This jewel of a private home, all to yourselves, is hidden on a narrow, quiet cul-de-sac in the heart of the ancient Moorish city of Marrakech. (Derb Alililj #29, Kaat Benahid, Marrakech, Medina) Airport arrival transport and Breakfast are included. Additional Moroccan meals are available. The cost of lunch or dinner is DH100 per person. Please make your request and pay the staff the day before the meal, so they can shop and prep. I'm sorry we do not arrange meals for the day of arrival. There are several very reasonable restaurants within a short walk from our riad for a lovely lunch or dinner on the day of your arrival.
It is a world far removed, though close to the modern part of town, just a short flight from anywhere in Europe and closer to New York than is London. You will be greeted at the airport or train station and welcomed by our staff upon arrival at Dar Ajiba. From our residential neighborhood it's but a short walk to all of the craft markets (souks), open-air vegetable vendors, several important historic landmarks and one of the finest gourmet restaurants is around the corner. The UN World Heritage Site, the Jmaa el Fna square, always jumping with amazing entertainers and restaurants, is a 15 minute stroll. Though cars are not allowed into the maze of small streets, with everything so convenient a car is unnecessary, and for occasional trips to other parts of town inexpensive taxis are close by. Each morning you will be served a traditional Moroccan breakfast, included in your rate, along with light housekeeping.
The house, 1700sq ft (160sq meters) on two floors, has been remodeled in the 'Beldi' style (traditional, rustic techniques), but with many modern comforts added. From the street, the carved doorway opens into a welcoming entryway leading into the terra cota tiled courtyard open to the sky. Surrounding the courtyard, accented by a lovely wall fountain, are the doors and grill-work covered windows of the living room, office, kitchen and 1/2 bath. The living room, with hand loomed Berber carpets has two seating areas. To the right is a classic Moroccan salon with upholstered, carved banquets. On the left comfortable leather chairs and hassocks face the fireplace. The office has a desk, and a cozy banquet seating area with handwoven Atlas Mountain pillows and rug. The kitchen is complete with modern appliances and granite counter top.
The second floor has three inviting bedrooms, a laundry room with washer and dryer and a charming full bath, all arranged around the courtyard with carved balustrades bordering the connecting balconies. Each room has a double bed, seating area and wrought iron grill work windows with shutters.
The stairway continues up to the roof terrace that provides a spectacular view over the Old City's rooftops to the High Atlas Mountains beyond. A ramada and canopy create shaded areas with tiled table and chairs, and a staircase leads to a small observation deck for a 360 view. In a corner of this walled terrace is a private shower, and a grill work balustrade surrounds the central courtyard opening.
As much or as little household help as required is available. Arrangements can be made for a cook, housekeeper, guide/translator (French and Arabic are most useful but many people also speak English). WiFi included. Our local English-speaking agent is available for orientation and assistance. The owner, fluent in Moroccan Arabic dialect, can be reached at any time by phone or email.
Marrakech is in south-central Morocco about 150 miles from Casablanca and 100 miles from the Atlantic seaport and beach town of Essaouira. Upon inquiry we can provide suggested reading and references about this truly fascinating country and its culture.
Note: Air-conditioned and heating in each bedroom, salon and office/library. Kitchen is open to the courtyard and therefore not air-conditioned or heated. Bring appropriate clothing as rooms are all situated around a central courtyard open to the sky.
