Riad Shama

Built in the late 18th century, this noble residence formerly belonged to the private secretary to the Marrakech Pacha and now bears the name of the last owner’s granddaughter, Shama. This riad is a wonderful example of Moroccan architectural style and provides a true escape into another world. You will find cedar wood ceilings, traditional archways, skilfully sculpted stucco plaster and elegant columns in this beautiful building. Renovated to add all the modern comforts, the place has lost none of its authentic charm.

This is a place to come when you need to be pampered. The friendly hosts of the Riad Shama’s twelve bedrooms offer generous and attentive service that makes you feel like a special guest throughout your stay. Beatrice and Robin have everything to make your stay perfect, so that you leave feeling relaxed and refreshed. As passionate lovers of Marrakech, they are more than happy to advise and guide you around this maze of a city. If you want to see more than the souks and the most famous sights, they can organise guided tours, outings and sports activities (including quad biking, golf and cycling) for you to enjoy. They can even arrange classes to plunge you into the local culture, including dance, cooking and Arabic lessons.

Still, it is not hard to enjoy your time within the riad itself more than anything else. Here, you will experience a true flavour of the Moroccan lifestyle. The three patios will be your havens of peace and calm, the perfect retreat after a visit to the souks or old town. One patio offers the sound of fountains and the freshness of a large swimming pool. Another patio houses a lounge with sitting area, fireplace and television, and the last shelters the authentic hammam. Of course, I had to try out this tradition, which consists of a steam room followed by a massage with essential oils. Another tradition, afternoon mint tea and Moroccan sweet pastries, is the ideal follow-up to the first.

After this fantastic relaxing first afternoon in Morocco, we had a couple of hours before trying out the delicious food at the riad. Waiting on the delicious tagine that was on the menu especially for us, we took the opportunity to go and lose ourselves in the souks. Riad Shama is just fifteen minutes from Jemaa el-Fna square, which makes exploring the city a real pleasure and very easy to do.

The twelve suites at the Shama are refined and comfortable. Decorated in shades of ochre, the beds have silk spreads and plenty of cushions, and the fireplace, which is lit in the evenings, adds a touch of true luxury. Of course, they are fully equipped with all the modern comforts too, including satellite television, air conditioning and WiFi.

It has been said that riads are vestiges from the lost paradise of the former days of Moroccan culture. Sitting in front of the flames that lit up my room that evening, I agreed completely – it was heavenly.