Marrakesh, MoroccoDar El Bacha
72 Riad
Minimalist medina riad
Dar El Bacha Marrakesh, Morocco
Opened
2001
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Local WellnessOutside the door
Minimalist medina riad
Italian restraint strips the medina riad to its essentials, letting quiet courtyards and open sky set the rhythm.
What it’s good at
Notable
Monochrome Milanese minimalism meets hand-carved cedar ceilings and artisan zellij tilework.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
72 Riad is proof that riad hospitality can scale up without losing its essential charm.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Dar El Bacha palace sits steps away, and the winding alleys of Bab Doukkala lead straight into the souks.
The rooms
Grand Suites keep their original carved wooden ceilings, and one has a square Japanese-style bath shaped from tadelakt.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
An open-air plunge pool looks out across the medina from the rooftop, and daybeds flank another in the courtyard.
The hammam and spa
Perforated skylights illuminate the domed marble steam room, and arched portals lead to a quiet relaxation lounge.
At the table
Dinner brings slow-cooked lamb tanjia to candlelit tables set in the courtyard garden or beneath an ornate rooftop pavilion.
How it began
The house started as a 1920s palace, reputedly built on a wager with the Pasha of Marrakesh.
Marrakesh
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.