Riad Les Yeux Bleus

Large, spacious, bright and airy this 11 room riad is one of our favourites in the Marrakech Médina. Recently renovated by a team of local artisans led by Interior Designer Willem Smit, Riad Les Yeux Bleus is in the Bab Doukkala district just a 10 minute walk from Jemaa el Fna square. An unassuming entrance (there’s no sign outside) leads you into a cool café style area with bar, dotted with tables and chairs where you can have a bite to eat at reasonable prices, coffee or simply sit and enjoy the white and blue interiors. A welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the Médina you’ll relax as soon as you enter Riad Les Yeux Bleus. You’ll be glad to know that WiFi is free and can be accessed everywhere around the riad. The 11 rooms (5 can be made up into twins) are spread across three different riads which have been merged into one. The rooms are large and inviting with different colour palettes in each one and massive beds (probably the most comfortable in Marrakech). Some have copper roll top baths, some have a working fire place and others are on the ground floor leading on to the pool courtyard. There's a brilliant mix of traditional detailing alongside all the contemporary touches you'd expect from a newly renovated property. Unlike many riads, this little gem has a kitchen that is open almost 24/7 serving reasonably priced Moroccan dishes and healthy salads using organic ingredients and made fresh to order. A stay here wouldn’t be complete without experiencing a traditional Moroccan hammam coupled with a relaxing massage using natural oils. This is a great way to start your stay in Marrakech, as you’ll feel squeaky clean and invigorated, ready to explore the Médina and its souks with a revived energy! If you’re planning to stay here for a few days then you might like to head to the High Atlas Mountains and enjoy lunch at sister hotel and multi-award-winner Kasbah du Toubkal which has mesmerising mountain views. Other days you’ll want to explore the Mé and the souks and then there’s the large roof terrace where breakfast is served (served indoors in January and February) and there’s an inviting plunge pool to dip into.