Do you know what a “carrossa” is? Not yet?

Proud of your reservation in a handsome Riad in the heart of the medina, you decide to spice things up a little and choose to not book the airport transfer service offered by your accommodation…
Unfortunately, when you arrive you’ll soon see that this was a major mistake…

Already a little wound up by the bruising negotiations with the airport taxi drivers, the story gets worse when you’re dropped off and you spot two guys fighting behind the car. It doesn’t really make sense at first sight but in fact they’re fighting over who gets to grab your bags and lead you to your holiday home. You don’t realise it yet but one of these two will be your own personal pest and will ruin your life hassling you in front of the Riad’s front door for your dosh…

It’s really not the moment to slap them round, no matter how much you want to!
First thing you need to do is buddy up with him. Even if you have the impression that he doesn’t understand you at all, smiles are friendly international signs that everyone understands, even in the Marrakech medina!

You then have several options:

Option 1: When you get to the Riad’s front door, chat, laugh, joke around, basically procrastinate until the door opens before you’ve had time to pay anything. Then, as soon as the door opens, throw yourself on your welcoming saviour and ask him for the info that’s going to get you out of the problem: ‘how much is this?’ Ok, 20 dirhams it is!

Option 2: Follow option 1 but shiftily throw yourself through the door and in to the house leaving your host to deal with the situation: don’t worry, he’s used to it!

Option 3: The porter stops a little way in front of the Riad and demands his cash there and then as he knows that the owner of the Riad will give him a rocket… That way he’s already far away by the time the owner opens the door. This is a very lonely moment for you and only your negotiation skills and finest sense of diplomacy will save you… The situation is uncomfortable but you need to keep your cool, as after all, he has carried your bags for you. Say that you don’t have any cash and don’t show him anything. Don’t let your wife, who’ll be ready to blow the whole holiday budget to get rid of the pest, say anything…

To sum up, never show any signs of annoyance, speak calmly, smile so wide you think you’ll break your cheeks and above all, be the diplomat…

On the Riad Eden website we have lots of practical information, including how to get the riad from the airport, the train station, or the bus station. All with my little tips and the true prices you should pay….

Have a good look around mate – it’s free!

Emmanuel

Tell this to the rest of the world !

The 12^th one already! They must be doing something right then…

For the 12^th Marrakech International Film Festival brace yourselves, the Indians are coming! No need to get out your war axes, this isn’t a theme about Westerns. Rather dust off the peace pipes, as we’re talking about Indians from India, so more red dots than red feathers.

Each year the festival highlights films from a particular country and this year it’s Bollywood cinema that will have pride of place at the festival, which runs from 30 November to 8 December. There’ll be a galaxy of famous Bollywood stars, unknown outside of India, apart from the celebrated Sharukhan perhaps!

At the same time the festival will honour the Chinese director Zhang Yimou for his body of work (Raise the Red Lantern, Curse of the Golden Flower, House of the Flying Daggers, Hero, Red Sorghum, and the Beijing Olympic Games opening & closing ceremonies). I know, me too, I don’t really know these films but hey, we’re there to learn right? So, stop grumbling and get interested!

This year the Chairman of the Jury for feature length films will be Mr John Boorman (Excalibur, Deliverance, Hope & Glory, The Tailor of Panama, among many others) and he will be assisted by Gemma Arterton (Actor, UK), Marie Josee Croze (Actor, Canada), Pierfrancesco Favino (Actor, Italy), Jillali Ferhati (Director, Writer, Actor, Morocco), James Gray (Director, Writer, Producer, USA), Jeon Soo-il (Director, Writer, Producer South Korea), Sharmila Tagore (Actor, India), Lambert Wilson (Actor, France). For shorts, Mr Benoit Jacquot, a well-known French film maker, will head the jury.

As always, giant screens will be put up in the Marrakech medina, on the Djemaa el Fnaa square. This way, screenings of feature length, short films and other types of cinematic experiences will enable the whole of the red city to participate in this international event. Locals and tourists will equally be able to share in the key live moments via these screens, for those who didn’t get tickets to the stages set up on the Mohamed 6 Avenue, in front of the Town Hall, where all the official ceremonies, interviews and various events are taking place…

So, there you go! If you don’t know where to stay in Marrakech, don’t hesitate to visit the Riad Eden website (www.riadeden-marrakech.com ). As well as the excellent time you’ll have on the site, you can even reserve a lovely little room for yourself, with some very nice hosts… What? God helps those who help themselves doncha know!

