Marrakech's Riads! Part 1 - Riad Kniza

It was my pleasure last year to visit the fabulous city of Marrakech. It is a vibrant city, overflowing with cultural sights, sounds and smells! One of its great surprises was the existence of the Riads! These are traditional Moroccan houses, many within the Medina itself, with an interior courtyard, largely hidden behind walls in alleyways. Often with very unobtrusive signs, their insignificant doors open into hallways leading to, in many cases, the most awesomely beautiful terraces and gardens and little plunge pools. With accommodations to rival any quality hotel, these offer a true Moroccan cultural experience! They provide a real oasis of calm in the midst of this bustling city. You might even need to climb onto the roof terraces to confirm you are still in the middle of Marrakech, from where the views of the city and the stunning Atlas mountains are a gorgeous sight. I would like to share some of my favourites with you... The 18th century Riad Kniza is just a few minutes walk from Jema l' Fna square. It has been completely renovated by its owner, Haj Mohamed Bouskri with great style and attention to detail. He is a well known antique dealer and a tour guide for 34 years, so there is nothing he can't tell you about Morocco! His friendly, English speaking staff offer a great concierge service and will arrange tours, excursions and restaurants etc to ensure you get the very best from you stay. Riad Kniza has eleven beautifully appointed rooms and suites built around three open air courtyards. Each is individually created to evoke an ambience of time gone by. There is a spacious sun terrace, a swimming pool and a wonderful Spa, where you can relax or enjoy an invigorating Hamman body scrub! Riad Kniza prides itself on offering its guests fantastic Moroccan gastronomy served in one of their lovely Moroccan salons or under the stars on the roof terrace. Magical! I will be delighted to tell you more about Marrakech, and its unexpected, charming Riads. Please call me anytime on 023 80863663