Located in the heart of Marrakech, just 200 metres from the Jema El Fna Square, is Riad Ilayka – an authentic, and luxurious establishment that truly captures the Moroccan spirit. Named ‘Morocco’s Leading Luxury Hotel’ in the 2019 Global Luxury Hotel & Spa Awards, we took a closer look to see how Riad Ilayka has forged its enviable position in this competitive luxury market.
It is clear from the outset that Riad Ilayka is something special, balancing a decidedly modern luxury with undeniable traditional authenticity. From the smallest of details, to the largest of statement pieces, this Riad has been formed through passion over years, each element carefully chosen to evoke a memory, a thought, an atmosphere. As a result, Riad Ilayka offers guests a unique, exotic and welcoming experience – a refined taste of Morocco and its many treasures.
Each of the Riad’s seven bedrooms have been uniquely decorated in the archetypal Moroccan style – all rich and deep colour palettes and delicately ornate furniture. True to the authentic atmosphere, each of the bedrooms includes antique furniture, fireplaces, and tiled bathrooms from Zelige. It should be noted that the Riad has one of the highest terraces of the Medina where guests can rest in the gazebo and enjoy the exceptional panoramic view of the Atlas Mountains, as well as the Koutoubia Mosque. Outside of the bedrooms, the Riad itself continues the traditional Moroccan style with a course planted with tangerines and bananas, terraces, solarium and Jacuzzi on offer to complete the image.
Besides the welcoming surroundings of the hotel, the Riad Ilayka does everything to offer exceptional activities to its guests. Of these, the cooking classes remain a favourite. Led by an expert chef, guests will become acquainted to the undeniable tastes of Moroccan Beldi cuisine, offering one more reason to stay at the Riad.
It would be remiss not to mention Riad Ilayka’s proximity to Marrakesh’s wealth of offerings. From quad trekking in the valleys of Ourika and Asni, to camping in the Sahara desert, Morocco is an adventurer’s paradise, with Riad Ilayka and its wonderful staff being the perfect place for guests to recuperate after a long day.
Address: 78, Derb El Hammam Mouassine, 40 000, Marrakech, Morocco
Website: http://riadilayka.com/en/
Telephone: + 212 (0) 5 24 39 06 07
