Riad Farnatchi has been created out of five small Riads in the heart of the oldest part of Marrakech where houses have stood for many centuries; some of the walls are over 400 years old.
ABOUT: A boutique riad ranking among Morocco’s smartest boltholes. Created from five former riads by award-winning British hotelier Jonathan Wix (he of Leeds’s 42 The Calls and the Tremoille in Paris) and now run by his son, the Fernatchi blends informal comfort with the services and amenities of a modern five-star hotel. The location is in Marrakech’s oldest quarter, just a few 400-year-old walls from the Ben Youssef Medersa (religious school), a truly sublime example of Moorish architecture.
ROOMS: Along with lots of traditional Moroccan touches, the nine large suites come with Egyptian cotton sheets, Molton Brown toiletries, marble baths, Bose speakers and iPod docks, air-conditioning and underfloor heating, plus terraces or balconies. Polygamists should stay in Suite 1, where the original owner received his wives, while lovers must make a beeline for the very romantic Red Suite.
FACILITIES: The swimming pool is small but heated; also hot is the white-marble hammam (steam room), which is free for guests between 4 and 7pm. Thai Massage, reflexology and beauty treatments are available. Food-wise, there’s intimate candlelit dining in the Marococo dining room and barbecues on the flowery roof terrace. Wherever you sit, your derriere will be delighted: all specially-commissioned, the riad’s furniture was, unusually, designed with comfort in mind as much as style.
MORE INFO: Anything is possible at the Fernatchi: helicopter and hot-air balloon rides, cooking classes and belly dancing lessons can all be arranged for an additional fee.
The Lawrence of Morocco map displays the locations of the destinations and accommodation that we have selected and visited; for each item, hovering over or clicking the marker will display a short summary and photo of that place or hotel, and hotel pricing. Follow the links in the info box to the full page listing which has much more information.
Note that the online map offers both a satellite view (click satellite in the top right) and, for some locations, a street level view (Drag the person in the top left onto the map). These let you explore the country; and when you wish to explore in person, or if you have any questions about the places you see, give our staff a call, or request a quote. Our staff regularly visit the places and accommodation that we feature.
When you book a holiday with us we will provide full driving instructions for reaching your accommodation, where necessary; these can be used by yourself, or you could enjoy the luxury of a driver. Alternatively we will arrange private (car rather than coach) transfers for you; helicopter transfers are also possible for some destinations.
Couldn’t fault it.
Tom W-A who stayed here in October 2012.
Riad Farnatchi, Marrakech has been rated 1 time, with an overall rating of 5.00 out of 5.
We really know Morocco and have had the pleasure of making many people's dream trips become reality over the years. It has been our privilege to be asked to manage holidays, weddings and productions for so many fantastic and discerning clients. We remain small and dedicated to providing excellent honest advice to enable you to sit back, relax and enjoy the fun bits without having to manage the unpredictability of this fascinating country.
If you want it done right, look no further!