Emmanuel

For all details on the festival:

Fondation du Festival International du Film de Marrakech
BP 14212 Riad Larrouss
Marrakech – Maroc
Tel +212 524 43 24 93/94
Fax. +212 524 43 25 11
Email : ffifm@lafondation.ma
Site web : http://www.festivalmarrakech.info

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In the “What to do in Marrakech” vein, it’s impossible not to mention Hammams, including the popular combined Hammam/Spa these days.
From the public Hammam to the luxury Hammam, even the odd ‘faux-luxury’ one, I’ve tried them all and hands down, the bar is set for all of them by “Les bains de Marrakech” (The baths of Marrakech).

Some places have tried their hand at this relaxation activity, in addition to their primary business (usually as guest houses in the Medina), but, on balance it’s hard to draw a conclusion about how successful they have been. Many of them have closed their doors to public use and exclusively deliver their Hammam/spa services to their own clients. Well, it’s a full time profession, health & beauty treatments!
So, are you having difficulty remembering what happiness is, and want to taste once more this supreme state? No need to go in search of various things to smoke or consume, a 2 hours treatment at the amazing Les bains de Marrakech will help you remember, to such an extent that it’s highly addictive! Every time I go there they’re obliged to practically throw me out… It’s a truly beautiful place, and I’m saying that objectively!
It’s worth underlining that the management doesn’t skimp on the upkeep either – each year they close the hammam for significant renovations and updates to the facilities, a complete check up in fact. This means that each time they reopen the place has a freshness and sense of renewal that’s really enjoyable, all the while keeping up their standards in presentation and facilities. In terms of the treatments, there’s no way to describe them other than ‘nirvana’, they’re really the best!

They maintain the highest standards of professionalism, with carefully selected and trained staff, organised down to the millimetre, a diverse and relaxing range of services and treatments, all more attractive than the last… I won’t go on as you might start to think I’m over exaggerating… Suffice to say that for a guy like me, who loves a little spoiling from time to time, you can’t do better than Les bains de Marrakech, and at very competitive prices too!

And of course, the only way to see if what I say about it is true is to try it yourself – go on, spoil yourself!

On the other hand, if they’re fully booked, as can often happen, then you really see the advantages of staying in a Riad – your hosts can help with tips and suggestions for a good ‘plan B’!

Well worth taking advantage of…

Emmanuel

Contact and booking details:

Les Bains de Marrakech

2 Derb Sedra
40000 Marrakech – Maroc
Ph : +212 524 381 428‎ / +212 524 386 419
Fax : +212 524 384 731
www.lesbainsdemarrakech.com
E-mail : contact@lesbainsdemarrakech.com

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After three weeks stay in your hotel in Marrakech, if you start feeling quite bored, don’t panic, it’s totally normal as it’s simply that you’ve been there two weeks too long!

In all honesty, and even if Marrakech is a most unmissable place, I have to admit that 4 or 5 days in the Red City is about right.

So in fact in those two weeks you should have left for the mountains and the valleys. In Morocco, you can climb mountains that will put you on your last legs, blow your mind with amazing skiing, or plough through so much desert you’ll never want to put Pastis in your water again!

You’ll have understood, heading off from Marrakech on an excursion to discover the Kingdom  – its deserts, its magnificent valleys, its oases – is a must. Even if, of course, the Riad Eden is the most beautiful place in Morocco, the world, the universe, and its surroundings! What do you mean I might be exaggerating?

So, what are the most beautiful places and sights to visit? That’s a good question! Well, here’re some ideas, not necessarily in order of preference:

• Tetouan
• The imperial cities (Rabat, Meknes, Fes and Marrakech)
• The Riff and Chefchaouen
• The waterfalls at Ouzoud and Demnate and the Valley of Marvels
• Ourika Valley, Asni Valley, Imlil, Ouirgane and the Toubkal National Park
• Ouarzazate, Ait Benhaddou and the Fint Oasis
• Skoura, Dades Valley, Valley of the Roses, Dades Gorges, Todra Gorges, Merzouga and the dunes of Erg Chebbi
• Draa Valley, Zagora and the dunes of Erg Chegaga (the highest in Morocco)
• Oualidia, Essaouira
• Agadir, Imouzer and its waterfalls, Taroudant, Tiznit
• Sidi Ifni, Tan-Tan, Layoune, Dakhla

