By Ching Lee
There are so many reasons why Marrakech is the perfect hot holiday destination during the UK winter. A short flight takes you to winter sun, a completely different culture and wonderful, authentic places to stay. Throw in great prices (if you plan ahead), same time zone to the UK and short airport transfers, and you’re probably booking that flight right now!
A recent addition to the many traditional accommodation offerings in Marrakech is Riad Al Bushra, a thoughtfully restored, 5 suite riad, located in the Mouassine district of central medina.
Ideal for couples and groups
Raid Al Bushra is ideal for couples, single travellers and groups looking for a stylish, home-from-home, peaceful stay in the heart of the medina, with an emphasis on personal service.
Central by peaceful location
The whole of the Medina of Marrakech is a UNESCO World Heritage site and Riad Al Bushra is in a hard-to-beat location. It’s literally a few minutes walk from the souks and historical sites, but offers peace and tranquillity away from hustle and bustle of the main streets. Restaurants and spas are just a few minutes walk away (Your Holiday Planner recommends a traditional hammam body scrub and massage experience) and it’s 10 minutes to both Jemaa El Fna Square and Musée de Marrakech.
Thoughtfully restored retreat
The riad was restored in 2012 by its British owners, who have thoughtfully brought the property back to the feel of a traditional Moroccan home. The work of local craftsman can be seen everywhere – hand painted doors, ornate metalwork in the light fittings and mirrors, intricate hand-carved plasterwork and tadelakt bathrooms.
Riad Al Bushra has plenty of spaces to relax, with a central courtyard, a roof terrace with sun loungers and covered seating areas, a cooling plunge pool, a salon with an exquisitely painted ceiling and an additional seating area on the first floor balcony.
Accommodation
There are just 5 suites, all tastefully furnished, overlooking the central courtyard and pool. The room names are colours in arabic and each room is simply but beautifully accessorised with its designated colour. All have air-conditioning and ensuite shower rooms. The white, towelling bathrobes and slippers are a lovely touch, as are the toiletries from Les Sens de Marrakech.
Breakfast is included in the rate and guests can enjoy a choice of fresh bread, pastries, eggs, fruit, yoghurts, tea and coffee. If you stay on a Saturday evening, you’ll be treated to the owner’s delicious egg tagine for breakfast. Dinner can be taken too, with prior notice and Your Holiday Planner would recommend this, if you are arriving for the evening.
A point to note: There was a slight issue with water temperature and drainage in the shower in a couple of the rooms during our stay, as to be expected in an old building, but it didn’t – and shouldn’t – detract from the many plus points of this charming riad.
Service and Amenities
The owners, Gary and Steve, are wonderful hosts and provide a very personal service, as and when guests require. It really does have a home from home feel, with books, magazines and games for guests to use, free wifi is available and the salon has a TV.
Gary and Steve are happy to advise on things to do, shopping, places to eat, etc. In-house massages and treatments can be arranged or they can recommend one of the nearby hammams and spas.
Airport transfers for both arrival and departure can be arranged – which is recommended. The private taxi will drop you off at the Bab Laksour gate to the medina, where you’ll be met by one of team and it’s a short 5 minutes walk to the riad.
Fantastic Value
Room rates for 2014 are between €60 to €102 per room per night, depending on the suite and time of year. The riad would make a wonderful exclusive hire for a group and this is available from €300 per night. Rates include breakfast and Government tax, with an additional local tax of €2.5 per person per night.
For more information and how to book, please contact Your Holiday Planner. I’d be delighted to help plan your holiday or short break to Marrakech.
Other posts you may be interested in – Marrakech: Hot holiday destination in winter from UK; Marrakech: Top 5 favourite things to do; REVIEW: Stylish and peaceful riad, with central medina location: Riad Chergui, Marrakesh
