In Marrakech stay at ‘one of the medina's most closely guarded secrets’ Welcome to Riad Tarabel the home of discreet luxury
- Stay at an elegant luxurious oasis in the heart of Marrakech blending Moroccan and French styles
- Riad Tarabel Marrakech is described in the Louis Vuitton Marrakech guide as “one of the medina’s most closely guarded secrets…”
Riad Tarabel is a truly unique luxury riad in Marrakech exuding discreet luxury throughout. The sense of peace and tranquility is felt everywhere. From the welcoming smiles of the white-smocked staff to divine homemade meals and the relaxing hammam, every element creates an intimate cocoon for guests in the heart of this vibrant city.
Marrakech’s location in Morocco is truly spectacular with the snow-capped Atlas Mountains in full view as a backdrop. Beneath this breathtaking sight sits the vast pink vibrant city, stretching out with many souqs, palaces, the medina and the famous Djemaa el-Fna square. Travellers have long been drawn to the ancient city of Marrakech. The medina (now a UNESCO World Heritage Site), has drawn visitors for years, but Marrakech is also a brilliant 21st-century city known for its fashion, style, music and storytelling. Beyond the labyrinthine alleys of the souqs visitors will find beautifully curated spaces offering high-quality, locally crafted pieces.
Marrakech is undergoing a creative renaissance. And art is the heartbeat of the city. Visitors will find new galleries in magnificent palaces and Art Deco buildings.
For a truly memorable stay, a luxury riad will showcase Moroccan hospitality at its best and Riad Tarabel offers luxury whilst feeling like guests are staying at a private residence, yet with all the facilities of a boutique hotel. Built around three courtyards, Riad Tarabel Marrakech has been a labour of love where five interconnecting riads have been “merged” into one seamless mansion. It features just 10 bedrooms and suites. Step through the unassuming door into the central courtyard, with its neat orange trees and finely furnished porticos and grand salons, and it feels like stepping into a painting.
The renowned interior decorator Rose Fournier, has an eye for exquisite detail, texture and colour. She curates her interiors, juxtaposing fine furniture and antiques with witty flea market finds. The property has evolved over the years to become one of the most desired hotels in the city.
Rooms and suites are individually and beautifully decorated, showcasing Rose’s collecting passions. Details include enormous beds (some carved four-posters), botanical prints, Chinese lanterns, rattan peacock chairs, tiled floors, antique maps and troupe l’oil paintings. Each room features two showers and a roll-top bath and an open-fire (for cooler evenings).
The hotel is 15 minutes by car from the airport. When you arrive, you are escorted down a narrow lane (a stone-throw from the legendary royal palace, Dar El Bacha Palace) to the entrance of the riad. The first thing you notice is the delicious scent of amber and orange blossom, and the delicate sound of running water from the fountains. In the evening the property is entirely candle lit.
The unique mix of authentic Moroccan tradition and the refinement of the Napoleonic style make this a very special place, with plaster columns, hand-painted wooden ceilings (mirroring Morocco’s traditional zwak patterns), and decorative tiling. There are Second Empire frescoes and paintings, and freshly cut flowers throughout the riad.
Verdant planting creates a real oasis. There’s a ground-floor swimming pool and a smaller granite black pool on the roof terrace, set with comfortable sofas and daybeds. But also large patios, terraces and open lounges for sunbathing/relaxing to ensure no one is ever on top of anyone else. And there’s a separate bar area for alfresco drinks. Guests are invited to simply unwind where they want, when they want.
Breakfast on the rooftop (or by the fire in winter) includes freshly baked breads, pastries, Moroccan pancakes, fresh fruit, eggs to order and yoghurt. Breakfast tables are spaced out so again guests feel a true sense of privacy.
The restaurant is open daily with a varied selection of Moroccan dishes, based on fresh seasonal products available in Marrakech’s kaleidoscopic souks. But “break out” areas around the riad mean you can dine alone as a couple, whether on one of the roof-top terraces, or in the summer salon decorated with hand-painted Zuber wallpaper. The idea is to maintain as much privacy as possible.
There’s a bijoux gift shop where you can purchase hand-crafts and Fleur d’Orange Tarabel’s specially created hotel fragrance and hand soaps.
Tarabel’s pièce de résistance is the gorgeous hammam and spa (“Les bains de Tarabel”), accessed through a secret, mirrored door. Welcomed by the wonderful Rkia, who manages the spa, you know you are in safe hands. The hammam and spa also has a separate entrance for non hotel guests. Les bains de Tarabel have partnered with Nectarome, one of the most prestigious, high-end, all-natural Moroccan brands. The spa is open 11am-8pm. There are two hammams, and three massage rooms, including two for couples. Treatments range from traditional hammam rituals and invigorating/relaxing massages, to foot and back reflexology, and manicures/pedicures (using pelargonium salts for exfoliation).
Visitors can lose themselves in the labyrinth of souks, barter for colourful rugs and exotic tea sets, and prepare to be intoxicated by the exotic aromas of street food. There’s so much to see – and do – all year round including a visit to Jardin Majorelle and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. The vibrant Majorelle Garden is a botanical garden created by French Orientalist artist Jacques Majorelle in the 1930s, with a Cubist villa designed by French architect Paul Sinoir. The walled complex consists of a labyrinth of intersecting paths and boldly coloured Moorish Art Deco buildings. The special shade of bold cobalt blue was inspired by the coloured tiles seen around Marrakech. The garden and villa sadly fell into disrepair but were rediscovered in the 1980s, by fashion designers, Yves Saint-Laurent and Pierre Bergé who set about restoring the property. Today, the villa houses the Berber Museum (which gives a fascinating insight into this unique culture and includes artefacts from YSL’s personal collection) and in 2017 the Musée Yves Saint Laurent opened nearby. When Saint Laurent died in 2008 his ashes were scattered in the Majorelle Garden.
Art and shopping lovers should head to: Moro Marrakech, Monde des Arts de la Parure (MAP), The Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden (MACAAL), Maison de la Photographie and DaDa Marrakech.
In 2025, Riad Tarabel Marrakech was awarded One MICHELIN key as part of a recent hotel accreditation system, meaning the hotel is considered ‘a very special stay’.
Tarabel’s mantra is: anything is possible, at any time. It’s luxurious enough to make you feel utterly spoilt. Yet wonderfully authentic to the true Morocco.
B&B is priced from around €350 per room per night
From the across the UK Marrakech is served by direct flights with BA, easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair, TUI and WIZZ Air
From Ireland Marrakech is served by direct flights with Aer Lingus and Ryanair
