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Undeniably romantic and extremely elegant, the Riad Enija is one of the most magical riads in Marrakech.

This former silk merchant's palace sits buried in the souks in the heart of the city and has been transformed into a stylish hideaway that blends east with west and old with new.

Two adjoining houses have been restored to offer guests the choice of 12 individually-designed rooms. Arranged around a busy courtyard garden bursting with palms and foliage, the bedrooms all decorated in morocco's signature style each have their own terrace or veranda and large bathroom.

To stay here is to be constantly (and pleasantly) surprised. The houses are filled with antiques and one-off pieces of furniture and works of art. The tropical gardens and babbling fountains lend a distinctly exotic feel to the place, and the service is impeccable.

good for morocco

Riad Enija has been chosen by The Good Travel Company for it's heritage value only and does not as yet have any eco policies in place.

The Riad Enija is divided into two houses: Riad Enija I and Riad Enija II. The 380-year-old property was once a silk traders' palace and was been brought back to life by Swiss hotelier, Ursula Haldimann, and her Swedish husband Bjorn Conderdings who is a UNESCO architect.

Riad Enija I is a "Marrakshi" house, Riad Enija II is a real "fezy-palace". The houses were strictly restored in line with principles of Islamic-architecture. Carved cedar ceilings, mosaics ("zellige"), plasterwork and wall paintings were all carefully restored to their former glory.

Many European artists were involved in the renovations including Chantal Saccomanno (woodwork), Pier Lorenzo Salvoni (lamps), Jacopo Foggini (lamps), Brigitte Perkins (fabrics), Carolyn Quatermain (fabrics), Marie Ducat (glass) and Julia Maria Beretta (ceramics).

Highs

The location: You're right in the heart of magical Marrakech here surrounded by the souks.
The riad: The interior decor is stunning and the courtyards, gardens and terraces are wonderful places to spend time in.
The atmosphere: It's the kind of place where fashion shoots take place and rock stars hang out. It's very, very cool.

Lows

The service: Although the service is faultless, it does occasionally come with a snooty attitude.
Eco Policies: The Riad has yet to adopt any Green policies with regards to energy usage or waste management.

Rooms

All twelve guestrooms are spacious and light, six have four-poster beds and many of them have views over one of the courtyards. All rooms come with private bathrooms and although not all of them are ensuite - you may have to cross a hallway - they are all large. The dŽcor in each room is consistently beautiful and Moroccan in style; four-poster brass beds, soapstone sinks, lime washed walls, Moroccan textiles and artefacts, beautifully hanging brass light fittings.

The Pan Room A large suite located on the first floor and decorated in midnight blues. A four poster brass bed stands in the centre of the room, swathed in fabrics. Ensuite bathroom with shower and private veranda.

The Blue Room Light and airy with an antique wooden four-poster bed, separate private bathroom with shower and rooftop terrace with a view of the Marrakech Medina.

The Lion Suite Intricately decorated with carved doors and wooden screens inlaid with mother or pearl, this exotic suite comes with a king size bed, separate private bathroom with bathtub and shower, and a private veranda alongside the tropical garden.

The Patio Room Painted in red hues this romantic double is warm and cosy, and comes with a private bathroom and veranda. The only downside is that it is located on the courtyard and therefore less private.

The Gecko Suite Decked out in pinks and reds this room has two narrow four-poster beds, a stunning bathroom and a private veranda alongside the courtyard.

The Lezard Suite The largest and most lavish of the rooms in this romantic suite that has its own private entrance. Expect sculptured doorways, elaborately carved ceilings and rich soft furnishings. It has a private bathroom with antique roll-top bath.

The Prince Suite A very pretty suite decorated in lavenders and purples. It has its own private entrance, four-poster bed, separate private bathroom with roll-top bath and shower, and a private terrace that overlooks the garden.

The Mauve Room An old colonial four-poster bed command this light-filled room that comes with private bathroom with shower and bath and a private veranda.

The Harem Room The only twin-bedded room in the riad, this room is decorated in golds and creams and the beds are draped in fabrics. There is a large separate bathroom with shower and a private terrace that overlooks the garden.

The Peacock Room Whimsical and romantic with a four-poster bed and chandelier, this double room is located on the first floor and comes with a private veranda and a ensuite bathroom with shower.

The Anemone Room Delightful double bedroom with an unusual four-poster bed and gorgeous, light-filled bathroom with roll-top bathtub and shower. Private veranda and courtyard.

