What Is a Riad?: A Guide to the Traditional Moroccan House

Looking for a culture-rich stay in the ‘Kingdom of Light’? Riads are the perfect accommodation choice for travellers seeking authenticity, affordable luxury, and unforgettable memories. These traditional homes blend the best parts of Moroccan architecture, meticulous craftsmanship, zellige tilework, carved arches, and cedar wood ceilings to ensure you can get a taste of the country’s culture.

But what exactly is a Riad, and how does it differ from a hotel? In this guide, our travel experts break down why staying in a Riad is the best option when travelling to Morocco.

What is a Riad?

Originating from the Arabic word ‘ryad’, which means ‘garden’, riads are traditional Moroccan homes characterised by an inward-facing design and open-air courtyard. Historically, they served as residences for wealthy families, providing a quiet sanctuary from the bustling medina.

The layout of these homes reflects Morocco’s culture and climate; the inward-facing design was meant to shield families, specifically women, from the public eye, while the courtyard created a microclimate to protect from hot Moroccan weather.

Today, riads across the country have been converted into luxury guesthouses, allowing tourists to experience an important part of Moroccan history. There’s an air of exclusivity staying in one, sharing a serene hideaway with just a few other lucky guests. They ground you in the history of the country; you’ll feel it in the gratitude of escaping the midday sun and bustle of the souks, with your own little spot to refresh the senses. You’re in the heart of the action – true riads are always in the old part of town – yet may as well be miles away from the hustle and bustle. Plus, nothing quite beats the vistas from the rooftops at sunset.

Inside a Traditional Moroccan House

The Courtyard

The layout of a riad is steeped in Moroccan culture, where family and privacy are prized. Though the exterior walls of the home are plain and windowless for ultimate privacy, the courtyard is the beating heart of a riad. It acts as a multi-functional sanctuary, providing lush greenery, vibrant blooms, natural sunlight, and cool air.

The Decor

The decor of a riad is imbued with the artistic styles of old Morocco. You’ll find Islamic geometric patterns, gentle curves, and a boggling attention to detail. Floral designs are favoured, with each carefully chosen style designed to amplify the riad’s central garden feature. The style is enviable; it’s, on the one hand, intricate and artisanal and, on the other, clean and deceptively simple.

The Fountain

Modern, converted riads may feature swimming pools to cater to tourists, but traditional houses usually have a central, shallow fountain to mask outdoor noise and dip your feet in when the heat is scorching.

The Garden

A riad garden generally has a curated selection of plants and flowers, handpicked for their beauty and functionality. Orange trees offer an intoxicating fragrance and shade from the heat; jasmine flowers are a staple for their heady perfume, which becomes even stronger in the evening; and mint can be easily grown in the courtyard for fresh picking for traditional Moroccan tea.

Atay: Morocco’s Mint Tea Ritual

Serving mint tea in Morocco is the ultimate act of hospitality – a ceremonial gesture of respect and friendship. Atay is usually prepared by the head of the household, welcoming guests into their home. Chinese gunpowder green tea is brewed with fresh mint leaves and poured from a height of a foot or more to aerate the drink and create its signature foam or ‘raza’.

A key aspect of the ritual is steeping the same leaves for three rounds, with each serving developing in flavour, as described by the famous proverb: ‘The first glass is as gentle as life, the second is strong as love, the third is as bitter as death.’

The Rooftop

Another key element of the riad is the rooftop terrace, which typically was where families enjoyed panoramic views of the medina, the Atlas Mountains, Koutoubia Mosque, and the sunset. Plenty of riad hotels offer furnished rooftops where guests can lounge, dine, or sunbathe. If you’re lucky enough to experience a riad stay in Marrakech, why not enjoy breakfast on the rooftop terrace while the sun rises?

Riad vs. Dar vs. Hotel: Where to Stay in Morocco

Riads and Dars are both exceptional accommodation options when visiting Morocco. The few differences between them lie in their sizes; riads are generally bigger than dars, allowing them to feature verdant gardens and fountains, while dars (‘house’ in Arabic) will have smaller courtyards. Think of a riad as the grander garden villa and a dar as a smaller, charming house; both offer private, inward-focused stays in the medina.

While Morocco is a vast country, home to a wealth of luxury hotels and resorts, culturally and historically speaking, they pale in comparison. Riads offer a more intimate stay, nestled in the heart of the bustling Medina for travellers wanting an authentic experience of Morocco, while hotels tend to be in the centre of larger cities or beaches for travellers wanting a luxury getaway.

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