Introduction
Riad Ksar Anika in Marrakech is a dreamy boutique hotel right in the heart of the Marrakech action. We review it here.
A riad is a traditional Moroccan house or guesthouse with a central courtyard or garden. The rooms face the inner courtyard rather than the outside. This creates an unrivalled level of privacy and security. The layout is such that viewed from the outside, the grandiose wonder of the courtyard that lies within could only be imagined.
And so it is with Riad Ksar Anika in Marrakech. Our taxi dropped us at the door opposite the deep sand coloured wall of the Medina of Marrakech. Close to a big dark coloured wooden door sat an old faded blue Renault 4. A hint perhaps of the French colonial legacy of Morocco, but not necessarily a clue to the opulent splendour that would greet us within that door.
A ring on the bell later, and we were greeted with a warm and cosy reception area with deep inviting sofas. We were warmly greeted and very quickly relieved of our luggage, which was whisked off to our room for us.
As we were shown through into the main courtyard, the splendour of this main lounging area was revealed in all its glory. A deep blue plunge pool formed the centrepiece. Huge and well established green succulents and cacti in massive terracotta pots abounded. Tables and chairs were laid out for dinner, with gas fires dotted around the courtyard to keep the guests warm.
We had arrived in the evening, hence we set straight about having dinner in the riad. The local Moroccan Rosé wine was surprisingly good. Service at dinner was excellent and very attentive indeed. Apricots, raisins, and almonds danced with exotic savoury spices and delighted our taste buds. A dessert of delicately sliced orange later, and we retired to our compact but well appointed room.
In the room, more local fruits and treats awaited us, and plenty of bottled water was provided. Locally made body wash and shampoo was provided in charming little clay pots. We had booked one of the smaller rooms, which was on the ground floor. There was a safe, wardrobe, drawers, seats and coffee tables, and a comfortable double bed. It had everything we needed, and our room opened out directly to the dinner/breakfast area, which was very convenient.
Breakfast was all freshly prepared and served to the table, with fresh coffee on request. Afterwards we explored the ground floor more thoroughly, where more squishy sofas and comfy chairs abounded, as did intricately patterned rugs and ceilings, and a separate internal bar/lounge area with a fireplace.
As we explored the riad, we noticed huge vases with Hebrew lettering, revealing a Jewish connection. The Jewish cemetery outside provided another clue to this. The majority of Marrakech’s Jewish population emigrated to Israel in the late 1940s. The nearby Mellah area (walking distance from this riad) gives another insight into this past, and is well worth a visit.
We ascended the stairs all the way to the top floor, where a large roof terrace gives ample space for seating and relaxing. I relaxed up here with a nice bottle of Casablanca beer (brought up to me by one of the attentive staff) and enjoyed watching the hustle ad bustle of the Marrakech streets below, then lifting my gaze upwards to gaze in awe at the snowy peaks of the Atlas mountains in the distance.
The hotel has a hammam, and we booked the full traditional treatment here followed by a one hour massage each. Both were excellent and come with our highest recommendation. We felt so relaxed afterwards that we could not do much but sit in our robes and sip on the pomegranate drinks that we were served at the end! For obvious reasons I did not take photos during this experience, however if you check out the booking link at the end of the article you can see some photos of the hammam.
Disclosure : this article contains affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase via links in the article, I will receive a small commission which can help the blog to grow. I will only recommend hotels that we have personally stayed in and enjoyed.
Conclusion
This charming riad has a very convenient location just outside the Medina walls, and within easy walking distance of some of the major attractions. Bahia Palace is the closest, but El Badi Palace and the Saadian Tombs are also easily walkable. The old Jewish area known as the Mellah and the rather fun Tinsmith’s Square are also very close by.
Service here is exemplary, and you will always find plenty of staff on hand to bring you a drink (coffee and mint tea here is complimentary by the way), call you a taxi, or just offer advice.
Our room was pleasant and comfortable, but the real joy here is spending time in the inner courtyard area enjoying the atmosphere and admiring the furnishings, or taking to the roof to gaze at the Atlas mountains. This delightful riad in Marrakech could almost serve as a mini-museum in and of itself, and its peaceful opulent environment is perfect after a busy day negotiating the packed and busting streets of the city.
Book your stay at Riad Ksar Anika here. Check the link also to see more photos and details of the property.
Marrakech is on my bucket list. I always wondered what exactly a riad was – now I know. I love the design concept.
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