Wait! Don’t start yet! Put some –appropriate- music on first!

We were looking forward to staying in the third hotel of our Riad Hopping. We couldn’t wait to explore Riad de Tarabel, housed in ancient Medina, near the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa Square and Dar Bacha Palace, a jewel in itself. In order to find it we walked a narrow orange lane that looked like it leads to nowhere, especially to this private colonial style mansion. 

We arrived at this idyllic haven at noon. But instead of going to an office or the reception, we were guided to a bamboo lounge in the garden, where we were offered Moroccan mint tea (to which we had already been addicted at the time) and Laurent, the general manager, came to sit with us in order to do the check-in. Behind this magnificent Riad is a Parisian couple, Leonard and Rose-Marie Degoy and the Interior Designer Romain Michel Menière.

Tarabel features 10 rooms spread out over three traditional Riads, all individually decorated, with quiet indoor verandas, open to lounges in a unique décor that blends traces of Moorish architecture with the French Imperial style. The original timeless elegance and unpretentious atmosphere of the Riad de Tarabel prevail. The luxurious interiors with elegant French antiques and cedar, bamboo and rattan furniture are dominated by a relaxing palette of soft Provencal colors.The rooms are decorated with old souvenirs, vintage photos and paintings, luxurious family furniture, birds, ornate mirrors, including many collectibles from around the world and the owner’s château in Toulouse.

We got to our room, the Palmeraie suite, with the incredibly large two-level bathroom. Our stay there made us travel back in time to colonial times in Morocco (with all the comforts of the 21st century). Time seemed to have stopped and this made us stand still for a little while, to relax, listen to the calm and finally feel at home.

In the mornings we were having our breakfast in the space with the special fresco on the wall, which, if you sit in front of it, it’s like being part of the painting. Riad de Tarabel offered us many warm corners to relax. On the spacious terrace of the terrace during the day or in the lounge with the fireplace in the night. Dining at Riad Tarabel is a romantic experience, as the candle tables create an atmosphere of exquisite setting and a perfect fusion of French and Moroccan cuisine. There is also an alluring swimming pool, an Oriental spa and steam room (which we experienced during our last evening, leaving with an unforgettable traditional experience), as well as a new trendy boutique. With its intimate and warm atmosphere, the beautiful location and the amenities, Riad de Tarabel is the perfect romantic retreat. A colonial oasis in Marrakech.

Merci Monsieur Laurent for the opportunity to stay in this unique Riad.

If you want to experience it yourself, you can book Riad de Tarabel here.

À bientôt      

All photos by me

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