THE NECTAR

It leads us through bright red, narrow streets until we reach a heavy, ornately decorated door. Behind it is the heavenly world of the Riad Mena of the cool owner Philomena Schurer Merckoll. We are warmly welcomed and enter the exotic-looking inner courtyard: blooming bird of paradise flowers, coconut palms towering into the sky, orange trees, the twittering of birds and the smell of freshly prepared Moroccan housewives' food. A step into another world - with all your senses.

Together with designer Romain Michel-Meniere, Philomena renovated the 18th century riad and carefully designed a chic oasis of well-being. The luxurious rooms blend cosmopolitan aesthetics and minimalism with traditional Moroccan culture and architecture. Wonderfully soft, cream-colored Berber carpets, high-end bathroom designs and, above all, an incredibly comfortable and spacious bed. You will experience a special highlight in The Indian Room: in the afternoon the light falls through the oriental decorated wooden shutters and creates a unique play of shadows! The pool always invites you to refresh yourself.

THE PULSE

On our first evening we are surprised with a phenomenal dinner that is unparalleled in the city. Different traditional, Moroccan dishes (including tajines, of course, but not only!) Follow one another and fill the table with exotic delicacies. The very shy cooks deserve praise! Breakfast takes place in the idyllic courtyard: olives are served with Moroccan flatbread, pancakes and homemade jams.

The riad is located in the middle of the medina, so that you can always take a break after strolling through the city. We particularly recommend an afternoon drink on the roof terrace and a cooling dip in the picturesque pool in the rear courtyard, which with the great tiles is also a sensational photo location.

The door-hinge discussions with the in-house staff were particularly exciting. In Morocco, many political developments can and must (unfortunately) also be viewed critically. The history of the Berbers or, politically, much better, the Amazigh opened up a whole new horizon of Moroccan culture and inspired us to explore the Atlas Mountains, thank you for that!

MUST DO

※ Breakfast with the chirping of birds, between palm trees and in the middle of the medina

※ Be sure to experience this unique "lost-in-medina" feeling. It is a mix of adventure, tension, panic and joie de vivre!

※ Extensive forays through the souks

※ Chilling by the pool and with a drink on the roof terrace

※ A visit to Phelomina's favorite shop: Mustapha Blaoui

※ Be sure to stop by the in-house design shop - great for collector's items!