Sunday 22 February 2015

Riad la Famille, a Cozy Riad in the Medina of Marrakech

Here we are letting you know one of our favorite riads in Marrakesh, Riad la Famille.
Just as its name says, this riad is run by a family in Marrakech.
You will feel like you're invited to a true Moroccan family's house!

Lobby of the riad
Something typical about this riad is, the small fountain in the middle of the lobby. It seems the owner likes this white and red color combination.

Entrance
The entrance of the riad. Just like other riads in Marrakech, no sign, no specific indicantions, it's just like someone's home.

Welcome tea
Right after you arrive in the riad, you will be welcomed with tea and cookies. This is my favorite, fekkas (biscotti) ! You should try this at least once in Morocco.

Red twin room
This is a red room, since this riad has just opened in the recent years, the walls and floors seem still new.

Bathroom
Big bathroom with bathtub, which is unusual for this type of small riad.

Riad la Famille, Upper floor
Upper floor
Go up the stairs, then you'll get to the upper floor. It still seems like a typical house in Morocco.

Room with blue color
This is another twin room, painted with blue color. Each room has its own taste.

Bathroom of the blue room
Here also the bathroom is very unique. I've never seen a riad's bath with such a pillar! It also has a bathtub, and the ceramic sink is very beautiful.

Shower room
Another example of a unique bathroom. Look at the shape of this shower room! Colorful sunshine is coming in through the colored-glass window.

Rooftop terrace
Rooftop terrace
When you come to a riad, you should go up to the rooftop. They'll have a nice cozy terrace, you can spend a day as much as you want with  a hot tea.

So many riads in Marrakech, maybe 1,000 or more. But if this will be the riad you're looking for, please let us know!

Riad la Famille
213 Arset Ali Ou Saleh Bab El Khamis - 40 000. Marrakech, Morocco

For booking and inquiry:
Morocco Desert Palm Tours



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Wednesday 11 February 2015

Hamam and Spa Experience in Marrakesh, Refresh Yourself!

Hamam must be one of the things you'd definitely want to try in Morocco. It is a traditional steam bath, you can find anywhere in the cities in Morocco and here in Marrakesh, luxury hamam and spas are waiting for you to have a totally relaxing time.

Moroccan Fragrances
Moroccan fragrance

We visited one of the best hamam & spa in Marrakesh, Heritage Spa. It's right in the middle of the medina,. you might just walk by if you don't know that's exactly the place you are looking for.

Heritage Spa in Marrakech
Entrance of Heitage Spa
You will need a reservation since you will have a private hamam and spa room. Before the start, staff will ask you what type of massage you'd like and you can choose soap and oil for own your hamam and spa experience.

Moroccan soaps and oils
Pickup soap and oil for yourself
You might need to have some idea what kind of soap or oil they have in Morocco. As for soaps, black olive soap called "Savon Noire" is very popular, or you will be able to choose argan soap. also one of the specialties in Morocco. Oils are orange blossom, amber and musk, or sandal wood, so on. Some of them have a very deep Oriental scent.

Changing room in Hamam & Spa
Changing room
After picking up an soap and an oil, you'll be taken to this changing room. Bathrobe, slippers, and disposable underwear is here.You don't have to bring anything on your own.

Entrance to Hamam
To the hamam room
A lady will take you to a hamam room. You'll be impressed to find everything is nice and clean. the traditional Moroccan style courtyard is also worth seeing.

Hamam room
Hamam room
You just need to lie down on a hot stone, that will make you very warm. A lady will wash you with the soap you have chosen. You'd feel like all the bad things around you, not only outside, also inside, are washed away.

Lady for hamam
Washing lady
Just like all the Moroccans, staff here are so nice and friendly. The lady helped me take photos.

Saloon in hamam
Traditional style saloon in Hamam

Teatime in hamam
Tea time
Between the hamam and spa, a little break with tea and sweets. Morocco's sweet mint tea tastes especially good after the hot hamam.

Spa room
Spa room
In this spa room you will have a aroma oil massage about 45 minutes. Slow music and aroma scent will bring you into sweet dreams.

After these 2 hours experiences, you'll be a totally different person! You'd feel your body and the mind is lighter. We can assure you that this will be one of your best experiences in Morocco!

Please contact us if you're interested in Hamam & Spa experience in Marrakesh!
















Tuesday 3 February 2015

Marrakesh Cooking Class is Waiting for You!

Morocco is famous with its local unique food, and you'll have a chance to cook it on your own in a cooking class in Marrakesh!

First, you will go to a souk (old market) to buy vegetables and meat.
Then, at one of the riads in the medina, a Moroccan cook will show you how to make tajine, a Moroccan's traditional stew.
You'll cook it on your own and eat it for your lunch or dinner.
This is a great chance to learn Moroccan cuisine, some Arabic words, and enjoy your original tajine!

Kitchen in a riad
Riad is an old house turned to a hotel, its kitchen is exactly like the one in a Moroccan's house.

Kitchen utensils
Some of the kitchen utensils are traditional ones. As for tajine pot, there are various shapes and sizes, small ones are used for condiments on a table, such as cumin powder.

Prepare vegetables
Very basic vegetables for tajine is onion, tomato, carrot, and potato. And add anything you like so that it looks nice. Meat can be chicken, beef or lamb. And don't forget to add a lot of olive oil!

Cut vegetables
The secret of tajine is natural taste of vegetables. Don't have to add a lot of condiments, if you stew it long time in a tajine pot, vegetables will show you a magical taste!

Tajine with chicken and various vegetables


Stew it at least 30 minutes, 1 hour if you have time. Olive and peas are also favorite ingredients. Then Bon appetit! We don't use fork or spoon, take it with Moroccan bread.

You will be able to get a tajine pot in a souk for yourself. Please try your own tajine at home!

Please contact us if you're interested in a cooking class in Marrakesh.