Long term lets (over 1 month) Short-breaks (4 days or fewer) Corporate bookings House-swap
Changeover day:
Flexible
Access:
Car not necessary Nearest amenities: 0.1 km
Notes:
May take pets - please enquire Suitable for children No smoking at this property Catered
Late deal: 17 Nov 2009 to 23 Nov 2009. £600 per week.
Home description
Situated in Quartier Riad Laarous, just ten minutes walk north of Djemaa el Fna, in the very heart of the ancient medina of Marrakech, Riad Africa is a fully refurbished 18th century traditional Moroccan house. Available exclusively for private holiday rental this beautifully restored, luxurious and highly sought-after Marrakech home retains many of its original features and is tastefully furnished with rich local fabrics, rugs, pots, metalwork and hand-made furniture.
Oozing with authenticity and atmosphere, the riad is a haven of peace and quiet for guests seeking a truly private retreat from the melee of bustling souks. Tastefully enhanced with several stylish features including a courtyard plunge pool for summer cooling and roaring log fires for winter warming, the riad has three luxurious en-suite bedrooms and a large salon/living room. Ideal for one, two or three couples, large family groups or as a luxurious honeymoon retreat, Riad Africa comfortably accommodates up to 6 guests, and can sleep a maximum of 9.
For those keen to dine Moroccan-style, a well-equipped kitchen is stocked with a range of spices from the nearby souk, and a selection of Moroccan recipes. A choice of fine restaurants and cafés are only a few steps away. The views from the private roof terrace are magnificent with the trees and public gardens of Sidi Bouamer to the north and, in winter, the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas to the south. Relax under the shade of a Berber tent or savour a sundowner from the rooftop bar.
Courtyard view at night
Pool and fountain at night
Traditional terrace tent
Looking up at Riad Africa
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/67037
The Marrakech / Essaouira / Marrakech Region
Like Fes, Meknes and Rabat, Marrakech is one of Morocco's famous Imperial Cities. Renowned for its wonderful climate and for a setting as remarkable as it is varied, it is currently one of the world's top travel hotspots. With palaces and palm groves, rose gardens, and a backdrop of the snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas mountains it is the capital of the Moroccan South, a cultural crossroads and keeper of tradition and folklore. The ancient pink-walled medina contains a wealth of rich architectural heritage, and the real highlight - Place Djemaa el Fna - is like no other square in the world!
Founded in 1062 by Almoravids from the Sahara, this Berber city was once the hub of a great empire that stretched from Algiers to Spain. Throughout its near 1000-year history Marrakech has been the capital of Morocco on several occasions under different dynasties, and is today a favoured city of Morocco's young and dynamic King Mohamed VI.
Marrakech City / Medina area
Riad Africa is located in a quiet residential area, just 200 metres walk from Rue Riad Laarous. A short walk along Riad Laarous leads into the bustling covered souks of Marrakech, through which you can walk to the very heart of the Medina at Place Djemaa el Fna. Others attractions located close by the riad include the Palace/Museum of Dar El Bacha, the Mosque and Medersa of Ben Youssef, and the Museum of Marrakech.
Marrakech is a city for discerning travellers with a keen interest in culture and a couple of days is simply not enough to fully discover the wealth of attractions this city offers. The minaret of Koutoubia Mosque is the landmark and emblem of the city. Other important quarters worth a visit within the old city ramparts include Kasbah and Mellah (the Jewish quarter), both in the south and close to the Royal Palaces (closed to visitors). The Saadien Tombs and Dar Si Said Museum are also of particular interest.
A number of day trips are possible from Marrakech for travellers just spending a few days in the city. Popular options include a day trip to a typical Berber village in the Atlas - Imlil is popular, as is the Ourika Valley. Camel rides are an option, though perhaps best done in the Sahara. Quad bike trips, bicycle hire and a scenic balloon flight are other options. Families may enjoy a visit to Oasiria, a waterpark on the edge of Marrakech with beach, pools, slides and fun for the kids.
How to get there
Morocco is well-served with flights from the UK in particular with the introduction in recent years of services by several low-cost carriers including www.easyjet.com, www.ryanair.com and www.thomsonfly.com. For scheduled air services, national carriers include www.atlas-blue.com and www.royalairmaroc.com. Book several months in advance for very cheap deals with low-cost carriers. Early morning flights are compensated by a full day in Marrakech after your arrival.
Several ferries operate daily from Algeciras and Tarifa in Spain to Tangier in northern Morocco. With Morocco's rapidly improving infrastructure Marrakech can now be reached by motorway from Tangier in a little over 5 hours. There is a wide choice of car-hire companies in Marrakech, ideal for touring Morocco's southern oases, Sahara, Atlas and Atlantic coast. Driving in Marrakech can be a little frenetic but taxis are plentiful and cheap.
