Why Staying in a Riad Changed My Marrakech Experience: My stay at Riad Le Jardin des Sens & Spa

Marrakesh is home to some of the most beautiful hotels in the world. But after spending a week hidden away in a traditional riad, I can honestly say it changed the way I experienced Marrakesh. 

So, what is a Riad? Essentially, it is a traditional Moroccan house built around a peaceful interior courtyard, many of which have since been converted into boutique guesthouses. With only a handful of rooms, riads offer a much more intimate stay, allowing guests to experience Marrakech in a more personal and authentic way. 

So why choose a Riad over a hotel?

Staying in a riad offers a more authentic Moroccan experience for excellent value. Beautiful hotels can be found anywhere you go in the world, but when else will you get the chance to encounter a more traditional and personal side of the city? Not only is it designed with beautiful traditional architecture, but it is also usually nestled deep within the busy medina, making it the perfect location while also feeling like a small retreat away from the bustle of the city. 

As riads generally hold a much smaller number of guests, there is a sense of complete tranquillity, and you will even find yourself feeling as though you have the whole place to yourself. The staff are incredibly welcoming and often help arrange transfers and excursions for you. The whole stay feels completely homemade and personal, like a home away from home. 

My stay at Riad Le Jardin des Sens & Spa

It was 10 pm on a Sunday, and we were walking through the narrow streets of Marrakesh, with only the light of the crescent moon lighting up the path. The buzz of the Medina had began to fade as we followed a man pushing our luggage in a wheelbarrow. I will be honest; it was quite concerning as he directed us through these broken streets with the eyes of random men and stray cats following us. My friend and I looked at each other almost to say, “Oh God, where is this place”? 

We stopped at a dead end. There was literally nothing around us, and in the dark I could just make out a beautiful carved wooden door with a sign "Riad Le Jardin des Sens & Spa" next to it. The man with the wheelbarrow pressed the doorbell, and we waited. As the door opened, we almost couldn't believe what was waiting inside. 

Suddenly, the senses of the streets disappeared, and I was completely indulged by the scent of jasmine and the sound of the gentle trickle of the courtyard pool. As we stepped inside, it was almost impossible to believe that the busy streets were only metres away. 

From that moment on, I understood exactly why people recommend staying in a riad. Every afternoon, after experiencing the colourful chaos of the medina, or returning after a long day exploring beyond the city, we’d step back through that wooden door into complete tranquillity. It wasn't just somewhere to sleep; it became a part of our Marrakesh experience. 

Cream-coloured walls surrounded the courtyard, with carved wooden balconies overlooking its centre. Palm trees lined the tiled walkways, while the warm glow of the turquoise pool reflected across the courtyard as evening fell. It was hard to believe somewhere so peaceful could exist just metres from the bustling souks.

What is offered

Riad le Jardin Des Sens & Spa offers 10 rooms and suites, designed to accommodate 2-4 people, and all feature a private bathroom, air conditioning and wi-fi. Four suites even offer a private terrace overlooking the gorgeous pool. Each room offers a mix of traditional Moroccan decor with a modern style. 

The riad offers a range of services including a 24-hour reception, airport transfer, spa services, and food. Breakfast is included, so as tempting as it is to stay in bed, be sure to wake up early enough to experience what became one of my favourite parts of the day. Every morning we were served fresh Moroccan pastries, seasonal fruit, hot coffee, fresh orange juice and, of course, traditional mint tea. It felt far more personal than the standard hotel buffet, especially as we enjoyed it on our own private terrace overlooking the courtyard pool. 

Staff

The staff were quite possibly the highlight of our stay. The level of care they showed us went far beyond anything I'd experienced before. We were greeted every morning and night, and I even had the WhatsApp of one member who I still keep in touch with today. They made us feel completely at home and assured us that whatever we needed, they were there to help. 

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Why I’d Choose a Riad Again

Looking back, staying in this riad defined my trip to Marrakesh. While the city itself was vibrant and at times overwhelming, walking back to that carved wooden door each day felt like returning to an oasis to catch our breath. 

If you're visiting Marrakech for the first time, I'd recommend choosing a riad over a hotel without hesitation. It offers more than just a beautiful place to stay. It gives you the chance to experience Marrakech from behind one of its many unassuming doors, where the noise of the medina fades away, and the hidden gems of the city are revealed. 

To find more information on booking at Riad Le Jardin Des Sens & Spa, visit their website at https://www.riad-jardin-des-sens.com/