Style
Moroccan decadence
Location
The traditional Riad Enija boutique hotel is in a former family palace which was once the residence of King Kaid. It is at the end of a narrow lane, the Derb Mesfioui, in the heart of Marrakech’s old Medina. Like many riad hotels, the Enija has to be reached on foot but it is conveniently close to all the attractions of this vibrant city. The Kharbouch Mosque and the souk with its many bargains in carpets and leather goods are all within easy reach of the hotel and the central Jemaa el Fna Square is about 5 minutes walk away.
Highlights and Features
This 280 year old former royal residence is beautifully laid out to accommodate just a few select guests in its boutique hotel accommodation. A wealthy silk merchant bought the riad in 1860 and had the most accomplished local craftsmen renovate it. Now it is owned and run as a charming boutique hotel by the Swiss/Swedish owners and their team of red uniformed staff. Traditional decorative detail has been retained and complemented by the oversized furniture and huge modern light fittings suspended from the hand painted ceilings. Wooden tables in the salon are laden with local trinkets and vases of roses beneath the traditional tadelakt ceiling - all that remains of the former hammam. The hotel still offers a full range of beauty treatment including Thai massage and seaweed treatments.
Each of the 12 rooms and suites has sumptuous silk and linen furnishings. Space is generous and huge baths are the focal point of each sumptuous bathroom. Gilt mirrors, traditional wooden furniture and Moroccan style windows bring light in through the thick adobe walls. For the ultimate romantic experience book one of the beautifully appointed suites with private entrances, coffered ceilings and unique hand-picked furniture. Private verandahs, four poster beds and huge soaking bathtubs make this one of the most romantic boutique hotels in Marrakech.
Outside it is hard to believe the bustling medina is so close. Rattan sun loungers and cushioned chairs overlook the peaceful gardens and courtyards. The day starts each morning in this delightful setting with private tables laid for breakfast. The kitchen is open to all and Chef Aziz and his team prepare meals upon request, rather like staying in the home of a family friend. For those who want a more in-depth experience, cookery lessons and a cookery book are available for Riad Enija guests.
Detailed Review
Riad Enija is made up from two adjoining Riad houses, one being about 450 years old and the other 380 years old. They were once the property of a silk trader from Fes with 64 family members. This exquisite family home is situated at the end of a derb (alley) in the Marrekech Medina about 5 minutes walk from the Djemaa el Fna in the heart of the medina and has been lovingly and painstakingly restored with great sensitivity, warmth and attention to the smallest detail by Ursula Haldimann who also looks after the needs of her guests.
Independent Reviews
-
"Most romantic riad of many colours"
Riad Enija
By Joanna Monkhouse
Riad Enija is a fusion of east and west, of colour and simplicity, of old and new. Run like clockwork by a Swiss/Swedish couple and their army of girls in red dresses, this is the chicest of the Marrakech riads. The furniture is oversized, bright and contemporary but balances with the large rooms, neutral walls and traditional Moroccan decorative details and architecture. Huge modern light fittings hang from original, high, painted ceilings similar to those in the royal residence, the Bahia Palace. Beds are the focus of each room, swathed in silks, linens and cottons. Bathrooms are afforded as much space as a whole ensuite room in other riads, the baths are deep and the showerheads imitate rain. Mirrors with frames that are moulded and painted with Italianate scenes and gold cherubs reflect the light. The terraces have white cushioned rattan sunloungers, cane chairs with striped silk cushions, deck chairs, giant pouffes, large canvas parasols and views over the exceptionally pretty garden, the second courtyard or the medina. In the garden, birds chirp in the tall palms that sway gently in the breeze and the faint echo of the snake charmers’ pipes in close by Djemaa el Fna can be heard. Screened from each other by orange trees, flowering cacti and a fountain scattered with rose petals are six groups of tables and chairs, where a delectable breakfast is served in the morning, amongst tortoises of various sizes crawling on the tiled paths. Large glass lanterns light the garden and the pathways at night. The salon was formerly a hamman and has retained the vaulted tadelakt ceiling. The kitchen is open to all and serves highly regarded meals on request. Riad Enija is filled with vases of close packed roses and interesting objets d’art. Colourful sofas and chairs throughout the riad provide opportunity to sit down, relax and soak it all up.
