What is a Riad?

If you have ever been to Morocco, you have probably passed a dozens of them as you wound down the corridors of the medina in Fez, Marrakesh or Essouira. Classic riads are Intentionally nondescript on the outside to avoid the gaze of intruding eyes and the punishment of the weather. To the modern eye, the only demarcating features are the large, ornate doors that guard the entrance. But as you step through the doorway, a feeling similar to what Alice must have felt when she first stepped into Wonderland, sweeps over you.

“What is this world that stretches out before me?” Tiles designed and laid by generations gone past whisk you into the inner chambers of the riad- typically an open-air garden or courtyard in the center of the house that brings both a sense of calm and amazement to the Western eye.

As your eyes are lifted up to the two or three stories that ascend around you,  balconies, nooks and crannies beckon to be explored. Each bedroom is distinct in both dimension and decor making for truly a unique stay.

Dars (the Moroccan Arabic word for house) and villas are similar to the riad in many ways, although they don’t have the defining inner courtyard/garden, but can offer just as memorable of an experience.

That being said, when in the land of the setting sun, leave the cookie-cutter chain hotel behind and step into the magical world of the riad.