Nearest Travel Links
Airport:
Marrakech Menara (RAK): 8 km
Railway:
Marrakech: 5 km
Ferry:
Tangier: 615 km
Activities near Marrakech City
Sports: Waterpark Horse Riding Golf within 30 mins drive
Great for: A winter sun break Good nightlife City breaks
Facilities
Luxuries:
Log fire, Internet access, DVD player, Staffed Property
General:
Central heating, Air conditioning, TV, CD player, Telephone, Satellite TV, Wi-fi available
Bedrooms (3), Bathrooms (3), En suite (3), WCs (4), Solarium / Roof terrace
Furniture:
Sofabeds (1), Single beds (4), Double beds (2), Dining seating for 9, Lounge seating for 9, Sleeps maximum of 8
Other:
Linen and towels provided.
Outdoors:
Balcony / Terrace, Private outdoor pool (unheated), Private garden, BBQ
Access:
Secure parking
Further details indoors: On the ground floor of Riad Africa is a large beamed salon/dining room with traditional lounge seating, dining table and chairs, feature-fireplace with large open grate for roaring winter log fires plus a TV with DVD and iPod player. An arched double-door leads into a very well-equipped beamed kitchen with dishwasher, washer/dryer, electric and gas-powered cooker and large fridge/freezer. Also on the ground floor is the largest of the bedrooms, the ‘Imperial’ room, complete with king-size bed, en-suite bathroom and hand-built tadelakt-lined bath tub big enough for two! Under the stairs which lead up to the first floor is a WC with washbasin.
Another two en-suite bedrooms can be found on Riad Africa’s first floor along with an understairs laundry area and small ornate fountain. Each first floor bedroom has double-doors opening into bathrooms (one equipped with a corner spa-bath, the other with extra wide bath, and ceramic hand basins). With a King-size bed, a corner-fireplace and a private balcony overlooking the courtyard below, the ‘Sahara’ room is more open-plan and offers intimacy, space and privacy. More suitable for a family with two children, the ‘Atlas’ room has a funky elevated loft-style space with two single beds accessible by a wood staircase, and twin beds below in the main bedroom.
Wi-fi is enabled throughout the riad and each bedroom is equipped with a TV with individually controlled satellite channels. Each en-suite bathroom has a gravity-fed shower above the bath whilst hot water is heated via roof-mounted solar panels. All bedrooms (and the salon) are fitted with top of the range ‘LG Plasma’ air-conditioning/heater units. Another flight of stairs lead from the first floor to the flower-filled roof terrace.
Further details outdoors: An arabesque-style bab ed dar door opens into Riad Africa’s courtyard from a well-lit medina street to reveal a zelliges tiled fountain and plunge pool, shadowed by an exotic Draa Valley palm tree and a twin-sided three-storey Marrakech abode adorned with numerous Moroccan arches and ornate iron railings. The courtyard is an ideal place for a typical Moroccan breakfast of freshly squeezed juice, coffee, omelette, pancake or croissant serenaded by morning birdsong.
The roof terrace of Riad Africa is quite unique compared to many other riads in Marrakech due to its height. Standing up high, the views from the terrace of medieval minarets, High Atlas peaks and lofty date palms are unsurpassed. The terrace has a Berber tent providing shade during the day and an alternative place to sleep at night, a barbecue, a marble-topped corner bar area and sun-loungers. 2 zilleges-tiled dining tables and chairs will tempt you to evenings of candle-lit dinners under a star-filled African sky.
Further details
Riad Africa is a high quality heritage house ideally suited to discerning travellers looking for an authentic and private Moroccan hideaway. Although reflective of the past, we've ensured we haven't ignored the present - so the riad comes equipped with luxuries such as a laptop computer plus a mobile phone for local calls and satellite TV - all at no extra charge.
Perfect for couples, a small group of friends and ideal as a private villa for families, Riad Africa can only be rented on an exclusive basis, hiring the entire property over your choice of duration. Our house manager is available locally to provide information and to book local guides, excursions and activities.
We have a private Moroccan cook available to prepare tasty traditional 3-course evening meals in-house including tajines, couscous or mixed grills. A travel cot and high chair are available on request. A basket of firewood is also included in the rental price during winter months.
Conditions
1. For guests arriving by ferry/road from Spain, a well-behaved dog is allowed, but sorry, no cats.
2. Strictly no smoking indoors, except in the courtyard or on the roof terrace.
3. Any costs incurred in the replacement of any accidental breakages will be billed to guests locally.
4. If your booking is made more than 56 days (8 weeks) before your arrival date, a deposit of 50% of the rental fee is payable to secure your booking. The balance is then due no later than 56 days (8 weeks) before your stay commences. For bookings made within 56 days (8 weeks) of arrival, full payment must be made to secure your booking.
