By Monica Barros
Recently the You Must Go was invited to discover the network Angsana Riads Collection, collection of six luxury Riads em Marrakechno Morocco. They are old houses of Moroccan families, always with a fountain in the internal courtyard or swimming pool, and which have been transformed into hotels, concentrated in the Medina area. They are true oases of tranquility and refinement.
Those Riads carefully restored are one of the great attractions of the Morocco, as they are beautiful buildings, richly decorated, and represent what is most typical and traditional in the country in terms of accommodation. It’s a true step back in time, but with all the comfort and modern facilities that travelers demand today.
We stayed in the beautiful Riad Si Said, easily located as it is close to the Palais Bahia, one of the most visited spots in Marrakech. The building belonged to a wealthy family around 1880. Upon arrival, the reception with the famous tea and dates gave us a taste of what awaited us. The pleasant and airy central courtyard is an invitation to relax, surrounded by a beautiful garden, where the excellent restaurant also operates. Si Said.
The traditional Zelij tiles are present in the decoration, where light tones predominate. Furthermore, the Riad It has a second patio with a swimming pool, small, in the style of this type of accommodation. And there is also a lovely terrace with sun loungers and a hot tub. On that same terrace there is space for events and meetings with a table that can accommodate up to 20 people.
The feeling when entering Riad is that of having been transported to another time and space. Outside, the hustle and bustle of the Medina, with its souks and cramped alleys. However, despite the external facades of the Riads They reveal almost nothing because they are always simple and hidden, inside the hotel we find luxury and total peace. The environment is very peaceful and engaging, and even though it is hot in the city, inside the Riad the temperature remains mild.
Of course, inside the accommodations there is also air conditioning, carefully turned on in the late afternoon so that when guests return from their tours they find the environment cool. All necessary amenities and services are available in the rooms. Wi fi, special bathrobes and slippers, coffee maker with unlimited tea and coffee, minibar and lots of space. The style here also stands out, as in Riads it is common for rooms to have a large door that leads directly onto a balcony. My room had glass doors with curtains, which made the area quite bright. Furthermore, several windows, all full of carved wood details, illuminate and air the room. The attention to detail draws attention: every day rose petals are left on the bed forming delicate designs. A fascinating place!
This care can be seen throughout the hotel team. The service is impeccable and the staff’s willingness to help with any matter, such as booking excursions, is exemplary. This at any time of the day! From the delicious breakfast, delicious with jams with real pieces of fruit and various breads, yogurt and cereals, scrambled or poached eggs and cheeses, to the excellent dinner served in the hotel restaurant. We reserved one of the nights to visit the restaurant Si Said, open to the public. It was an impeccable dinner, where we tried a salad with white cheese as a starter, the typical Moroccan tajine, and we also opted for a Thai dish of green chicken curry with jasmine rice. Including Moroccan rosé wine. It was interesting to taste the country’s wine. Not to mention the delicious iced teas that are impossible to resist and you can understand why the Riad Si SaidIt is reference in luxury in Marrakech.
A big difference at Angsana is the cell phone given to each guest during their stay. We can use the device at any time, whether to call a taxi at the hotel or to contact someone. This made our stay a lot easier, as in addition to giving us more security, it was very convenient to be able to schedule services, restaurants and even communicate with the hotel while we were away.
With a complete structure, the chain also stands out for the Angsana Spa, located in Riad Tiwaline, very close by. The environment is equally serene and completely relaxing. Upon arrival, a refreshing and intense tea is immediately offered, while the customer chooses which one to take from the treatment menu. The options are countless, generally combined with the hammam for the traditional Turkish bath. The facilities are very beautiful, always in that charming and engaging Arabic style. After the invigorating hammam exfoliation and the relaxing massage, carried out by Thai masseuses, we felt free to enjoy the en-suite room and taste the tea once again accompanied by fruits. It really is like being on an island of tranquility in the middle of the Medina of Marrakech.
In addition to Si Said and Tiwaline, Angsana also has the Riads Blanc, Dar Zaouia, Bab Firdaus and Lydines. This hotel chain is also linked to Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, which in 2014 completed 20 years of experience. A brand with a strong presence in Asia, it is also expanding its network to Europe. It is what is behind the entire structure and services of Riads what we found Moroccoproviding luxury and exclusivity during your stay in Marrakech.
Photos: Monica Barros and Disclosure
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