Exclusive Luxury Riad-Villa with Private Pool in Medina
Garden and Atlas Views, Short Walk to Djemaa el Fna
Sleeps 8 (3 Bedrooms)
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Situated in Quartier Riad Laarous, just ten minutes walk north of Djemaa el Fna, in the very heart of the ancient medina of Marrakech, Riad Africa is an original 18th century traditional Moroccan house. Available exclusively for private holiday rental this beautifully restored, luxurious and highly sought-after Marrakech home retains many original features and is tastefully furnished with rich local fabrics, hand-crafted rugs, pots, metalwork and hand-made furniture. Oozing with authenticity and atmosphere, the riad is a haven of peace and quiet for guests seeking a truly private retreat from the melee of bustling souks. Tastefully enhanced with several stylish features including a courtyard plunge pool for summer cooling and roaring log fires for winter warming, the riad has three luxurious en-suite bedrooms and a large salon/dining room. Ideal for 1, 2 or 3 couples, 8 friends or family groups, Riad Africa comfortably accommodates up to 8 guests, and can sleep a maximum of 9.
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| Rental periods | 1 to 4 guests | 5 to 9 guests |
| 5 September - 5 December 2009 | £960 | £1260 |
| 5 - 19 December 2009 | £840 | £1140 |
| 19 December 2009 - 2 January 2010 | £1200 | £1500 |
| 2 - 30 January 2010 | £840 | £1140 |
| 30 January - 27 March 2010 | £1020 | £1320 |
| 27 March - 17 April 2010 | £1200 | £1500 |
| 17 April - 3 July 2010 | £1020 | £1320 |
| 3 July - 4 September 2010 | £900 | £1200 |
| 4 September - 4 December 2010 | £1020 | £1320 |
| 4 - 18 December 2010 | £900 | £1200 |
| 18 December 2010 - 1 January 2011 | £1260 | £1560 |
Notes on prices
Prices quoted above are for 1-4 and 5-9 guests renting Riad Africa on an exclusive basis. Rental prices include exclusive private rental of Riad Africa, two airport transfers (if 5 nights and over), daily Moroccan breakfast, bedlinen, towels, daily visit by housekeeper, services of our multi-lingual house manager, use of local mobile phone for local calls with riad manager, wireless internet access.
Changeover day
Our weekly changeover day is planned for Saturday, but this is very flexible and depends on other bookings. Book a few months in advance to benefit from cheaper airfares and secure your choice of week and dates.
Accommodation
| Bedrooms: | 3 large air conditioned bedrooms with bathrooms, wi-fi and satellite TV: 'Imperial' suite with king-sized bed plus sofabed. 'Sahara' Suite with king-sized bed and corner fireplace. 'Atlas' Suite with 2 twin beds plus 'loft' with 2 twin beds. |
| Bathrooms: | Arabesque-style double doors open into 3 spacious en-suite bathrooms. 1 bathroom with corner spa-bath; 1 with deep hand-built tadelakt-lined bath tub and twin brass basins; 1 with wide bath. Each marble-lined bathroom has a shower, wash basin and toilet. |
| Kitchen: | An arched double-door leads into a very well-equipped hand-made kitchen with Siera electric/gas cooker/hob, Bosch fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washing machine, juicer, microwave, toaster and kettle. Basic foodstuffs are included in the kitchen. |
| Utility Room: | Just off the courtyard under the stairs which lead up to the first floor there is a WC with washbasin. Under the stairs on the first floor is a laundry area with ironing board, iron and drying rack. |
| Living Rooms: | On the ground floor of Riad Africa is a large beamed salon/living/dining room with traditional salon seating, dining table and chairs, central fireplace with large open grate for roaring winter log fires, a TV, DVD, PlayStation, iPod/CD stereo player. |
| Other: | The flower-filled roof terrace is a particular highlight with a large Berber tent with 3-piece suite. The front door leads into a small entrance hall ideal for storing a pushchair/bike. There is also a small ornate fountain on the first floor. |
| Cleaning/towels/ linen/maid service: |
Towels and bed linen are included at no extra charge and are changed mid-stay during weekly rentals. The house is cleaned on a daily basis, each morning, by our housekeeper, Aicha. Aicha also prepares breakfast each day. |
Notes on accommodation
Riad Africa is a high quality heritage house ideally suited to discerning travellers looking for an authentic and private Moroccan hideaway. Although reflective of the past, we've ensured we haven't ignored the present - so the riad comes equipped with luxuries such as a laptop computer plus a mobile phone for local calls and satellite TV - all at no extra charge.