I won’t go any further for now but of course it’s not possible to sum up Morocco in this one list but it’ll give you a good place to start planning…

I will also take the opportunity to clarify a few things that will certainly surprise those sceptics who are convinced that everyone is out to swindle them…

Following an unpleasant email correspondence with a prospective traveller who wanted to make me swallow a camel after eating a couscous in terms of discounts, I realised I needed to warn travellers about the fee structures offered by certain ‘agencies’. Not content with destroying the market through unmatchable discounts, these agencies put their clients’ health in danger on the one hand and equally on the other they put in danger the professionals, those who love the desert and offer quality services… Grrr…

Judge for yourself as the following list will give you a brief idea of the costs associated with tourism transport:

• 1 liter of petrol: 8 Dirhams. A four wheel drive vehicle consumes 15-20 litres every 100 kms (For 5.5/6 hours of transport, the equivalent of Ouzoud to Marrakech, factor 400 dirhams of petrol, easily)
• Driver’s salary
• Social security costs for driver
• Transport tax of 14%
• 1% tax on the total bill
• Special ‘tourist transport’ insurance for the vehicle and the passengers
• Professional taxes
• Licence to transport professionally
• Rent/deposits for commercial hire
• Depreciation for the vehicle (Toyota Land Cruisers cost at least 500 000 dirhams or a Hyundai Minivan at approx 300 000 dirhams. I only mention these as they cover most of the types of transportation used)
• Vehicle maintenance
• Website and booking/referral fees
• Time and booking fees to book all accommodation throughout the trip

Once all these costs have been taken care of, then the transport operator can start to make a profit, which will of course be taxed further. It’s not about becoming paranoid but if the price doesn’t seem to include all the things on this list – stay away my friend!

And yes, of course, as long as everything goes smoothly then it’s fine. But the day where there’s a problem, you’ll find yourself on your own as everyone else will leg it… On the other hand, if everything is done properly, no worries if a problem occurs, it’ll all be taken care of!

My goodness, I’ve just learned of the death of Patrick Ricard… I’m off immediately to pay homage to this great person! Don’t hesitate to call me if you have any questions….

Ph: + 212 (0) 672 046 910 (Sorry ladies, it’s not my personal cell…)

Emmanuel

Tell this to the rest of the world !

For the last 46 years, the oldest of Moroccan festivals has continuously innovated and refreshed itself in order to transmit Moroccan art and design across the decades and generations. The next round is from 20-24 June 2012, everywhere throughout the Red City. It’ll be a great occasion for exploring Marrakech with the whole family as there’s something for everyone! Indeed, after 46 years, they must be doing something right…

It will all start with the opening parade, which will leave from the Place du 16 Novembre and finish up at the Jema El Fnaa. And then for the next few days you’ll need to put aside Justin Bieber, David Guetta, 50 Cents, Metallica and any others to concentrate on the art of traditional Moroccan music! It’s a great pleasure to rediscover the ‘foundations’ of another era, yes? Personally I find that helps me clear my thinking! And of course there’s not just music. The festival features art generally, including theatre and so some stages have been specially built in the city for it. Traditional folk dancing, painting and traditional storytelling will all also have pride of place…no limits to artistic creativity in fact!

The challenge for the organisers of this type of event is to maintain the enchantment felt by the older generation (not too difficult that) while at the same time conquering the hearts of the younger generations, often attracted to the more contemporary arts. Their strategy is thus based on infusing traditional art with new energy and showing the rich diversity in the sounds, dance and painting of traditional Moroccan art, all while provoking a powerful desire for it, essential fuel for the long-term preservation of this extraordinary cultural heritage.

In 2011 the festival had its first ‘festival village’ where a wide range of activities, workshops and exhibitions with authentic Moroccan artisans were concentrated. It was a wonderful chance for the little ones to get involved and a great opportunity to share and learn for everyone else. It was a great success so it’s being brought back for this year.

In addition there will be daily displays and, in primetime even, all the troops of the Kingdom will be at the Palais El Badi…well, almost all!

So it’ll be a programme full of culture, rhythm, colour…and hot air…from the chicha pipes of course!

And finally, since you’re reading this, I’ll take the opportunity to let you know that if you’re not sure where to stay in Marrakech, well, I happen to know a lovely little Riad in the medina… Mumtaz!

