Riad Douceur Mandarine

Soft and gentle, the sweet tangy smell of oranges infusing the air; aromatic spice souks and the warm, fragrant comfort of mint tea swathe the surroundings as I arrive at the Riad Douceur Mandarine – a name you can almost taste!

Situated right next to the Dar Si Said Museum and the Bahia Palace, and just moments from the lively, colourful Jemaa El Fna square, the guest house oozes Moroccan charm, imbued with the culture and history of charismatic Marrakech. As I step inside, the hustle and bustle of the Medina floats away through the crisp, white walls and the peaceful central courtyard – all rustic patterned carpets and wrought iron tables. Upstairs, the rooftop terrace looks over the action, though the terracotta tiles and bursts of greenery could not seem further away from the clamour of the city centre. From here, my eyes are drawn to the pastel-painted roofs of the Medina, past palm trees and up to the snow-capped Atlas Mountains that draw a soft silhouette across the horizon.

I tried out the roof Jacuzzi a couple of times - its soft bubbles and relaxing ambience was the perfect refreshment after sunbathing, but even in the cooler evenings I found the roof terrace the ideal place to lounge on the squishy mattresses and watch the world below in miniature formation.

With only six rooms, the Riad Douceur Mandarine is an intimate affair, cosy and comfortable but with all the luxury services of a high-end hotel. For the most part it felt like I was staying with friends, thanks to the warm, welcoming staff and the small, thoughtful details.

The décor provides a cocoon of relaxation, with earth-toned artisan ornaments and vibrant banana trees adding subtle pops of colour to the whitewashed walls and a Moroccan concoction of old, vintage shutters and intricate lanterns adding a local touch. Throughout the guesthouse, large cushions, deep armchairs, and ambient lighting offers a comfortable environment, whilst the rooms boast elegant wall textiles and authentically inspired bathrooms with embroidered robes and the sweet, lingering aroma of mandarin.

My days were as sweet as the fragrant smells that characterise the Mandarine. The Riad itself honours two of the greatest Moroccan cultures: the bountiful benefits of traditional hammam and the delicious flavours of local cuisine. Throughout my stay, I dined like a queen, savouring the lemony flavours of couscous, melt-in-the-mouth textures of falafel and the exceptional breakfast spreads serving homemade Moroccan pancakes with locally produced jams – I can’t think of a better way to start the day!

Riad Douceur Mandarine provides a calm, relaxing stay, but there is still plenty of opportunity to get lost in the meandering crowds of the Medina – and get lost I did! I enjoyed tea from local handlers, sampled unbelievably colourful spices and browsed stall after stall of trinkets, curiosities, and handmade crafts. After the flurry of bright colours and melodic chatter it was always a pleasure to return to the riad and soak up the soothing atmosphere with a mint tea in hand. For adventurous travellers, Marrakech holds the key to a never-ending list of exciting activities, from quad-biking in the desert and exploring the Ourika Valley in a four-by-four to golfing and discovering the cultural nuances of Berber villages – all of which is easily accessible from the central arms of the Mandarine.

Marrakech is an exceptional city, swathed in years of culture and traditions. It’s defined by its bustling Medinas filled with snake charmers and artisan stalls, its markets overflowing with delicious local produce and towers of spices, and its dedication to the art of relaxation – the array of hammams and spas prove this. I got to experience all of this and more from the cosy, intimate surroundings of the Riad Douceur Mandarine, all whilst being lovingly swathed in the sweet aroma of juicy tangerines.