Every journey begins at Riad Si Said, where you’re welcomed to the collection. Intimate and stately in equal measure, this opulent one-time family residence was built in the 1880s. Its white columns are adorned with intricate carved wood and plaster work, richly coloured zellige-tile mosaics adorn the walls and floors, and heavy wooden doors open onto peaceful lounges.
On scorching days, when the sun drenches the rooftop and solarium, the cool sanctuary of the elegant mosaic pool in a hidden courtyard beckons.
Sensory immersion into life at Si Said begins on arrival, from the moment the studded street door swings open and you enter the calm of the private alley behind. Alongside homemade pastries and freshly brewed mint tea, guests are presented with an elegant wooden box containing a selection of three local scents to fragrance their pillows.
Each of the six, high-ceilinged rooms is richly furnished, Moroccan craftsmanship the centrepiece. Jewel-toned fabrics and striking artworks complement traditional tadelakt walls and carved stucco. The riad exudes warmth and a quiet vivacity throughout the day. The courtyard patio serves as the convergence point, a lavish breakfast spread featuring Moroccan pancakes and local honey transitioning seamlessly into afternoon refreshments, drinks and dinner service.
Evening meals, served outdoors, make the most of Marrakesh’s balmy weather.
Moroccan wines, harvested from vines warmed by the desert sun and protected by the cool embrace of the trade winds, are poured alongside traditional cuisine showcasing only sustainably sourced local ingredients. Time-honoured tagine recipes meet fish grilled with fragrant herbs from the Atlas Mountains.
As twilight descends, the patio exudes a soft golden glow, accompanied by a
gentle serenade of instrumental music that blends with the soothing sounds of the fountain.