Emmanuel

Details :

Fondation des Festivals de Marrakech :

Théâtre Royal Avenue Med VI Marrakech
Tel: + 212 (0)524 43 20 21
Fax: +212 (0)524 43 97 77
Online :   www.marrakechfestival.com
Email – Loubna NADAR:  secretariat.ffm@gmail.com

Info/Bookings :

Medhi Saad :
Mobile : +212 (0) 674 35 95 87
Landline : +212 (0) 524 43 20 21

Tickets and ticket outlets :

- Direct sales online :  http://www.tick-et-show.com
- Ticket outlets:

• Théâtre Royal – Marrakech
• Conseil régional du tourisme – Guéliz – Marrakech
• Megarama – Casablanca

Prices : 100 and 200 Dirhams

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Unusually I’m going to talk about Golf…perhaps I have a hankering for large green spaces…who knows why!

What? No, I’m not talking about the famous German car, but about the preferred sport of the no less famous tiger…Woods…for those who don’t know!

Well, Golf in Marrakech, on the Haouz Plain, in the middle of nothing, it’s not obvious…and yet it’s been done and not by halves…

 There are no less than 7 golf courses in the outskirts of Marrakech, some more or less handsome, more or less professional, some large, some not so large. Nevertheless, for those who have a sudden desire to go putting, there’s somewhere to send the balls…

The different courses are all outside the city, usually between 5 and 20 kilometres from the city centre. The main roads from the centre of Gueliz or the good areas in the Medina (I’m thinking of ours in particular, naturally…) enable pretty direct access to the courses and as such you can be perfecting your swing in less than 30 minutes, minus the time to digest a breakfast decent of the name, of course.

Which puts the lie to one of the main arguments of those who are against choosing Riad-based accommodation for your week relaxing in the sun…off to practice then!

I did think about putting a golf course in to our little Riad Eden, but I quickly ran in to space problems, and also I would have had to make a bunch of holes, buy some sticks and balls, put green down everywhere. So in the end I concentrated my idea: I put in a billiard table!

You’re not sure how you can go golfing in Marrakech? As you’re stuck with your hands in your pockets, without any golfing gear because the airlines always hit you with all the surcharges they can?

No worries, G2M has the solution! This family business has all the tips, contacts, bookings, recommendations and professional equipment for hire that you could possibly want. On the other hand, you have the do the golfing yourself you know…

Below is a list of the golf courses in Marrakech with the key details.

You know, this is making me want to go putting…hello, G2M?

Emmanuel

1) Palmeraie Golf Club :

Category : 18 hole and 9 hole courses , 6214 m, Par 72, Practice ranges , Putting-green
Address : Les Jardins de la Palmeraie – Circuit de la Palmeraie -  Boite Postale 1488 – 40000 – Marrakech
Phone :  +212 (0) 524 368 766  or  +212 (0) 524 301 010
Fax : +212 (0) 524 368 766
E-mail : golf@palmeraie-golf-club.com

2 ) Atlas Golf Marrakech :

Category : 9 hole course , Practice range , Putting-green
Address : Route d’Amizmiz – BP 2064 – Marrakech – 40000
Phone :  +212 (0) 524 376 666
Fax : +212 (0) 524 385 353
E-mail : contact@atlasgolfmarrakech.com

3 ) Royal Golf de Marrakech :

Category : 27 hole course, 7236 m, Par 36×3,  9 hole course , Practice ranges
Address : Ancienne route de Ouarzazate Boîte Postale 634 – 40 000 – Marrakech – Maroc
Phone :  +212 (0) 524 409 828
Fax : +212 (0) 524 400 084
Mobile :   +212 (0) 661 847 083
Mobile :   +212 (0) 661 467 157
E-mail : contact@royalgolfmarrakech.com

4 ) Golf d’Amelkis :

Category : 27 hole course , 10657 m, Practice ranges , Putting-green
Address : Route de Ouarzazate, Kilomètre 12  – 40000 – Marrakech
Phone :  +212 (0) 524 404 414
Fax : +212 (0) 524 404 415

5 ) Le Samanah Golf Club :

Category : 18 hole course, 6800 m, Par 72, Practice ranges, Putting-green
Address : Kilomètre 14 – Route d’Amizmiz – 40000 – Marrakech
Phone :  +212 (0) 524 483 200
Fax : +212 (0) 524 483 200
Mobile :  +212 (0) 618 841 884
E-mail : golf@samanah.com