Perfect for couples, a small group of friends and ideal as a private villa for families, Riad Africa can only be rented on an exclusive basis, hiring the entire property over your choice of duration. Our house manager is available locally to provide information and to book local guides, excursions and activities.
We have a private Moroccan cook available to prepare tasty traditional 3-course evening meals in-house including tajines, couscous or mixed grills. A travel cot and high chair are available on request. A basket of firewood is also included in the rental price during winter months.
- hob/stove,
- oven,
- fridge/freezer,
- microwave,
- dishwasher,
- washing machine,
- iron/ironing board,
- satellite tv,
- tv,
- telephone,
- internet access,
- central heating,
- air conditioning,
- cot,
- high chair,
- barbecue,
- private pool (for sole use of guests),
- pets accepted
Accessibility
Riad Africa does have a ground floor bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, with one shallow step to negotiate, and is suitable for someone with limited mobility, and perhaps a wheelchair user.
Outside
An Arabesque-style bab ed dar opens into Riad Africa’s courtyard from a well-lit medina street to reveal a zelliges tiled fountain and plunge pool, shadowed by an exotic Draa Valley palm tree and a twin-sided three-storey Marrakech abode adorned with numerous Moroccan arches and ornate iron railings. The courtyard is an ideal place for a typical Moroccan breakfast of freshly squeezed juice, coffee, omelette, pancake or croissant serenaded by morning birdsong.
The roof terrace of Riad Africa is quite unique compared to many other riads in Marrakech due to its height. Standing up high, the views from the terrace of medieval minarets, High Atlas peaks and lofty date palms are unsurpassed. The terrace has a Berber tent providing shade during the day and an alternative place to sleep at night, a barbecue, a marble-topped corner bar area and sun-loungers. 2 zilleges-tiled dining tables and chairs will tempt you to evenings of candle-lit dinners under a star-filled African sky.
Coast/Beach
Morocco's Atlantic Coast is little more than a 2 1/2 hour drive away. Choose from the popular Portuguese-influenced town of Essaouira (180km), Safi (160km) or El Jadida (190km). There are a number of fine sandy beaches along the coast close to each of the main centres mentioned above.
Families may enjoy a visit to Oasiria, a waterpark on the edge of Marrakech with beach, pools, slides and fun for the kids.
Golf
Marrakech offers a choice of several excellent golf courses, located in and around the palmeries area of the city, within a 30 minute drive of Riad Africa.
Travel
Airlines flying to Marrakech include Easyjet, Ryanair, Thomsonfly, Atlas Blue and Royal Air Maroc. Book several months in advance for very cheap deals with low-cost carriers. There is a wide choice of car-hire companies in Marrakech, ideal for touring Morocco's southern oases, Sahara, Atlas and Atlantic coast. Driving in Marrakech can be a little frenetic but taxis are plentiful and cheap.
Nearest Railway: Marrakech 5km.
Nearest Ferry: Tangier 615km.
Nearest Airport: Marrakech Menara 8km.
Distances
Riad Africa is located in a quiet residential area, just 200 metres walk from Rue Riad Laarous. A short walk along Riad Laarous leads into the bustling covered souks of Marrakech, through which you can walk to the very heart of the Medina at Place Djemaa el Fna. Others attractions located close by the riad include the Palace/Museum of Dar El Bacha, the Mosque and Medersa of Ben Youssef, and the Museum of Marrakech.
