Moroccan cuisine is wonderfully exciting: appealing to look at, delicately spiced with subtle blends of flavours, full of fresh ingredients and delicious to eat. It has been described as "the perfumed soul of Moroccan culture", a blend of Berber, African, Arabian and European influences.
Dishes are placed in the centre of the table often in earthenware dishes in which they are cooked and everyone tucks in. Most
Marrakech, the “Red City” at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, is an unforgettable cultural destination. Fascinating, full of history and very beautiful, it combines the peace and tranquility of delightful gardens and historic palaces with the excitement and bustle of the souk. Step back in time and stroll through the alleys of the Medina to the famous Djemaa el Fna, which is only a short walk from Ryad Laarouss ... sip mint tea in a quiet courtyard after wandering through the colourful stalls ... haggle with the voluble but friendly salesmen for handmade goods of all sorts ... ride the open top buses throughout the city ... take a horse-drawn carriage around the delightful labyrinth of the souks ... enjoy a trip to the spectacular Atlas mountains, the coast (Essaouira) or sand dunes of the Sahara desert. Or, if you have the energy, do all of the above!
The Moroccan people are extremely friendly and welcoming to visitors and as a guest in Marrakech you should observe local traditions and cultural practices. Religion plays a very important part in Moroccan life and.the call to prayer will be heard several times a day. Morocco observes the traditional feast days of the Muslim year, including Ramadan, the month of fasting. It is important also to respect the peace and privacy of your neighbours in the Medina and to conform to local dress codes; for example non-Moroccan women should take care not to wear revealing clothes, in particular short skirts, shorts and low cut tops.
Alcohol may not be consumed in public in the Medina except in private residences and some western establishments and drugs are strictly forbidden. If you would like more information about Moroccan culture and traditions, please refer to the recommended guides or Lieve will be happy to answer any questions you have.
meals start with olives and mezze, a selection of salads served as dips with traditional flatbread. Then the famous tagine (usually roast lamb with vegetables and couscous) may be served with a salad, followed by a simple dessert such as a platter of prepared fresh fruits and sweets. Mint tea finishes the meal.
You may want to try the array of open-air food stalls in Djemaa el Fna or Lieve can make reservations for you at local restaurants. If you prefer you may dine in the Ryad by arrangement, with local food prepared by Rachida. We can also arrange cookery demos and some hands-on practice so you can make your own Moroccan dishes on your return home!
Getting to Marrakech is easy, British Airways, Easyjet, Royal Air Maroc, Atlas Blue, KLM, Thompson and Air France all have regular flights from most major cities. For the more adventurous, why not travel by sea, by train from London Waterloo station or by car. There are good ferry connections to Tangiers and fast trains from Tangiers via Casablanca to Marrakech. Ryad Laarouss is a mere fifteen minute taxi ride from the airport and taxis are cheap and reliable. If required, guests can arrange to be met at the airport.
Travelling around the city is also easy, inside the Medina most destinations are within walking distance. If you want to explore further afield, taxis and buses cover the city, including the new town Gueliz, the golf courses and the Palmeraie. Horse-drawn carriages are a fun way to visit the Palm Gardens and the Medina in style.
The local currency is the dirham. One pound sterling = 16 dhs, one Euro = 11 dhs. It is easy to exchange money at the airport on arrival. There are banks and ATMs/cash-points in the Medina and Gueliz. Each morning at 10 am the exchange rates are announced and banks use the same rate.
Tipping is customary, we suggest you carry small change when visiting the souks. In general, payment in cash is expected at stalls although Visa and Mastercard are accepted in restaurants, hotels and in Gueliz.
Come to Ryad Laarouss and find your“oasis in time”
To inspire you further there are many excellent guides to Marrakech (see resources below) and an information pack is provided in the Ryad. Lieve can also arrange tours and outings on request using local, official guides.