6 ) Golf Al Maaden :

Category : 18 hole course , 6644 m, Par 72, Practice ranges
Address : Diour Chouhada – Sidi Youssef ben Ali – Marrakech Yssil – 40012
Phone :  +212 (0) 524 404 001
Fax : +212 (0) 524 404 004
E-mail : golfalmaaden@alliances.co.ma

7 ) Golf Assoufid :

Category : 18 hole course, 6526 m, Par 72, Golf Schools, Practice ranges, Putting-green
Address : Route Guemassa, M’Hamid Marrakech – 40000
Phone :  +212524 368 368
Fax : +212 524 368 369
E-mail : info@assoufid.com

G2M – Golf equipment hire :

Address : 24 Derb El Arsaa – Riad Zitoun Jdid – 40000 Marrakech
Phone/Fax : +212 524 375 169
Mobile :  +212 (0) 661 063 249
Site Web : www.rentaclub.net
E-mail : contact@rentaclub.net

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Dear Jamel,

Just a little shout out cos I’ve heard you’re coming back this way from 6-10 June 2012 for the second Marrakech Comedy Festival.

Well, why didn’t you call me, I’d have put the kettle on! At the same time, with all these big shows you have booked, I get that you’ve not had a minute to think… So, you know, as soon as you arrive tweet me at @Riadeden, and hey, no worries if you’ve run out of credit on your phone, send me a text and I’ll call straight back, Inshallah!

And if you want to chillax in Marrakech, you’d be more than welcome in my guest house – rue Riad Zitoun Lakdim – Derb Jdid no.25. That way, you know you’ll be sweet mate, and I swear on my mother, I’ll be as quiet as a chicken watching you get the tajine pot out and wondering if it’s finally his turn…

I know you’re coming with Hassan El Fad, Rachid Badouri, Malik Bentalha, Redouanne Harjane, Abdelkader Secteur, Mohammed El Jem, and also Franck Dubosc, Omar Sy, Stromae, Julie Ferrier, Bérangère Krief, Virginie Hocq… Given that the last lot are frogs from the land of camembert, the cheese that stinks worse than a burp after eating a garlic sauce covered late-night kebab, I reckon they won’t be worried if we eat old-school couscous with our fingers on the patio, like always. So, invite them over for dinner!

And if you’re mates don’t have much dosh, let me know and I’ll find them a cheap Riad in the medina, and hey, I won’t even take a commission…
Given how busy you are, you might forget, so I’ve pasted in below the official Comedy Festival program, you know, just in case.

Sending greetings from Marrakech’ – Al Maghreb,

See you soon, Inshallah,

Manu

PS: don’t forget to bring a little cardi, sometimes it’s barely 40 degrees in the shade at the beginning of June.

Alright then, this is the way it’s gonna happen:

Wednesday 06 June 2012:

• 18h00: Street art by the Festival Awaln’Art => Place Jemaa El Fna and in the streets of Marrakech
• 19h30: Redouanne Harjane => Institut français
• 20h00: Halka MDR => présentation : Hassan El Fad

Thursday 07 June 2012:

• 18h00: Street art by the Festival Awaln’Art => Place Jemaa El Fna and in the streets of Marrakech
• 9h30-11h: Michel Drucker => Sofitel (broadcast on Europe 1)
• 9h30-13h30: Master Class Oscar Sisto => Dar Attakafa Daoudiate
• 19h30: Malik => Institut français
• 20h30: Stand up at the comedy club => Carré rouge
• 21h00: Eko => Dar Attakafa Daoudiate  + Abdelkader Secteur => Théâtre Royal
• 21h00: Jamel Debbouze Special Performance (Part 1) => Palais El Badii

Friday 08 June 2012:

• 18h00: Street art by the Festival Awaln’Art => Place Jemaa El Fna and in the streets of Marrakech
• 9h30-11h: Michel Drucker => Sofitel (broadcast on Europe 1)
• 9h30-13h30: Master Class Oscar Sisto => Dar Attakafa Daoudiate
• 19h30: The Comedy Club gang => Institut français
• 20h30: Comedy Club stand up => Carré rouge
• 21h: Mohamed El Khiyari => Dar Attakafa Daoudiate + Rachid Badouri => Théâtre Royal

