Karawan Riad

During the seventeenth century there was no place more romantic than Maqfia in the Andalous Quarter of Fez Medina. In those days it was a complex of palatial riads separated by gardens filled with flowers and fruit trees and cooled by tinkling fountains to create an environment worthy of queens. Karawan Riad was the grandest harem in town. It was here that the pashas of the time entertained, while their ladies peeked at proceedings from square balconies tucked into each corner of the first floor of the palace. These women were known for their refined culture and beauty, for music, poetry and an elegant cuisine, and above all their best ability to advise their men-folk based on what they saw from their secret observatories. Although, there is very few written records of the time, dream was to recreate the atmosphere of that time, 300-years ago. During the course of decade long restoration we’ve sourced exactly the same materials made by local craftsmen - hand-crafted zellije (glazed mosaic tiles), delicate wrought iron-work, intricate plaster and filigreed lanterns, silk embroidery and richly painted wood - and added curios and artefacts inspired by the ‘caravanserai’ that moved exquisite handicrafts, fabulous food and romantic stories all over Morocco and the Middle East. Karawan Riad in Fès is the coming together of all these influences and the art of Luxury Moroccan hospitality re-imagined for the 21st century. Marhaba !

Room Types

• DEMANI

  Tucked away on the roof terrace this is the most intimate of the suites. A terrace shaded by latticed linen and scented by roses is a magical spot for a romantic breakfast "à deux" , while the small writing room annexed to it, makes an inspiring retreat for catching up on your letter writing. Lower ceilings in this suite give it a warm and cosy feel and two arched windows onto a vertical garden give a refreshing sense of green to the space. Simple terracotta bejmat in the bedroom, contrasts with the more sumptuous looking oiled bejmat in the living room, and they seamlessly combine to frame African animal sculptures and skins on the floor. The pièce de resistance in this room is a three-foot deep, sunken stone bath, for wallowing with a glass of wine.

  

• SUHAILI

  Connected to the Laawan Suite by a walled garden the Suhaili Suite comprises a compact little network of rooms that starts with a small office space and leads into a step-down bedroom. Antique Moroccan wedding shawls soften the tiled floors and an open plan bathroom is demarcated by a hanging basin. A keyhole arch leads to a cosy lounge where an L-shaped sofa arranged around an antique door-turned-coffee table provides plenty of space for movie night. Patio doors open onto an intimate plant-filled terrace, one of the best spots in the riad to sneak away for a late afternoon siesta.

  

• LAAWAN

  Two middle floor suites interconnect via a walled garden. Because they occupy their own floor, they are ideal for families or friends travelling together. In the Laawan Suite, a large, sunken stone bath is the focus point and a wall of mirrors bounces light around the room maximising space. Pistachio green zellije give a pop of colour to the room, while a small conservatory-style studio overlooking the lush, green plants of the garden is a peaceful spot for writing your own chef d’oeuvre or simply starting your travel blog.

  

• DZHARI

  The most contemporary of the suites has two corner balconies where ladies of the harem would watch goings-on in the courtyard. A stone, rain head shower area on oyster-grey stone inset with dark teak strips is separated from the bedroom by delicately embroidered drapes. The bed floats on an under-lit old cedar platform seeming to drift towards a dressing area where a butter-soft leather pouffe and antique Berber wardrobe take pride of place. The living area has a plaster feature wall where small alcoves are filled with curios collected during owner’s travels. This room has its own bio-ethanol fireplace and writing desk inset with a detailed map of North Africa. An antique berber style carved wooden niche makes a cosy nest for snuggling up with a book or watching a movie or you can take tea on a secluded, lushly, planted terrace in the sun.

  

• HARMATTAN

  Inspired by the most prestigious caravans of all, the silk road, this suite is built on a palette of snowy whites and jewel-bright reds, a playful space filled with trinkets and toys. A wall of glass lanterns surrounds a white leather writing desk that sits atop a dark crimson authentic collection Persian rug; a (Andrinople) berry-red leather camel takes pride of place on a hand-stitched white leather pouffe. Guests add their own ‘baraka’ (luck) to a wall of charms, and the carved wooden bedposts riff on the traditional four-poster. A deep sofa piled high with antique cushions provides the perfect spot for contemplating hand-painted, classical calligraphy updated in neon orange. This corner balcony overlooking the courtyard feels like a secret hideaway from which to watch riad life unfold.

  

• CHERGUI

  The room that most evokes the mysterious and exotic atmosphere of ancient Morocco is also the most grandiose of all the suites. It has an elephant grey, stone-tiled bathroom and matching sink set into an iroko stretched plan that looks straight onto a vertical garden. A walk-in rain-head shower and angled cast iron framed mirrors make clever use of minimal light. The room has old and traditional bejmat tiles inset with ochre and pearl grey glazes, and one balcony overlooking the courtyard with oakwood floors. Divided from the bedroom with keyhole arches and moucharabieh details, the studio has an ample writing desk, delicate pierced brass lanterns, a picture wall featuring portraits of Amazigh women and a hidden mezzanine lounge accessed by a hanging staircase. Light some candles and you can easily let your mind wander during an afternoon or evening lounging against a bank of rich damask pillows.

  

• ZEPHYR

  Inspired by the mediterranean path of the caravans, this suite is located at the first floor and its lofty dimensions are ensuring you still get a good sense of space. An immense, carved plaster wall - the original sample occupies pride of place opposite the bed – is the star feature and combined with its ocean-blue velvet drapes, and sea greens and greys worked into the zellije, it has a fresh, spring-like quality that makes it an invigorating place to wake up in. A small, stone bathroom is located at mezzanine level giving a birds eye view of the room. The secret of this room is an intimate terrace overlooking the medina that provides views all the way across the Minaret of Moulay Idriss to the Merinid Tombs.

   

  

Standard Facilities

• High speed internet
• Private terrace
• Ipod/iphone Player
• Hairdryer in the room
• Embedded Bathtub
• Old Cedar Writing desk
• Safe box in room
• Air conditioning
• Telephone
• Laundry
• Iron