marakesh

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Josephine Baker was adored by the fashionable set in Paris. Josephine was a natural and excellent dancer and at a very early age, she found notoriety and success in the Parisian music halls of the day. At just fourteen years of age she landed her first part in a play at the Booker Washington Theatre […]

Josephine Baker by Alexander calder

Alexander Calder was an artist who created dynamic sculptures using wire. He gained recognition and acclaim for his wire sculptures in Paris in the late 1920s. He once remarked that he ” Thought best in wire”. Dancing on stage wearing a banana skirt, Josephine Baker enthralled the Paris of the 1920s and ’30s.  Alexander Calder was enthralled with […]

Josephine baker tour de france1933

Never let it be said that Josephine Baker did not lead a varied life! On 27 June 1933, she started the cyclists on their way to a very eventful Tour de France. The French team, that had won the last three Tours de France, started well. Maurice Archambaud won the first stage, and lead the general […]

secret garden marrakech

The walls of Marrakech Medina hold hidden spaces. As we walk through the sun kissed, busy, vibrant streets we are often unaware of the beauty concealed behind the doors. Your first experience as a visitor to one of our riad hotels will illustrate this, as you step through the doors for the first time, the hidden […]

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From the moment you step off the plane you are immersed in the beauty and wonder of Marrakech. The heat of the desert sun greets you warmly like an old friend as you disembark from your flight. The cool slick interior of the brand new airport terminal greets you and ‘wows’ you with stunning architecture. The […]

Marrakech Wellness

The pursuit of wellness through self awareness and healing is challenging for those of us who lead busy lives. The pace of  life can seem to be an obstacle to the realisation of the calm we desire in our core selves; however there is always a route present to facilitate wellness. This is something we […]

Marrakech bike rental

Marrakech has just launched the first bike sharing system in Africa, Medina Bikes. 320 brand new bicycles are now anchored in ten key points and available 24 hours a day. The project was designed by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (Onudi) and supported by the Moroccan government. It was implemented by the Moroccan company […]

Jazzablanca-Festival-in-Casablanca

When it comes to the age of Jazz in Europe, and the connections to the Belle Epoque in Marrakech one name is iconic : Josephine Baker. Imagine a trip to Morocco which immerses you in the world of Josephine and a festival of Jazz music! Flying to Marrakech you can book your stay Riad Star, […]

Marrakech dance event

There are always wonderful cultural events to enjoy when visiting Morocco. This dance event fuses world dance in a contemporary context and will be held at 8.30 pm on March 2nd 2017 at Dar Atakafa in Marrakech. BLASMIA a contemporary dance group invites you to discover and interact with tribal forms of dance from all over the […]

Anniversary in Marrakech

A romantic break is always a winner for anniversaries and it has never been easier to create a magical break in beautiful Marrakech. With short haul flights from so many UK airports, that dream trip to relax and celebrate with a loved one is simple to arrange. Once you land in Marrakech we can arrange a […]

marrakech flavours

Marrakech is a sensory delight, the city is well known for seducing it’s visitors with vivid colours, an exotic soundscape with calls to prayer, street musicians and the sounds of life within the medina and of course the tastes of exotic spices and local delicacies. One cannot fail to notice the daily rituals around food and […]

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Wellness is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life, more than being free from illness, it is a dynamic process of change and growth. Wellness inspires self-care, relaxation, stress reduction and the development of inner strength, along with the ability to learn and grow from experiences. […]

Marrakech has been chosen by National Geographic as the winner of first place in the Cities category in the 21 Best of the World Destinations 2017. This very competitive award is nominated by The National Geographic worldwide network of editors, writers and explorers. We wholeheartedly agree with this choice for the year. We fell in […]

The Music of Morocco has been influenced by many cultures and reflects the location geographically of the country. Morocco’s location has given a unique combination of musical styles, with aspects of Spanish, Sub Saharan, Middle Eastern and of course indigenous Amazigh culture all represented. Historical phases of Morocco’s history have also played a part in […]