Saturday 09 June 2012:

• 18h00: Street art by the Festival Awaln’Art => Place Jemaa El Fna and in the streets of Marrakech
• 9h30-13h30: Master Class Oscar Sisto => Dar Attakafa Daoudiate
• 14h-16h: Master Class => Dar Attakafa Daoudiate
• 19h30: Gustave Parking => Institut Français
• 21h: La troupe de Tensift => Dar Attakafa Daoudiate
• 21h30: Closing night  Gala performance => Palais El Badii

Sunday 10 June 2012:

• 18h00: Closing street art parade by Festival Awaln’art

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After a 2011 that you could call rather sh.., er, excuse me, rather special, 2012 is looking up. The ‘Race of Morocco’, a stage in the WTCC World Championship which didn’t take place in 2011, is back on the calendar for the weekend of 13/14/15 April 2012.

Well, drivers start your engines…and welcome to Monakech! And yes, it will be a street race, the only one in Africa. Along the way I invite all inhabitants of the Red City as well as all visitors to stock up on double-thickness ear plugs as there are no silencers or catalytic converters in the exhaust systems of these competition cars.

The track, based on the previous course, has undergone some changes notably due to the need for the GP Championship to now reach 4550metres. The event is eagerly awaited as it follows a reasonably chaotic year here. And above all it’s going to open the WTCC World Championship season, see the arrival of round of the Auto GP 3000 Championship, a round in the GT Championship with the Maserati Trofeo (but wait, there’s more!), a round in the National Formula with the Clio RS Cup plus a whole other group of Moroccan drivers presented under the leadership of the FRMSA (Royal Moroccan Federation of Automobile Sports), about which we don’t yet have more detail.

At the same time it will open, or rather re-open, the tourist season during which us professionals will be able to enjoy the frequent comings and goings of guests, a bit lessened in 2011, and even non-existent for some.

The good Samaritan organisers associated with the weekend (with telco Meditel as primary sponsor) have worked equally hard to enable entirely free access to the whole domain (except the Paddock and grandstands) for the whole weekend… no, no, that’s not an April Fool’s Day joke! A big thank you to the sponsors for making that possible. A good number of events, spectacles and special evenings open to all, and some VIP only, will also be on the programme, you can find more details on the official site of the Race of Morocco (see below).

This being a significant event, expectations are clearly high, and it’s certain that a good weekend would put us in a good position for the ultimate prize: a stage of the F1 World Championship in Marrakech… Perhaps in 2013! In any case, don’t hesitate and quickly book your favourite Riad Marrakech if you want to join in the party…ear plugs free with reservation!

Emmanuel

Details:

Race Of Morocco – Marrakech Grand Prix :

7 Avenue Mohamed V – Guéliz
40000 Marrakech – MAROC
Phone : + 212 (0) 524 45 84 08
Fax : + 212 (0) 524 45 86 36
Web: http://www.raceofmorocco.com
Email : info@marrakechgrandprix.com
Sales and trade enquiries : sales@marrakechgrandprix.com

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First off I must say that I was particularly happy the evening I visited this restaurant as I was there with my mate Christian. Just so you understand, in my world a ‘mate’ is like what wine is to France – essential! So you might think that my judgement would have been altered by this happy fact…but nay! In fact it wasn’t my first visit to the restaurant ‘La Cour des Lions’ so I knew what to expect…smart thinking!

So, we were seated on the first floor of the hotel Marrakech “E s Saadi”, an institution in the red city. Es Saadi is a magnificent hotel, with a well-known casino and three restaurants, of which ‘La Cour des Lions’ is one. I would even say the highest one!

The building has extremely high ceilings. The decoration is very much in the Moroccan style, covered in stucco, but in light colours, mostly white, which gives it a restful and calm atmosphere. An impressive bay window opens on to a magnificent view of the hotel gardens and of Marrakech. The restaurant’s dining room is organised in strict lines, in-between the tables as well as on them. The servers are strategically positioned, waiting, and ready to start the performance from Sebastien ‘the magician’ Bontour who is perfecting his art in the kitchen…

At the start of the performance, I opt for the creative cuisine option on the menu while Christian goes for the more traditional Moroccan cuisine option. But it only appears more traditional on the menu, as we soon realise that the good old tasty and familial Moroccan cuisine that you can try in every riad Marrakech can, after waving a magic wand, be the height of refinement.

