Homes
June 22, 2016
Designer Destination: Riad Mena In Morocco
Staying in a gorgeous riad in Morocco — otherwise known as a traditional Moroccan house or palace with an interior garden or courtyard — is on the bucket list of many seasoned travelers. A private home turned boutique hotel, The Riad Mena lets you do it in style. The small hotel offers a sense of serenity and calmness despite its proximity to the busy downtown streets of Marrakesh. With six elegant and individually designed suites, the Riad allows you to unwind in a traditional hamman, sit poolside under a jaunty yellow parasols surrounded by lush greenery, or just discover the trinkets scattered around the property from local markets. Click through to experience the epitome of Moroccan luxury and style.
Lush greenery, including an orange tree and towering palm trees, welcome visitors to Riad Mena. Its white stucco exterior gets a burst of color with a custom green-grey treatment on the windows and doors.
There’s an easy sense of flow in the airy Riad Mena. A secluded nook off to the side of the entrance is adorned with an oversized lantern.
The dining room combines modern minimalism with Moroccon inspirations. In the center of the room there’s a black lacquer dining table with matching chairs. The starkness of the set is contrasted with bright green and white Moroccan floor tiling. French doors open to the dreamy interior courtyard.
This bathroom is enormous and luxurious despite its minimalism. Concrete walls give the room texture without feeling cold.
Floor-to-ceiling drapes give the space an airy feel. A matte black perforated lantern makes a stunning focal point.
The Venetian glass mirror in this bathroom was found in a souk (open markets that are scattered around Morocco). The doors, painted in a traditional Zouak style, offer a pop of color to the otherwise grey palette.
In another bedroom, a sleeping nook separated by white linen drapes offers some solitude. A single red lamp radiates in the otherwise white and grey space. Intricate ceiling molding adds to the elegance of the room.
The Riad consists of a jigsaw of terraces. In the interior courtyard, there’s a small pool to cool down in the heat. The blue of the water complements the green tiles of the deck. White potted plants are scattered throughout.
Simplicity is key in this living space. Trinkets from local markets can be seen on the shelves.
The various patterns in the hallway work surprisingly well together. The oversized blue and red tapestry art creates a moment in the otherwise spare space.
In the “India Room,” small subtle details, like the hanging artwork, are an ode to the culture and art of India.
Designers Philomena Merckoll and Michel Meniere found everything for the hotel in local markets.
Exotic patterns like the one on this pouf are scattered amongst the hotel.
White drapes that are ceiling height make the living room feel airy and filled with light.
A red egg chair is a surprisingly modern addition to the otherwise boho room.
In one of the master bathrooms, the french doors open to a balcony. Portions of the window are stained amber which will no doubt provide a beautiful effect inside when the doors are closed.
Each room boasts an authentic Moroccan rug. Oversized lamps add drama to this suite.
Located off to the side of the bedroom is a nook that might just become your perfect summer sanctuary. Lazer-cut window cages filter light in a mix of patterns.
This white patio looks like the perfect place to dine under the Moroccan sky.
Bright Moroccan poufs in various colors outfit this balcony, offering a comfy place to take in the sun.
Photos courtesy of Riad Mena and Beyond