A day at Riad 72

24 Mar A day at Riad 72

Hidden behind a large brown door is a seven-bedroom oasis just steps from Dar El Bacha in the authentic Bab Doukkal area of the Marrakech medina is Riad 72.  So for our curious readers, we’re inviting you to see what a day in Riad 72 tends to look like.

A sunny good morning

Depending on your room selection, you may wake up to sunshine flooding your room.

Riad 72 in Marrakech Morocco

9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Breakfast time

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and so we tend to take this meal very seriously. Each day we serve a selection of Moroccan pastries, depending on the day it could be msimen, a Moroccan style crepe/pancake best with some locally made jam, bghir, a light crumpet-style pastry, and fresh yogurt and in-season fruit.  All of our honey is sourced locally and the cheese is produced in a local women’s co-operative.

Mid-morning: Wandering through the medina

After breakfast, guests tend to brave the souks to explore the souks for a bit of shopping.  But there are also some historical monuments worth exploring.  Our favourites include the Maison de la Photographie for its wonderful collection of black-and-white photographs from 1880-1950.  The museum is located in the Kaat Benahid district and what we love most is looking at the photos then stepping in to the authentic neighbourhood where not much has changed since the photos were taken.  Be sure to stop for a tea while admiring the views from the rooftop terrace before leaving.

Don’t miss the beautiful architecture of the Medersa Ben Youssef.  After all of that, perhaps stop by Dar Cherifa, a literary cafe in the medina for a tea break while admiring the architecture of this gorgeous palace?

Back in the riad, this is the time we head to the local markets to source the best produce for Mustapha to use in the kitchen.  Our recipes are prepared based on the in-season vegetables and locally sourced meats and seafood.

Anytime of day

Also known as Berber whiskey, mint tea is a popular drink with both locals and tourists.  Heavily sweetened, locals drink this for breakfast with bread and olive oil, when meeting friends, and in the early evening with a bowl of harira soup and msimen.  Guests are invited to enjoy a cup of tea anytime.

Afternoon
When temperatures climb, the sunbathing terrace at Riad 72 is the hottest spot in the riad as guests soak up the sun with a view.  For best suntanning results, some guests prefer to book a scrub in the hammam to reveal their best skin.

Guest arrival

In traditional fashion, we welcome guests to Riad 72 with the hand-washing ritual featuring orange-blossom water before sitting down to sip a mint tea in the central patio where we share our tips on what to see and do in Marrakech and top dining recommendations.  Then it’s time for a tour of the riad before guests settle in.

Sundowner time
As the sun sets over the Marrakech medina and the sounds of the call to prayer from the several surrounding mosques, head on up to the rooftop terrace to enjoy the views and light at this special time of day.

7 p.m. Relax and unwind

We know about the hustle and bustle of the medina, and that’s why we enjoy a nice glass of Moroccan wine at the end of the day.  And for our guests, we consider wine tasting just part of the experience.  On warmer evenings, we suggest an aperitif on the rooftop terrace.

8 p.m. Time to dine

After a busy day in the souks some guests chose to head out to one of our favourite restaurants, while others choose to dine in-house – either in the salon rouge while admiring the collection of original artwork by local artists or under the pergola on the rooftop terrace on warmer evenings.  Our chef Mustapha prepares traditional Moroccan dishes as well as creative dishes inspired by Mediterranean cuisine.

Bed-time

While guests are out at dinner, our staff are busy providing a turn-down service so guests tuck in comfortably after a day in Marrakech.

To book a holiday at Riad 72, please contact us at info@riad72.com.