The creative menu is astounding: each plate, entree or main dish resembles a little garden square in three dimensions where all your ingredients are planted, along with petals, vegetables, all joined together by emulsions, sauces…. With everything making a surprising mix of flavours; colourful, spring-like, and undeniably harmonious. Frankly, scallops and strawberries, you’ve got to be daring to try that! And yet it was indeed a real dish and not an illusion! Everything is in the inspiration, the creation. Well, maybe all those sprigs of green on your little garden square are also able to be smoked, who knows…

Having completely emptied our ‘gardens’ of all that was in them, the magic continued with an amazing dessert plate based entirely on mint. No doubt about it, the Chef has green fingers! But tell me Monsieur Bontour, there is something that I’m wondering, you weren’t a gardener or landscaper in a previous life by any chance? I mean, before becoming a chef/magician…
In any case, it was a great gastronomic moment which really puts this place up there amongst the best restaurant Marrakech: thank you so much Sebastien “the magician” Bontour!
Emmanuel

Restaurant “La Cour des Lions”:

Hotel Es SAADI
Rue Ibrahim El Mazini
40000 Marrakech
Phone: +212 5 24 33 74 00 -06 63 58 15 99
Fax : +212 5 24 44 76 44
Email : info@essaadi.com
Web : www.essaadi.com

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Well then, let’s have a chat.

I’ll assure you straight away, this isn’t about yet another riad/guest house Marrakech… That’s enough, stop laughing! Yes, it’s true that you can’t even count how many there are anymore… Well, let’s not get off topic, it’ll be the subject of another post soon sure enough. This time I’m writing to shine a light on a beautiful house, one that doesn’t make a song and a dance, which offers sincere, high quality experiences, impeccable cleanliness and is run by people who genuinely look after you.

So what makes it so special? Well, I’ll tell you.

The Riad has one bedroom on the ground floor and three suites on the first floor. It has a large patio magnificently surrounded by trees in the middle of the house and with a little plunge pool, which is very agreeable during hot spells. An enclosed living/dining room, with fireplace, is also situated on the edge of the patio.

On exiting the lift on the first floor (no, I’m kidding, you’ve got to go up on foot guys, with good, proper steps which, at least, are large and practical, which is not always the case in lots of riad Marrakech) you arrive at a ‘bhou’ (an open living space) with access to the three suites on the first floor.

Still taking the same ‘lift’, the sun welcomes you to the second floor as you arrive on to the terrace, facing fully south! It’s also the ‘garden’ of the house as it is largely taken up with plants, flowers, shrubs, etc which gives this relaxing space a delightful continuity with the lower floors. Don’t worry, there’s also a ‘lazy’ corner with well arranged deck chairs, perfect for sun bathing!

So who makes it so special? Well, I’ll tell you.

It’s your mother! No, of course not your real mother…and in fact this one won’t ever tell you to take your elbows off the table. This mama is Habiba, the woman responsible for the house.

Habiba lives in the house and ensures everyone receives first class attention. Always ready to listen, she will know for sure how to meet your every wish, and if you are also looking for a good cook, you can’t do better than Habiba. She will show you the thousand and one facets of Moroccan cuisine, you’ll be ready to burst by the end! Well, bursting is an option, but it’s more expensive…. If you’re looking for a good home cooking experience better than any restaurant Marrakech, this is it!

Habiba also offers Moroccan cooking classes that she teaches with an abundance of passion and love. The classes mix humour, anecdotes and amazing picturesque situations. She will take you on a discovery of the Mellah market to do the daily shopping (not at all typical, let’s say), an experience that will leave indelible traces, and not just on your cooking bench, also provided for the class. Fun and great atmosphere 100% guaranteed.

During the reservation phase (well, for those who are looking for quality accommodation Marrakech of course, and if I’ve convinced you) I will be looking after the message service myself on the Riad Anabel website so you’ll be guaranteed a response in less than 24 hours.

And for those who are really lazy, there’s even the option of phoning, 24 hours a day…or almost!

See you very soon!

Emmanuel

Riad Anabel

8, Derb Jdid – Riad Zitoun Lakdim
40000 Marrakech – Morocco
Phone : 00 212 672 046 910
Web : www.riadanabel.com
E-mail: contact@riadanabel.com

Tell this to the rest of the world !