Further details
Like Fes, Meknes and Rabat, Marrakech is one of Morocco's famous Imperial Cities. Renowned for its wonderful climate and for a setting as remarkable as it is varied, it is currently one of the world's top travel hotspots.
With palaces and palm groves, rose gardens, and a backdrop of the snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas mountains it is the capital of the Moroccan South, a cultural crossroads and keeper of tradition and folklore. The ancient pink-walled medina contains a wealth of rich architectural heritage, and the real highlight - Place Djemaa el Fna - is like no other square in the world!
Marrakech is a city for discerning travellers with a keen interest in culture and a couple of days is simply not enough to fully discover the wealth of attractions this city offers. The minaret of Koutoubia Mosque is the landmark and emblem of the city.
Other important quarters worth a visit within the old city ramparts include Kasbah and Mellah (the Jewish quarter), both in the south and close to the Royal Palaces (closed to visitors). The Saadien Tombs and Dar Si Said Museum are also of particular interest.
A number of day trips are possible from Marrakech for travellers just spending a few days in the city. Popular options include a day trip to Essaouira or a typical Berber village in the Atlas - Imlil is popular, as is the Ourika Valley.
Camel rides are an option, as is horse-riding, quad bike trips, bicycle hire, helicopter rides, or a scenic balloon flight. All activities and day trips can be organised/booked locally through Riad Africa's manager.
Marrakech offers fresh organic produce and food shopping is a great way to experience daily local life. A choice of fine restaurants and cafés are never more than a few steps away.
Booking notes
1. A well-behaved dog is allowed, but sorry, no cats.
2. Strictly no smoking indoors.
3. Any costs incurred in the replacement of any accidental breakages will be billed to guests.
4. If your booking is made more than 56 days (8 weeks). before your arrival date, a deposit of 50% of the rental fee is payable to secure your booking. The balance is then due no later than 56 days (8 weeks) before your arrival date. Full payment is required if booking within 56 days of arrival date.
Guest comments
We found Riad Africa to be a wonderful place to stay for our recent family holiday. The kids loved the plunge pool and the kids ‘loft area’ in the Atlas room plus all the mod-cons of DVD player and TV. Wonderful, from the Biggs family (May 2008).
As a honeymoon spot maybe a 3 bedroom luxury riad is not the obvious choice, but we wanted space, privacy, service and luxury – and riad Africa delivered it all. The local staff were friendly and unassuming, leaving us to really feel that we had the whole place to ourselves with support whenever we needed it. Carl and Kim Nolan, July 2008.
Riad Africa was a real find for us! Thanks Nick. We had a fabulous time. Really loved the place. I have told so many people already. Robert (Feb 2009).
It was a lovely short break. We were greeted with a warm welcome from the start of our stay at the riad till the end. We all enjoyed our time in the riad, it's so beautiful, and a relaxing place to stay. Khadra (March 2009).
House swap
House swap considered for similar size/spec. house - either in Australia, New Zealand, Canada or the USA.
Owner profile
About the owner
Hi my name is Nick Anstead.
I was born and bred in rural North Yorkshire and have spent my life working in the travel and hospitality business - as a rental property owner, tour operator and as a tour guide. I've been lucky enough to travel all over the world and now spend a lot of my time in Africa (Morocco and Tanzania) when not in North Yorkshire (or my other UK base in Surrey).
I set my standards high and always aim to deliver first-rate customer service, with prompt speed of reply, fair prices and a high quality product. As well as 3 beautiful cottages in Yorkshire, I also co-own an historic rental property in Marrakech, Morocco - Riad Africa.
For booking and further information
Property Ref MR32
Nick Anstead
Mobile: (UK) + 44 (0)7733 367513
Work: (UK) + 44 (0)20 8144 1727
Owners Website: Click here
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Property Ref MR32
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