a number of activities in the surrounding area, including excursions to the Atlas Mountains and other areas of cultural interest.

Free Wi-fi is available.