A curated collection of design-led riads in Marrakesh

Welcome to our curated collection of Marrakesh’s swankiest riads, each selected for its distinctive design and deep connection to the city's past. With the city chock-full of beautiful riad stays, travelers often experience decision fatigue given the plethora of enticing options. Here is where we come in! Our handpicked selections are more than just cookie-cutter accommodations; they are sanctuaries crafted with a keen eye for design, where each space blends contemporary aesthetics with the timeless allure of Moroccan craftsmanship. Enjoy and happy trail blazing!

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Updated ago

The lowdown.

Marrakech (aka the Red City), lies at the heart of Morocco, brimming with centuries-old history and vibrant culture. Framed by the stunning Atlas Mountains and steeped in rich traditions, the city dazzles with its lively souks, fragrant courtyard gardens, and the hustle bustle of daily life. From the iconic Jemaa el-Fnaa square, alive with storytellers and snake charmers, to the serene majesty of its palaces and mosques, Marrakech offers a tapestry of sensory experiences.

Our collection

Riad Kitula

@sveendorp

Loving this smoothly crafted pistachio-green sanctuary, complete with its fragrant plant-filled courtyard, terracotta-hued rooftop terraces, and stylish rooms decked out from top to toe in carefully curated treasures. And a special shoutout to the gracious staff, who, despite observing Ramadan, warmly hosted my occasionally demanding family.

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Riad Dar Kawa

@sveendorp

Crafted by Belgian textile designer and hotelier @valeriebarkowski, this impeccably restored 17th-century Riad is a true find and one of the finest the city has to offer (and there are many!) Offering four beautifully appointed rooms, each awash in muted palettes of black, pale grays, and white and adorned with the owner’s artistic touches and lavish linens, this design-led hotel exudes understated elegance. Like stepping into a lived-in yet far-from-ordinary home—a perfect sanctuary to unwind from the sensory overload of the city.

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Riad Jardin Secret

@sveendorp

You won’t find anything cookie-cutter or mass produced here at @realjardinsecret. A richly decorated creative den stuffed with cozy nooks, artful touches, and eye candy throughout, with its rooftop terrace stealing the spotlight! And we love that this place clearly cares, not only for its staff and the local community but also for the planet. A big thank you to Youssef and Ishmael for their warm welcome, tasty breakfasts, and much-appreciated TLC, as we settled into the city.

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Riad 42

@sveendorp

This boutique riad enchants guests with its sleek and sophisticated design, blending clean lines, neutral tones, and uncluttered spaces with traditional Moroccan architecture. Each room offers a serene atmosphere, letting the simplicity of the furnishings highlight the beauty of the overall aesthetic.

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Dar El Qadi

@sveendorp

This exquisite riad is a testament to Moroccan craftsmanship and contemporary aesthetics. The interiors are a feast for the eyes, artfully combining intricate Moroccan details, like hand-carved woodwork and vibrant zellige tiles, with sleek modern design elements.

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DAR RBAA LAROUB

@sveendorp

Jean Noel's Dar Baa Laroub emerges as one of the initial guesthouses within Marrakesh's medina, maintaining its status as a cherished residence for over three decades. This intimately curated home-away-from-home exudes an enduring charm, adorned with vintage furniture, well-read books, colonial furniture, and tasteful art. The seven bedrooms are uniquely distinctive and vary in size, boasting features such as hand-painted ceilings and zellij-tiled spacious bathrooms.

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Riad Mena & Beyond

@sveendorp

This design bolthole blends contemporary elegance with traditional Moroccan aesthetics. The interiors showcase meticulous attention to detail, featuring a harmonious fusion of vibrant colors, intricate tile work, and locally crafted furnishings. The thoughtful curation of spaces in Riad Mena echoes the design philosophy seen in Berber Lodge, where every element contributes to refined comfort while preserving the distinctive charm of Moroccan craftsmanship. Riad Mena stands as a testament to the enduring allure of Marrakesh's design landscape, offering guests a stylish retreat in the heart of the city.

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Ryad Dyor

@sveendorp

Ryad Dyor in Marrakesh offers a distinct blend of intimacy, design, and character. This boutique ryad is characterized by a carefully curated fusion of contemporary and traditional Moroccan elements. The emphasis on intimacy is reflected in private spaces and personalized details, creating an atmosphere that feels like a personal escape. The design is tasteful, featuring vibrant colors and intricate tilework that capture the essence of modern elegance in Marrakesh. Each room has a unique identity, contributing to an immersive experience that goes beyond typical accommodation.

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L'Hôtel Marrakech

@sveendorp

L'Hotel Marrakesh is a design aficionado's dream nestled in the heart of the city. This boutique gem captivates with its thoughtfully curated interiors that seamlessly blend Moroccan aesthetics with contemporary allure. Each corner of the hotel is a visual delight, featuring a harmonious fusion of vibrant colors, intricate tilework, and locally inspired decor.

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Sakkan

@sveendorp

Think moody tones paired with elegant copper bathtubs, sleek marble floors, leafy courtyards, and pops of edgy art throughout. Crafted by Belgian owners Veerle De Pauw and Tom Van Even, this 12-room visual feast delivers in spades on swanky modern design, laidback luxury and warm hospitality. Better yet, the hoteliers are sticklers when it comes to glass bottled water, farm-to-table fresh ingredients, and sourcing local.

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Riad Yasmine

@sveendorp

This design-centric boutique hotel offers a stylish escape with its tastefully curated interiors and modern aesthetics. And the leafy courtyard with its delightfully comfy loungers and green tiled pool is the perfect spot to unwind and soak in the Moroccan ambiance.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Saskia Veendorp

Available for hire

My name is Saskia, and I'm the Founder of Offbeat Goat, a travel platform for conscious and discerning travelers. We showcase a tightly edited collection of storied places that are aesthetically beautiful, transformative, and have narratives connected to sustainability. Having spent over two decades traveling and working in economic development and humanitarian efforts, I’ve shifted my focus to sustainable travel. Through Offbeat Goat, I act as curator and storyteller, spotlighting destinations that blend aesthetic appeal with positive impact. I know what I like when I see it and feel it—boutique design-led hotels, local artisans, farm-to-table restaurants, creative design spaces, and those behind-the-scenes experiences that make travel come to life. Our sweet spot, however, is finding places that are beautiful inside and out, dedicated to enriching their communities and preserving the environment. When I am not on the road, you'll find me crafting stories, filming, and writing from my current home base in Tbilisi, Georgia. We are excited to share our CityKITs - curated city guides of favourite places to eat, stay and play. Happy trailblazing!

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