Riads are the traditional grand homes of Morocco. The word “riad” is Arabic for garden. Riads are designed with an interior courtyard or garden, usually with a fountain in the center and citrus trees.

Riads were designed to provide privacy, tranquility and shelter from the busy city surrounds for families. During the winter months the open ceiling is covered to protect the courtyard from rain. Today, many riads have been renovated into intimate hotels and restaurants. 

We stayed at a lovely, warm little riad in the heart of the Medina, the old part of the city, called Riad Claire Fontaine. All of the rooms look out onto the courtyard and guests tend to leave their doors open for light and air. Our Bella Raffaela suite was spacious and had opulent traditional architectural details. 

Staying in a riad is like staying in a large private home. Claire Fontaine was decorated with an eclectic collection of local furniture including this lovely inlaid desk, chair and mirror;

dark wood closets and luxurious upholstery {the blue and white blanket is ours, more on shopping and textiles to come!}

The hotel had someone pick us up at the stunning Menara airport who rushed us through the busy city and then into the Medina where he dropped us at a taxi stand in the center of the old town. 

We were met at the taxi stand and led through the narrow roads to arrive at the tiny front door of our new home away from home. 

Each morning we had a leisurely, fortifying breakfast in the dining room

including the beautiful and delicious pale green pistachio yogurt in the shot below.

In the evenings, after our busy days of exploring, we would retire to the roof top to unwind

with a glass of wine and a tray dates, nuts and chips.

Our favorite time on the roof was the night we watched the super moon rise over the roof tops and listened to the minarets broadcasting the adhan, summoning followers to prayer. To share the moment and experience this rich, haunting call click on up on the roof. 

Next post, we’ll hit the Souks….

stay tuned.