THE SHELTERING SKY: MARRAKESH

UN THE AU SAHARA

Un petit voyage au Maroc

MARRAKESH

3 adresses geniales

LE RIAD AWA

There is no compliment strong enough for this charming hotel at the door of the Marrakesh Medina. The most infatigable et charmant French couple owns and operates this gem of a place (Henri is a part time fireman and "commutes" to the south of France regularly to report for duty)  The design is very modern and very French (Ludovic Petit, the French designer, is a dynamo who has 100 ideas per second) with a definite Moroccan twist. it is also amazingly comfortable, spotless and you are made to feel like the most important person in the world. I won't even go into the DELICIOUS breakfast that brightened our every morning! You MUST stay there if you are ever down that way.

and of course, a heavenly hammam.

LA TERRASSE DES EPICES

This delicious restaurant, a wonderful variety of Euro-Moroccan dishes, was also a feast for the eyes.  It's deep gray walls and rusty red cement floors and matching doors were softened by wood and bamboo basket-weave accents. The chic waiters and waitresses were dressed all in black and were efficient and gracious, tirelessly catering to our every wish. What a treat! not to be missed. Magnificent photos were hung in the small private open "rooms" and here and there a touch of Moroccan crafts animated the cement banquettes built around the low tables.

TURQUESA

In the zone industrielle of Sidi Ghanem we found a delightful 2nd floor shop owned by an extraordinary Turkish designer who imports large serviettes de hammam- large bath towels- in the most creative stripes in all kinds of colors,  caftans and robes that are fresh and clean lined in the lightest delicately printed cotton fabrics I have ever seen. You can trust the Turks on that one. A real find. 

These are a few highlights of our short stay in Marrakesh.
Next week, it's off to the breathtaking South.
images jadhny, suzanne porter, riad awa

au revoir.