Marrakech is one of those places whose name, when spoken aloud, evokes the characteristics of the city itself. A mysterious, ethereal sound that conjures up covered souks and the Medina, dark buildings and palm trees, and the crashing of scooters, cars, and people. Living here means experiencing a blend of French, Berber, Arabic, and North African cultures in a city that is both historic and contemporary.
What better way to spend your retirement than in a quiet location where you can take the vacation of a lifetime? A traditional Moroccan riad is the perfect place to retire after years of hard labor, stress, and ups and downs.
One of the big adventures when retiring in Marrakech is to purchase a traditional Riad in the heart of the old Medina. This is by far the best way to quickly enter the magical atmosphere of Morocco and fully appreciate the exotic and romantic Moroccan culture. You can also experience the 1001 Nights in riads, surrounded by intricate architecture and beautiful works of art.
The word “Riad” originally meant “closed garden” in Arabic, but over time, it came to stand for traditional Moroccan homes and upscale hotels built around a roofless courtyard filled with lavish plants and exquisite water features. A typical Riad in Marrakech has three levels, including the rooftop terrace. The Medina’s construction regulations prohibit buildings taller than a palm tree, which is why there aren’t any large structures in the old city, with the obvious exception of mosques and minarets.
The traditional building was designed to maximize intimacy with the outside world, with all of the rooms opening up to the open courtyard and no windows looking out onto the street. It’s also a way to protect the Riad from the harsh sun, storms, and sand of the Sahara desert as much as you can. The perfect haven to retreat to after a day spent in an agitated and busy medina are the riads.
Once you enter your Riad, there is typically a lounge adjacent to the entrance where guests and visitors can wait to be welcomed. The court, which is either square or rectangular, is located in the middle of the riad. Because water is a symbol of wealth in Marrakech, she is frequently built around a basin or a fountain. Because fountains are crowned with the image of heaven, water also has significant symbolic value. You should also find a lush garden with banana trees, arugula, and sometimes even palm trees in the courtyard.
There are often two rooms on the lower floor, one on either side of the entranceway, which are frequently used as dining rooms or living rooms. The bedrooms are on the second floor.
The walls and floors of riads are typically made of “Tadelakt,” an impermeable surface made of plastic that is frequently used for sinks or evaporators. The word “Tadelakt” means “frotter” in Arabic, and it is made from a chaff-based material that has been polished and treated with saline to make it hydrophobic. It is quite durable, and you can shape and color it whatever you choose.
The Zellij as it is known in Arabic, is another often used material and a way to display your wealth. Planning your retirement is now much easier with our beautiful riads. Contact us today and get the riad of your dreams.