Norwegian flights from Oslo ti Marrakech

Early writings recording journeys Between the Arab world and Scandinavia date from 900 AD. Traders and travellers such as Ibn Fadlan embarked on long sea and land journeys to visit the Norse people. Thankfully nowadays its a really simple journey to make! Travellers from Norway can easily find winter sunshine in Marrakech thanks to direct flights from Gardermoen […]

culinary

Marrakech has much to offer for everyone. If you plan a relaxed break with your partner or a super-summer family holiday, rest assured that Marrakech will surprise you. The best way to experience Marrakesh hospitality is by staying in a riad, fabulous boutique hotels spread across the Medina. Here are a few tips and tricks […]

Kasbah cafe Marrakech

There are a lot of things to do in Marrakech, but sometimes the hot Moroccan sun can take its toll. It is in these moments that even the most hardened traveller requires a café to relax, drink a refreshing drink and maybe even grab something to eat. Situated in Kasbah district, close to the entrance […]

Moroccan rug, arab carpets seller, Marrakech

All around the world Morocco is famous for it’s carpets and many travellers land in Marrakech in search of a quality piece of authentic craftwork. But it is rare to find a carpet seller who sells quality products, at fixed prices, without the tourist-spiel. However, the El Wifak Carpet Cooperative, located in the Ensemble Artisanal […]

dar cherifa

Once you have followed the small sign off Rue Mouassine, worked your way through the alleyways and knocked on the almost anonymous door to be let in, you are greeted with a warm welcome and an amazing interior. Dar Cherifa can be found in one of the oldest Riads in Marrakech, dating back to the […]

Eid el-ftr prayers

Thousands of worshippers rose early today, Tuesday 29th of July, for the first day of Eid-el-Fitr to attend morning prayers. Eid, to use the shortened more common name, is a three-day festival that marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan. In Marrakech, the morning prayers on Eid happen all over the city in […]

Tassel shop in Souk Cherifa, Marrakech

There are a number of shops in the Marrakech Souks specialising in tassels. Our favourite is located in the Souk Cherifa, just five minutes from Riad Papillon and Riad Cinnamon. Our luxury Riads are the perfect base from which to explore the ancient medina. Reserve accommodation today!

cafe de France-1

Cafe France is a Marrakech institution, located at the north west corner of the Jemaa al Fnaa it has been a meeting place and watering hole for Europeans since the days of the French Protectorate in Morocco. It was redecorated at the end of 2009 and inconveniently for the new visitor the Cafe France sign […]

Grande Cafe de La Poste, Marrakech

The aptly named Grande Cafe de la Poste is located in the very Grand ex colonial post office building in the new town of Guiliez, Marrakech. Fine European style food and superb service under the supervision of Maitre D. Eric make this a real favourite. Try the stunning Calamari salad starter!  The Steak Frites is […]

dining in the tent on the Roof Terrace at Riad Papillon

We are very proud of our newly installed Moroccan tent on the Roof Terrace at Riad Papillon.  Hand made by local craftsmen it is a beautiful and romantic space especially in the evening when it can be lit by candles. The tent will feature during the winter months and is an excellent place to eat, whether a wonderful breakfast […]

Just a three hour flight away and well served by the budget airlines Marrakech is an excellent location for a more sophisticated hen getaway. Several brides to be have now booked hen weekends at Riad Papillon.  The newly renovated Riad has 5 bedrooms and can accommodate a party of 11 (sleeping in four twin rooms and a triple).  The cuisine at the […]

Sunset over Marrakech square

Marrakech is always a fun town for people watching, even more so at the moment! Hollywood is in Marrakech and the heart of the Medina is buzzing with activity for the filming of Sex And the City 2. A few hundred yards from Riad Papillon burly security guards left us in no doubt that amateur […]

Marrakech, Morrocco

seven saints of Marrakech