Chameleon Suite Richly decorated suite with four-poster bed, separate private bathroom with bathtub and shower and a private veranda that sits beside the tropical garden.

Food

The restaurant serves delicious Moroccan and international cuisine. Special diets, including vegetarians are catered for and you can chose to dine inside at a candle-lit table or outside in the garden courtyard or on the roof terrace. Breakfast consists of homemade bread, omelettes, pancakes, fresh fruit and orange juice.

Features & Facilities

Swimming pool
Foliage-filled courtyards and terraces
Private terrace with views over the medina
Massage and other beauty treatments available
English, French, German & Italian spoken
Internet connection
Fax available
Laundry service
Babysitting facilities
Airport transfer

See Local Info for more info on activities in the area.

Local Info & Activities

With the souks on your doorstep this is a shopaholics heaven. Explore the many markets yourself or take advantage of an official guide that the Riad Enija can organise on your behalf. Other activities include:

djema el fna

Just 10 minutes' walk away is this bustling square in Marrakech's medina quarter (old city). By day it's busy with orange juice stalls, snake charmers and food vendors and in by night it's crowded with Chleuh dancing-boys, story-tellers, magicians and traders hawking traditional medicines.

spa

The Riad Enija offers massage, facials and other treatments including manicures, pedicures and shiatsu.

golf

Three 18-hole golf courses are just 10-15 minutes away by taxi.

trekking

The riad can organise treks to the Atlas Mountains or to the southern deserts for a camel trek.

skiing

In winter, the Oukaimeden ski centre (open December to March) is open for snow bunnies. It's located just two hours south of Marrakech.

insider tips

Riad Enija is open year-round except between July 1 and August 15. The heat can be oppressive in June and August while January and February can be quite cold.

Remember to take sunglasses with you, a money belt, warm clothes for winter and unrevealing clothes for summer.

Sustainability

Riad Enija has been chosen by The Good Travel Company for it's heritage value only and does not as yet have any eco policies in place.

The Riad Enja is divided into two houses: Riad Enija I and Riad Enija II. The 380-year-old property was once a silk traders' palace and was been brought back to life by Swiss hotelier, Ursula Haldimann, and her Swedish husband Bjorn Conderdings who is a UNESCO architect.

Riad Enija I is a "Marrakshi" house, Riad Enija II is a real "fezy-palace". The houses were restored in the art of "Islamic-architecture". Carved cedar ceilings, mosaics ("zellige"), plasterwork and wall paintings were all carefully restored to their former glory.

Many European artists were involved in the renovations including Chantal Saccomanno (woodwork), Pier Lorenzo Salvoni (lamps), Jacopo Foggini (lamps), Brigitte Perkins (fabrics), Carolyn Quatermain (fabrics), Marie Ducat (glass) and Julia Maria Beretta (ceramics).

Getting There

The hotel is not easy to find, hidden as it is in the souks. Hotel staff are happy to meet with guests at a central location and guide them to the hotel. Alternatively the hotel can arrange transfers, at a cost.

Visit our Transport section for flights, hybrid car rentals and train bookings.

Rates & Bookings

All prices are in Euro and are for two people per night including breakfast.

accommodation - in euro

The Blue Room 270

The Lion Suite 290

The Chameleon Suite 290

The Prince Suite 320

The Lezard Suite 350

The Harem room 270

The Gecko Suite 270

The Patio Room 230

The Anemone Room 270

The Purple Room 270

The Pan Suit 290

The Mauve Suite 290

terms & conditions

These rates are valid from 01/01/05 to 31/10/07
Bed & Breakfast rates are inclusive of accommodation and breakfast.
All additional activities and excursions require an additional fee.
Transfers to and from the airport is charged at EUR 9 per person one way.
Children under 8 years old: free when sharing room
Children 8 - 15 years old: 25% for extra bed in same room
Children from 16 up: 50% for extra bed in same room
From December 20 to January 5 there is a minimum 5 night stay. Room prices during this period are subject to a EUR 50 supplement per room, per night.

booking & cancellation policy

A 15% deposit confirms a booking. Cancellations made at any time will result in the loss of 10% deposit.
Cancellations within 14 days or less prior to the date of arrival will result in a charge of 100% for the night, followed by 50% of the room charge for all subsequent nights.
Premature check-outs will be charged 50% of the room charge per night.
Reservations for stays between December 20 and January 1 require 60 days cancellation notice prior to the date of arrival.

Want to avoid cancellation fees? Visit our Insurance section for information on travel insurance.

External Reviews

Features

Sustainability Scorecard