Marrakesh, MoroccoDar El Bacha
Riad Dar Saad
Architect-restored medina riad
Dar El Bacha Marrakesh, Morocco
Opened
2004
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Local WellnessOutside the door
Architect-restored medina riad
Interconnected historic townhouses run as an intimate guesthouse, linking a quiet courtyard pool with sunny rooftop terraces.
What it’s good at
Notable
Restored medina townhouses arranged around leafy courtyards, serving home-cooked tagines on the roof.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Riad Dar Saad is a collection of restored houses brought together by an architect with a long-standing love for Marrakech.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Dar El Bacha Palace sits just down the alley. Beyond it, the busy market lanes of the medina unfold.
The rooms
Rooms open onto the quiet courtyards, decorated with regional art and sculptural alcoves set into the walls.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A tiled plunge pool sits in the plant-filled central courtyard, bordered by brass lanterns and a wall fountain.
The hammam
Warm stone benches and washing basins line the amber tadelakt steam chamber, softly lit by candle niches.
The spa
Massage tables sit beneath arched alcoves behind gridded glass partitions, offering bodywork with argan and aromatic oils.
The Restaurant
Clay tagines and seasonal Moroccan dishes arrive at tables set beside the courtyard plunge pool.
How it began
Architect Jean-Claude visited Marrakesh for fifteen years before buying the first riad, gradually linking adjoining houses alongside his daughter.
Marrakesh
More like this
Riad Dar Al Dall - This Time Tomorrow in Marrakech
“Medina courtyard cocoon”
Riad Marrakech Rumi
“Intimate medina sanctuary”
Maison Brummell Majorelle
“Sculptural terracotta sanctuary”
Riad No.37
“Nordic riad hideaway”
IZZA
“Bohemian gallery refuge”
Riad Botanica
“Cross-cultural botanical bolthole”
Riad Rosemary
“Artisan studio hideaway”
Riad Tarabel
“Provençal medina cocoon”
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
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.