If you decide to stay in the medina, head to the darling 3 bedroom courtyard house named Riad Tarabel, after the owner's family castle in Toulouse. Tucked inconspicuously behind a grandiose antique iron door, it's central perimeters are far enough away from the dusty side streets.
When I arrived, the lovely French hostess Elsa, a friend of the proprietors, was wearing a white vintage caftan while woman-ing the fort. She shared her trusty knowledge, making suggestions for special things to do and see in and outside of the medina walls.
There was fresh mint tea brewing and almond stuffed cookies with a touch of chocolate.
And perfect little touches everywhere.
Silk mandarin lanterns rocked gently from branches of blooming orange trees.
An impossibly romantic claw foot tub easily made me swoon. Very World of Interiors.
There was the prettiest fountain filled with rose petals in the courtyard. It becomes even more dressed up after dusk with flickering candles.
And handsome Moroccan slippers sat prettily in my room to wear and to keep. So thoughtful, don't you think?
It was the sort of place I imagined spending late afternoons, after unraveling the mysteries of the Moroccan souks, curled up in a deep, sound slumber...
Riad Tarabel : 8 Derb Sraghna, Dar El Bacha 011/212-524-39-17-06
P.S. A heartfelt thank you, or shoukran, goes to Hamid and Fatah for your company and scrumptious homemade sandwiches. The next time I visit your magical city, I will bring you some DVDs starring Michael Douglas, just as I promised :)
(images: yves duronsoy)
Thank you ever so much, Victoria!
Posted by: Natalie | January 14, 2011 at 01:35 AM
Those are chic and soothing outdoors interior, the views are breathtaking! feels so airy and refreshing! Love the bedroom too, white is always be my favorite color!! So fabulous, so is the blog. Thank You for taking us with you. It was a great post indeed!
Posted by: Victoria Bellow | January 13, 2011 at 04:01 AM
nice pictures. i wish i was there!
Posted by: juliette | September 22, 2010 at 04:24 PM
How darling. Love the photos.
Posted by: Ashley | September 21, 2010 at 06:32 PM