Spanish festoon butterfly Morocco

In honour of the name of Riad Papillon! We would love to share some of the species of butterflies which are found in Morocco. For those with an interest in Flora and Fauna Morocco has so much to offer. The butterfly Fauna of Morocco is particularly rich with 135 recorded species. Morocco offers the richest and […]

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 […]

Ibn Fadhlan expedition to Finland

The Arabian traders of the silk routes between China and Morocco carried diverse treasures. They also carried news and tales of their encounters along their way. The Arab traders of Baghdad were very accustomed to trading with many cultures and civilisations. Early written records made by Abbasid historians tell of trade with Scandinavians. This written […]

Olive market Marrakech

Cured olives are ever present at the moroccan dinner table. Locally grown and picked by hand, the food miles are minimal and the taste sensation is maximum! There are wide selections on offer in the Olive Market, located close to Djema el Fna Square. Our free smartphone App the Marrakech Riad Travel Guide will guide […]

Dyed wool in Marrakech

The age old tradition of natural dying continues to this day in the heart of the Marrakech Medina. In the vast and sprawling souks of the red city there are small courtyards, tucked away, where you can see these traditional arts. They are as much a part of daily life now as they have been […]

Water Vendors in Marrakech

Water sellers in Marrakech. In local dialect these men are called Gharrib. They carry a goat skin tar lined bag, this bag holds water. Historically these were important traders in the Desert environment, but now they cater mainly for entertainment. Moroccans consider it to be lucky ( Barakka) to drink the water they sell, so […]

Saffron Harvest in Morocco

Saffron is a prized cookery and natural medicine ingredient. Saffron is cultivated in the Siroua Mountains of Southern Morocco. The region is prosperous and famous due to this valuable crop. With a value greater than that of gold per gram this little flower really does hold hidden treasure. Saffron is the stamens of a crocus. […]

Seven saints memorial , Marrakech

There are seven patron saints of Marrakech. These men were Sufi mystics and Islamic Scholars. It is believed that these seven saints are only sleeping and will awaken to continue their good deeds. Their tombs are visited each year by pilgrims during the Zaira pilgrimage. A pilgrimage to the tombs offers an alternative to undertaking […]

Josephine Baker Poster Art

Transport yourself back to 1920’s Paris. Jazz music and the carefree style of dance which accompanied it were a boon in the French capital. Black musicians and performers arrived on the fashionable club scene and the Parisians loved them. It was this wave of acceptance and love of the genre that allowed Josephine Baker to […]

preserved-lemons

A Moroccan tagine is a centrepiece of a Marrakech dining table. With layers of flavour which are a delight. Achieving some of these special culinary taste sensations is a combination of a masterly and accomplished chef and some time honoured recipes using wonderful ingredients. Ingredients which may be unfamiliar to some of us. A key […]

Josephine Baker speaks at the March on Washington

Diamonds, in the raw are formed by pressure and later augmented by their many facets. An analogy which could be applied to Josephine Baker. The multi faceted life of Josephine reflects the many aspects of her inner strength and determination. Bakers deeds and achievements are immense. Many of these deeds are well known and recorded: […]

Fez room cedar four poster

Traditionally, in the last day of the year you either think about the new years resolutions or about the achievements of the year that just passes . So here is a quick top of our top 5 best selling rooms in 2016: 1. It’s no surprise to us that this year, the romantic fez suite at […]

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 […]

