Riad Alboraq

When we decided to visit Marrakech for the first time, we knew that we wanted to be in the heart of it all. Still, we also wanted to find somewhere that we could truly relax and forget about the stresses of normal life. When we came across the Riad Alboraq, we knew that it was the one for us. Housed in a classic residential building in the heart of Marrakech’s medina (the old town), it is the perfect retreat in the centre of town. The famous Jemaa-el-Fna square is just a fifteen-minute walk away, through the lively narrow streets and souks of the old town.

Like every good Moroccan residence, the Riad Alboraq houses an elegant patio and a swimming pool that is surrounded by welcoming sofas in the shade of banana trees. You can sit back and soak up the calm, exotic atmosphere, breathing in the sweet smell of cedar wood as you enjoy a pot of tea. It is the perfect place to relax after an afternoon at the souk, or to take an early morning swim to prepare for the day ahead. If you feel like sunbathing, you can settle down on one of the loungers on the sun-kissed roof terrace.

The six bedrooms of the hotel all lead off from the patio and are each decorated in a charming Moroccan style, with gorgeous wood panelling and contemporary artisanal features. They are extremely comfortable, with a large high-quality bed that guarantees peaceful sleep. The bathrooms, with traditional Moroccan plastering on the walls, give you that wonderful feeling of being far from home.

All in all, the Riad Alboraq is infused with a delightful, lively and friendly atmosphere. Your host, Michelle, welcomes her guests with the perfect blend of passion for her country and a gift for good hosting. She has brought together an impressive team whose smiles and warmth light up the Riad. If you need advice, they will be happy to share tips and recommendations about the city, directing you towards the best places to shop, visit and eat.

You’ll be unlikely to need a guide during your time here. The team, who have been in the city for a long time, know Marrakech like the back of their hands. When you return from your adventures in the city, you can be sure of being pampered. We were delighted to discover the mint tea and local cakes that they serve throughout the afternoon.

Each evening, the Riad chef prepares traditional dishes that you can eat on the patio. We loved the Nawal couscous and the stuffed fish, and the chicken and lemon tagine was divine. The meals are sumptuous, generous and quite simply delicious. Who wants to go out to a restaurant when the food is better at home?

The breakfast is just as good, and is sure to leave you ready for a beautiful day exploring the treasures of Morocco, before returning to the lovely cocoon that is your new Marrakech home, the Riad Alboraq.