Calm but spicy heart of the Medina

Marrakech is a crucible of modernity but still presents a traditional face to the outside world. Here, the riad has become a runaway success in the accommodation stakes. Elizabeth Grieder knows a riad where the service, ambience and panache are perfection.

She describes La Maison Arabe as a most authentic and genteel establishment where rich comforts are the norm.

This exotic, small-scale riad-hotel is tucked away in the Medina, near the Djemaa el-Fna marketplace. Its history points the way to its modern persona in that it began life as a house cum restaurant in the 1940’s. Now it draws together enchanting architecture, lovely interiors, a tasteful North African ambience, mouth-watering Moroccan cuisine and local wines. Its 26 rooms and suites face onto flower-filled courtyards. Significantly, this place has remained a quiet spot for sophisticated palettes: stock-infused couscous, tender tagines, and heavenly pastillas. A table in the courtyard by day or on the terrace overlooking the pool in the shimmering evenings means a signature gastronomic experience.

Other layers of its welcoming attractiveness include a spa, two hammams, massage rooms, a pool surrounded by olive trees and roses and another that is a 15-minute ride away at its private Casbah Gardens. They are a glorious retreat for lunch, a swim and some serious chill out time. The riad has three restaurants, a feel-good wine bar and dada-led Moroccan cooking classes (the first in Morocco) that guests can enjoy in small groups or on a private basis. Mary Gava, a recent visitor, says the classes have been a huge hit with guests. All the facilities at the Casbah Gardens can be used for lash-out private parties - a sensuous Arabian fantasy setting!

Elizabeth is a fan of the music in the evening and the Moroccan breakfast crepes cooked to perfection by a dada (traditional chef).

EXCLUSIVE PACKAGE INCLUDES: 3 NIGHTS JUNIOR SUITE • TRANSFERS • BREAKFAST, AFTERNOON TEA • UPGRADE AT CHECK-IN IF AVAILABLE • ARRIVAL REFRESHMENTS • ONE FULL COURSE DINNER (EXCLUDING WINE)• ONE DAY SIGHTSEEING • ONE COOKING WORKSHOP • ONE 90 MINUTE HAMMAM SESSION • FROM AUD850.00 PER PERSON, TWIN SHARE • VALID JULY TO 15 MAR 2025 (SOME EXCLUSIONS)

Contact Elizabeth Grieder for more information on this holiday in Morocco on 1800 047 047 or email her at: egrieder@conciergetraveller.com