Exclusive Riads in Morocco

The riad is a concept peculiar to Morocco, the term 'riad' being used to describe a traditional form of Moroccan dwelling in which the living accommodation is arranged around a central courtyard planted with shrubs or flowers. The riad style of house is found particularly in the medinas of Morocco's towns and cities, where the central courtyard and airy colonnaded balconies surrounding it provide a pleasant, cool environment in which to eat or relax, and the inward-looking design minimises the noise and disruption from the city streets outside.

Types of Moroccan Riad

Moroccan riads can be classified in two ways, either according to their age and location, or according to their current use. The term 'traditional riad' is used to describe historic properties in the medinas, or old towns, located in the heart of Morocco's main settlements. Contemporary riads are more modern properties, built according to the traditional riad design and located either in the new towns (nouvelles villes) that were built during the Protectorate or in modern suburban locations. Contemporary Riads available for holiday rental are considered along with villas and purpose-built holiday apartments in the section on Moroccan holiday villas. In recent years, many traditional riads in the major tourist cities of Marrakech, Tangier and Fes have been converted for holiday use. Holiday riads operate in one of two ways; either as shared riads, in which guests rent a room in an establishment that is run along the lines of a hotel or guesthouse, or as exclusive riads, in which case the whole riad is available for rent by a single hirer, who has the exclusive use of all its facilities and, if provided, staff.

Exclusive Moroccan Riads

Renting an exclusive riad for a holiday in Morocco can be a magical experience. Not only do you have the opportunity to stay in one of Morocco's traditional town dwellings, many of which have been lovingly restored to provide luxury interiors with all modern conveniences, but you also have the unique experience of living in the very heart of an ancient city, amid the hustle and bustle of Moroccans going about their daily lives. The best locations in Morocco to enjoy riad living are undoubtedly Fes, Marrakech and Tangiers. For those who enjoy people watching, the ebb and flow of a city like Marrakech will provide endless hours of fascination. Some people might have concerns that the city will intrude on the peace of their holiday, but the design of the traditional riad ensures that the courtyard and the colonnaded balconies that surround it remain places of calm tranquility.

Choosing a Holiday Riad

Holiday riads in Morocco cover the whole price spectrum, from very basic establishments with few amenities, through mid-priced riads which provide more than adequate accommodation and facilities, but which do not provide staff to look after the guests, to luxury riads which have a full complement of resident staff and are able to provide the same quality of facilities, gourmet food and service as one would receive in a five-star hotel.

Family Riad Holidays

There is plenty of choice for those looking to rent a a traditional riad for a family holiday in Morocco, although many families with younger children rightly decide that there are advantages to renting a villa or contemporary riad, which will usually provide better recreational facilities. While adults may be sustained by architecture and the ambience of the city, children will often benefit more from extensive grounds to run around in and the use of a swimming pool!

Luxury Riads in Morocco

The upper echelons of the Moroccan holiday rental market are dominated by three or four key players, who each manage a small selection of truly exceptional properties which are often the second, third or fourth homes of wealthy private clients rather than conventional holiday homes. For those looking to enjoy a truly decadent holiday, or to rent a property for a special celebration or corporate event abroad, these companies offer a range of luxurious riads and larger properties, including former palaces that have been restored with no expense spared, and provide the ultimate in luxury accommodation.