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: British £
Convert to:
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
Autumn Sun
2 Nov 09
5 Dec 09
960£960
160160
160160
2 Nights
Pre-Xmas
5 Dec 09
19 Dec 09
840£840
140140
140140
2 Nights
Xmas and New Year
19 Dec 09
2 Jan 10
1200£1,200
200200
200200
2 Nights
Winter Sun
2 Jan 10
30 Jan 10
840£840
140140
140140
2 Nights
Winter Sun
30 Jan 10
27 Mar 10
1020£1,020
170170
170170
2 Nights
Easter
27 Mar 10
17 Apr 10
1200£1,200
200200
200200
2 Nights
Spring
17 Apr 10
3 Jul 10
1020£1,020
170170
170170
2 Nights
Summer Sun
3 Jul 10
4 Sep 10
900£900
150150
150150
2 Nights
Autumn Sun
4 Sep 10
4 Dec 10
1020£1,020
170170
170170
2 Nights
Pre-Xmas
4 Dec 10
18 Dec 10
900£900
150150
150150
2 Nights
Xmas and New Year
18 Dec 10
1 Jan 11
1260£1,260
210210
210210
2 Nights
101
The property's weekend rates apply to: Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.
Prices quoted above are for 1 to 4 people renting Riad Africa on an exclusive basis. Add £300 a week if 5 to 9 guests. Rental prices include exclusive private rental of Riad Africa, two airport transfers, daily Moroccan breakfast, bed linen, towels, daily visit by housekeeper, services of our multi-lingual house manager, use of local mobile phone for local calls with riad manager, wireless internet access and basket of logs in winter months.
Our weekly changeover day is planned for Saturday, but this is extremely flexible and depends on other bookings. Book a few months in advance to benefit from cheaper airfares and secure your choice of week and dates. For the cheapest possible air fares book several months in advance.
As well as offering much to do and see over a full week, Marrakech is also an ideal place for short break holidays. In respect of this we also accept bookings for short breaks with a minimum stay of 2 nights. Contact us for prices.
Aicha, our private Moroccan cook is available to prepare tasty traditional 3-course evening meals in-house including tajines, couscous or mixed grills. Lunches and dinners can be booked and paid for locally at very reasonable prices.
Riad Africa is a registered Moroccan company and payment can be made via credit card through Paypal (with a small charge to cover transaction costs) or by bank transfer to a UK or Moroccan account, or by cheque. We make every effort to conform with best practice standards in assuring travel is conducted responsibly with consideration for local people, the environment and wildlife. Our local team are from the local area of the medina which Riad Africa is located in. We support local businesses by buying the majority of our fresh food and house supplies from local markets and shops.
Riad Africa is available from 1600 on the day of arrival and must be vacated by 0900 on the day of departure, though on occasions this can be flexible depending on your final flight arrival and departure times.
Riad Africa S.A.R.L – Société A Responsabilité Limitée
We found Riad Africa to be a wonderful place to stay for our recent family holiday. The kids loved the plunge pool and the kids ‘loft area’ in the Atlas room plus all the mod-cons of DVD player and TV. Thanks to Aicha for wonderful food and local support – and the inclusion of the local mobile phone, nice touch! Wonderful, from the Biggs family (May 2008).
As a honeymoon spot maybe a 3 bedroom luxury riad is not the obvious choice, but we wanted space, privacy, service and luxury – and riad Africa delivered it all. The local staff were friendly and unassuming, leaving us to really feel that we had the whole place to ourselves with support whenever we needed it. Carl and Kim Nolan, July 2008.
Riad Africa was a real find for us! Thanks Nick. We had a fabulous time. Really loved the place. I have told so many people already. Robert (Feb 2009).
It was a lovely short break. We were greeted with a warm welcome from the start of our stay at the riad till the end. We all enjoyed our time in the riad, it's so beautiful, and a relaxing place to stay. We were all happy we picked your riad. Some of us have already discussed amongs ourselves if we ever up go back to Marrakech we would like to stay in Riad Africa. We were also all happy with your staff. The driver was so welcoming and polite, your manager was so welcoming, professional in her manner, helpful and really great to be around. Aisha was so lovely, kind and a hard worker. If was our first time in Marrakech and they really made our time there memorable. Many thanks Nick for being very helpful and also responding back to my 101 questions so quickly. We wish you and your staff the very best for the future. Khadra (March 2009).
Availability
See below for next 9 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here
Key:
11
12
Booked
11
12
Available
11
12
Unknown
11
12
Arrival/Departure dates
Late deal: 17 Nov 2009 to 23 Nov 2009. £600 per week.
Send Enquiry
To contact this advertiser please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/67037
Contact details for the advertiser of home 67037
Name:
Nick Anstead
Tel:
+44 1428 714382
Mobile:
+44 7733 367513
Be aware of time-zones Please mention Holiday Lettings when contacting this advertiser
Languages:
Contact Notes: Email or phone (any time between 0800 hrs and 2200 hrs GMT)
Print this page
Email to friend
Be aware of time-zones
