Riad Jardin Secret: A Lush Oasis Hidden In Marrakech

When I entered through the heavy, wooden doors from the bustling streets of Marrakech into the inner courtyard of Riad Jardin Secret, I was reminded of one of my favourite childhood movies, The Secret Garden. Leaving the chaotic energy of the outside world to discover the overwhelmingly lush jungle foliate of the riad felt reminiscent of the scene where the protagonist turns the key in the door, overgrown with thick vines, to reveal a hidden garden sanctuary.

I was so completely smitten with Riad Jardin Secret from the moment I walked in — from the curated walls to the sunny rooftop for a vintage motorcycle chilling in the foyer…. there wasn’t anything I didn’t adore. My trained designer eyes were so overwhelmed by the visual feast of the place that I couldn’t bear to close them for a minute.

1/ THE COURTYARD OASIS

Riads are guesthouses that were converted from stately city homes of wealthy Moroccan citizens, characterized by inner courtyards. The one at Riad Jardin Secret is a dense forest of greenery with a zellij fountain and has two gigantic plants reaching from the ground floor all the way up to the roof. I loved getting lost amid the leafy greenery, occasionally encountering the resident, hyper kitten and an adventurous tortoise.

2/ THE ARTISAN DETAILS

Once you get a little more accustomed to how gorgeous this riad is as a whole, take your time drinking in all of the little artisan details that are original to the home like the colourful zellij tiles, hand-painted mosaics on the ceilings and the intricately carved walls and doors.

03/ THE GRACIOUS HOSTS

Everything about Riad Jardin Secret is dreamy and romantic, including of how it came to be owned by two Parisian lovers, Julien and Cyrielle. They were the perfect hosts – gracious and helpful, imparting advice for which hammams were the best and welcoming us with a handwritten note in our room.

4/ THE EXPERT CURATION

Both Cyrielle and Julien have a background in fashion and their effortless style was infused into every inch of Riad Jardin Secret, from the black and white prints adorning the walls – taken by Cyrielle – to the vintage market finds that were chosen with care and a discerning eye. Every room was full of treasures and deliberately arranged to craft an elegant scene, accenting the rich history of the riad.

5/ THE LOCALLY FURNISHED ROOMS

I adored the grand feeling to the suites with the high ceilings and the smooth tadelakt surface bathrooms. While those are characteristic of Moroccan architecture, what gives the rooms that local flavour are the furnishings that are a nod to local craftsmanship with patterned kilim pillows, woven rugs, and antique tray tables.

6/ THE PRIVATE NOOKS

Reflected in the architecture is the Islamic concept of privacy and inward focus, much like hijabs for women. Set along the walls between the rooms on the second storey were secluded little nooks where you could relax with a glass of mint tea and a book, undisturbed.

7/ THE HIDDEN WORKSPACE

Returning from the souks with a hard-earned wedding blanket, I was searching for a bag to stash it in and wandered into a back room by the kitchens of Riad Jardin Secret. Open to the sky with healthy hanging plants reaching the floor, there was a work table covered with bowls of fruit and photography equipment and a motorcycle casually standing nearby. I loved how even their private areas were curated to perfection!

8/ THE ROOFTOP JUNGLE

As stylishly decorated as the rest of the establishment, the roof of Riad Jardin Secret is the perfect combination of red terracotta and plethora of cactus varietals lining the walls. Opt to have your breakfast at one of the many beautifully furnished niches, plush with pillows and low trays. If a fear of heights isn’t a deterrent, climb a bit higher to the raised platform to enjoy some sunshine and a view of turquoise rooftops.

9/ THE SWEET LITTLE SWING

You can’t leave this riad without a round on the sweet little swing! It adds whimsy to the Parisian sophistication of the decor, framed by a grand archway and hanging amid flourishing Birds of Paradise plants.

10/ THE MOROCCAN BREAKFAST

Included in a night’s stay, breakfast at Riad Jardin Secret is not only delicious and freshly made by an in-house chef but almost too pretty to eat. From a selection of little jars of jam to indulgent pastries to artfully arranged fruit served on emerald green platters with bright glasses of orange juice to wash it all down.

NOTES:

Riad Jardin Secret
43 – 46 Arset Aouzal | Bab Taghzout,
Marrakech 40000, Morocco
+212 5 24 37 66 06
contact@riadjardinsecret.com

Transportation:
You can arrange a taxi through the riad (150 MAD) or get one straight from the airport. I recommend the former option as it’s easier. You’ll most likely get dropped off on the street side as the other way is through an alley where vehicles can’t fit. Call ahead so they’ll know to let you in through a garage area.

Rooms:
Cost: €110 – 220 / 2 Adults / night
Number of Rooms: 2 rooms and 2 suites
Room Capacity: 11 people
Wifi? Yes
Breakfast is included

Nearby:
To Do: Spice Souk, Bahia Palace, El Badi Palace, Saadian Tombs
To Eat: La Maison Arabe I recommend the mushroom saffron risotto and the chocolate creme brûlée.
Marrakech Henna Art Cafe Really cool women’s collective where you can enjoy authentic Moroccan food while getting intricate henna done! Proceeds go to the education of women.

Tips:
– They also have an in-house chef if you want a quiet meal at the riad but let them know ahead of time. Vegetarian meals available.
– There are two entrances: one through a narrow alleyway and one through a garage from the streets. You can go to La Maison Arabe from the street side and ask them to call the riad so someone can come open the door for you.

Riad Jardin Secret was MORE than worth the heftier price tag. If you have a more modest budget but don’t want to sacrifice beauty, check out Riad Yasmine.

Keep your stalking game strong and follow me @teriaki if you aren’t already!