Marrakech Riad, Morocco

Fortunately, most travel within Marrakech can be done quite happily on foot. However, there are some journeys that you may prefer to make by other modes of transport- caleche, bicycle, tuktuk or most frequently, taxi. WORDS of TAXI WISDOM: Making journeys by taxi used to be my least favorite experience in Marrakech before I discovered […]

kaleche-marrakech-music

Marrakech has everything: shopping, culture, entertainment and so many more. so what if, you can find all these in one place?! yes, it is possible, because it’s Marrakech… At the well known Cafe Arabe you will find a new generation of music, DJ Kaeche, beautiful creations and beautiful ideas in the heart of the Medina. If […]

le-petit-chinois-marrakech-address

Le petit chinois, “the little chinese” a new asian restaurant located in the Gueliz, offers a mix of Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese dishes, in a warm and intimate ambiance. Open 7 days a week from 10am till midnight, they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and their great value menu includes salads, curries, noodles, soups, dim […]

roof-terrace-at-night

We still have some availability at our Marrakech Riads for Christmas 2016. The weather will be around 15 degrees warmer than Northern Europe, but we can still supply a log fire and Santa knows his way! Reserve accommodation today and spend Christmas in one of our 4 luxury boutique hotels each of which has just […]

gettyimages_168710524

Riad Papillon will be your home for a three night culture break.  Just ten minutes walk from the drama and chaos of the Jemaa al Fnaa Square you could hardly believe the oasis of calm provided by the Riad courtyard. Great Value at £199 (Euros 239) per person. Explore the fabulous souks with a personal […]

hammam-and-massage-riad-star

Riad Star is your sanctuary for a three night pamper break.  Just ten minutes walk from the drama and chaos of the Jemaa al Fnaa Square you could hardly believe the oasis of calm provided by the Riad courtyard. Great Value at £249 (Euros 299) per person. Even in winter Marrakech enjoys an average of […]

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A special break for Mum and daughter, a memorable birthday celebration with friends or a more refined hen party.  Whatever the occasion our ‘Girls Weekend’  is the perfect package for groups of between 2 and 28 ladies at the fantastic price of £149 per person (Euros 175). Our Riads have twin and triple bed rooms, all […]

RIAD GOLF

A golfing holiday in Morocco combines the serious business of golfing on superb courses created by professional golf architects like Robert Trent Jones senior, Gary Player and Jack Niclaus with the varied Moroccan countryside and the charms of the Marrakech Medina. The deep green of the course contrasts with desert sands, forests of oak and […]

culture break

It’s difficult now to imagine Marrakech without its boutique riad hotels. The Red city was founded nearly a thousand years ago as the capital of a great Empire. It grew in importance as a trading post until its glamorous heyday in the middle ages when Camel trains crossed the Sahara to reach its Caravanserai and markets. For […]

moroccan wine

A strong Moroccan red wine has always been associated with traditional meaty tangines and other hearty fare . Now however new wines of superior quality produced by new French wine growers who have brought their expertise to reinvigorate the Moroccan wine market with new « cepages ameilatours » varieties of reds,roses,gris and whites.  Co director Jacques Poulain […]

atlas moutains

The Atlas Etape has become a major international cycling event. Contestants come from England and many European countries as well as many Moroccan riders from Casablanca and Agadir cycling clubs and enthusiasts from all over the country take part as cycling as a sport has come of age in Morocco. It’s a great opportunity to […]

marrakech biennale

The 6th Marrakech Biennale is taking a different turn with significant Moroccan input into the programme. The Executive   President is Amine Kabbaj. The honorary President is André Azoulay advisor to His Majesty King Mohammed VI. The Marrakech Biennale founded by Vanessa Branson to address cultural issues throught the medium of artistic expression is now an […]

Restoration-of-a-reception-17th-century-house-in-Marrakech

The Moussine museum is located on the Derb el Hammam between the Mouassine mosque and the Moussine fountain. The museum is signposted and the narrow derb runs alongside the wall of the mosque   and just after the mosque’s massive side door you walk through a narrow archway leading to the Museum. A reception desk at […]

tin mel mosque by colon kilkelly

Tin Mel mosque is the spiritual Amazigh (Berber) heartland of the Almohads who came out of the desert in the south and were led by the Mahdi Mohamed Ibn Toumert of the Masmoudi tribe who had returned from a pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia and declared a jihad against the Almoravids whom he considered to be decadent […]