The Story
A Dream Realised
The idea for Riad Botanica was born over a decade ago when an adventure-loving traveler from Melbourne came to Morocco and fell in love - with the country, the culture and a man she met by chance in the souks of Marrakech. A decade on, my dream of opening a guest house in the city has been realised as a seamless blend of East and West, Modern and Traditional to form this hidden and tranquil gem.
The literal translation of Riad is 'garden' and I believe that a Riad is the perfect example of not only a physical space that faces inwards, but an emotional one too. Reigniting the senses as soon as you step foot into Riad Botanica, my aim was to create a tranquil space for those who wish to slow down, to look within and reconnect to themselves (and others) and to reinvigorate their spirit.
"What your heart desires, your spirit attains"
Rumi
ESTABLISHED 10TH CENTURY - RENOVATED 2022
Origins of Riad Botanica
Riad Botanica is situated in the heart of Marrakech's historic Medina that was founded at the end of the 10th century by the Almoravid dynasty. However, there's little information about when the Medina was first broken up into homes (most likely around the 14th century), so accurately dating the Riad is difficult.
Situated in the area known as Bab Doukkala (after the main northwest gate of the Medina), over the centuries, parts of Riad Botanica were divided up and sold off, but a majority of the original building is intact and has been passed through generations of a handful of Moroccan families.
The Riad's original aristocratic owners maintained the property to a high standard and were wealthy enough to be able to afford a well which has almost certainly supported the sustained growth for our orange tree over many decades. Today, all you can see remaining of the well is the original pulley system on the internal courtyard wall.
To bring this amazing residence up to date, the Riad has gone through a complete renovation, from plumbing, electrics and wiring to foundations reinforcement, new ceilings, walls and absolutely everything in between. With the support of local artisans and their incredible skills and through the fusing of Australian contemporary design with classic Moroccan influences, I'm thrilled to help create a new chapter in this property's extraordinary story.
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ROOFTOP
Renovated in 2022, we have brought the inside out with an iconic art deco-styled green marble bar finished with brass edging and honed green marble from floor to bar top. We have furnished our bar area with three handmade black and white stools where you can enjoy the views of the Bab Doukkala Minaret and the roof terraces of Marrakech. The rooftop serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily with a daybed and sun lounges to help you soak up the sun. See our gallery of images..
SUITS ROOMS
The Riad originally offered nine rooms now four deluxe suits and a two-bedroom apartment, lounge, dining room and more. Each room features Australia's Florence Broadhurst wallpaper which has been hand printed from Sydney, Australia. Arabian Bird print with botanicals perfectly match the Art Deco style with complimentary colours and patterns. Offering Zellige tiles, plaster work, tadealik, brass, marble with expansive modern bathrooms and all the modern creature comforts. See our gallery of images..
APARTMENT
Original to the property, this Douiriae has been completely changed and modernised the apartment with the addition of a lounge and kitchenette and large modern bathroom. Adding the Juliette balcony guests enjoy direct access to the orange tree connecting nature and finishing with the finest materials and elegant touches of Florence Broadhurst wallpaper accommodating four adults or two adults and two children. See our gallery of images..
COURTYARD
We celebrate the architecture of reflecting within decorated with classic black and thie zellige. Here we have brought together harmony of Islam and Christianity with our tile choice in that dominates the courtyard of classic star and crosses in black and white. In the heart of the courtyard is the star of the show, our beloved Orange tree and finished with our tribute to thee iconic Bab Agnou gate wall design had carved plasterwork as the backdrop to our riad. The courtyard has two cafe settings and two daybeds and a chillout cushion area, filled with plants to eat or make tea with. See our gallery of images..
PLUNGE POOL
Traditionally, Riads featured water as part of the architecture to bring cool air which is created by air circulations and water travelling up throughout the Riad into the rooms. Here we have brought a modern-day approach with an expansive plunge pool and in-built sitting area for guests to enjoy looking up at the orange tree surrounded by daybeds and towels available See our gallery of images..
" They say Paris is for lovers, we say Marrakech is also for lovers of design and culture."
Spaces for you to
Relax & unwind
Chill
by the Pool
Enjoy a dip and chill by the pool underneath the big orange tree in our courtyard. We have daybeds and benourain oversize cushions.
Sip
Moroccan Mint Tea
Proudly served by our staff, you could master the art with a tea-making session or simply just enjoy a cup and read a book.
Eat
Lunch or Dinner
We have a deliciously fresh and healthy menu catering to all food lovers, and we can cater for Gluten-free and Vegetarians.
Sun
bake on roof terrace
Marrakech enjoys over 200 days of sun a year, and our rooftop is designed for sun lovers with sun lounges a day bed, tunes and rooftop bar.
AROSTICRATIC RESIDENTS
Celebrating Sleep
We are passionate about providing the perfect bed for everyone in order to have a great night's sleep. We offer medical-grade memory foam mattresses, and all come with mattress toppers and protectors, luxury linen and pillows both feather and non-allergenic.
King Size Feather Pillows
100%
European Pillows
100%
Non Allergenic King Size Pillows
100%
Lunch & Dinner
We offer al a carte and serve a two-course lunch and or 3-course dinner fresh daily.
Phone Support
24 HOURS A DAY
- +212701191951
- +212701191951
- 78 Derb Sidi Lahcen o Ali, Bab Doukkala, Medina, 40030 Marrakech, Morocco
