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 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 […]
Feel like the star that you are, embrace luxury and relaxation at Riad Star in Marrakech. We invite you to step into the world of the superstar Josephine Baker. Relax and unwind in this stunning Art Deco house, the former Marrakech home of the iconic star Josephine Baker. Feel the glamour and luxury in every aspect of […]
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; one of the great Imperial Moroccan cities, the fabled red city, the destination of camel trains laden with wares from far afield for over 900 years, the place of inner discovery for the bohemian travellers of the 1960’s. This magical place with a location which is locked in on all sides by the desert once made the […]
Morocco is the furthest West of the countries of the Mahgreb, these countries which are situated along the North African coast are at the end of the long and hugely important silk routes from the East. Along this highway of commerce came caravans with exotic treasures to trade. The 10th century written accounts from those who trod this […]
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 […]
At Marrakech riad we like to think carefully about letting our guests know that they are special to us. Our passion lies in creating a unique and personal experience that offers a high level of service. We strongly believe the people who visit our beautiful riads help to make it what it is. It is a great privilege to welcome you to […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
The mosques are usually a restrictive place to perform and learn the worship through the QUORAN (house rituals) that should be led in a good way by the Imam and the Moazine. It is rule seems providing the regular opportunities to acquire knowledge that organize the social affairs chiefly the thing concern about the financial […]
Reaching an altitude of 2260 meters above the sea level, Tizi n’Tichka – part of the Moroccan National Route, N9 – is the highest major mountain pass of North Africa. Developed by the French Military, a fact noted in a large plaque, the Tizi n’Tichka route functions as the main direct linking Marrakech with Ouarzazate and […]
Calligraphy, known as Khatt in Arabic, is very much part of the Arab identity. On your trip to Marrakech, you will see that it is all around you: on shop signs, newspapers, books and advertising. It has become a way of communicating through art. We met up with Nour-Eddine Boukheir, a traditionally trained calligrapher, who […]
Marrakech’s new town, Gueliz, is home to some of Morocco’s best fine art schools and cutting-edge galleries. Hidden down a leafy road, facing Marrakech’s new Carre Eden Shopping Plaza, the David Bloch Gallery is perhaps one of the best examples of Marrakech’s rising contemporary art scene. In the style of a New York loft, the […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
The Babouche is a traditional slipper found throughout the Arab-Muslim world including Morocco and Marrakech. Usually made from leather and found in a variety of colours, the Babouche comes in various styles ranging from thick soled slippers, often worn by local Marrakchis both in the Medina and in the new town, and more thin […]