At the welcoming and simple living area of Riad Safir that does not have a formal reception area.
This was where we had our breakfast but you can choose to go up to the rooftop if you wish to catch an overview of the riad’s surroundings in Meknes, Morocco.
An interesting Moroccan door with two smaller discrete moorish nspired archways. These short entryways consisting of a door within a door was crafted to reflect the Islamic virtue of humility. The height of the doors required persons to bow their heads upon entering the house or room in this case. That is what would happen, unless you are height challenged like I am.
A Riad is a traditional Moroccan house or palace with an indoor garden and courtyard and usually located within the Medina walls or Old City. Water fountains are also a regular fixture in a Moroccan home. This pool blends so well in the environment that my friend actually stumbled into the water whilst busy taking photographs. Good thing he kept his balance and saved his camera and himself from a free soak.
Riads are known for their open ceiling structures but it is fully enclosed inside, insulated with high strength, neutral walls with minimal vents to keep out heat and street noise.
Riads, commonly found all over Morocco used to be the abodes of wealthy merchants and traders. Over time, most of these properties have been converted into luxury guest houses for the enjoyment of local and foreign tourists.
This is a Deluxe Room about 20sq m in size within Safir Riad, that is contemporary and distinctly different from the others but the comfort level is not in any way compromised.
The rooms are all located on the mezzanine and second floors and are connected by a maze of passageways and two different courtyards. This room is decorated with traditional colourful Moroccan mosaics of geometrical or arabesques designs. This particular room has an attic hiding behind the highly stylised wooden door up the ladder, that sleeps another person.
Zellij is a tile work of mosaics that are all hand chiselled and where different coloured tiles are fitted together to form various patterns and notably elaborate Islamic geometric motifs such as the radiating star patterns consisting of various polygons. This bathroom displays very strong Moroccan accents which makes it very special.
This Deluxe Room is 20sq m in size with a high ceiling, romantic four poster bed, mood lighting and a contemporary styling that makes it very inviting and cosy.
Every room here at Safir Riad has an ensuite bathroom which is a real bonus as I do not fancy waking up in the middle of the night and having to go outside through the maze of passageways to take a leak.
The Riad is adorned with Brass lamps, rugs and carpets that are usually handwoven or handcrafted and you only need to visit the souk to witness some of the artisans at work to see their immaculate skills.
This is the living area adjoining the Superior Room, Rissani which is tastefully furnished for guests to lounge in and simply chill.
The Rissani Superior Room is 30 sq m and has a unique reed ceiling, straw and earth walls that took two craftsmen three weeks to complete. The raw materials was transported from Southern Morocco for this transformation to take place.
A cute little twin arched Moorish window that you can peek through and see what is happening downstairs. In my mind’s eye, I can see how the owner could look through this window and observe who had just arrived and entered the house without being noticed.
A quaint little bookcase hanging on the wall along the passageway that caught my eye. I simply love the little details and finishing touches that make this Riad both so welcoming and comfortable, like a second home away from home!
Beautiful door with intricate carvings and colours flanked by a pair of filigree wrought iron stained glass windows.
This filigree balcony, the amazing decorated door frames that are so intricately carved and the painted woodwork just blows me away. It is just so gorgeous and I count myself to be super lucky to have stayed in such a lovely space.
This is the third level where the rooftop is. You can choose to have your breakfast here and replenish some Vitamin D whilst here.
A nice corner to chill and smoke a shisha pipe perhaps!
A good day with clear blue skies for a lovely breakfast at the roof terrace.
Another interesting section at the roof terrace to chill and have your brekkie, if you like the sun smiling on you.
This was my breakfast at Safir Riad and I cannot stop raving about the delicious baguettes they serve here in Morocco which I reckon they give the ones in France a run for their money! Another is the freshly squeezed orange juice they serve at breakfast which is so, so good compared to the ones we pour from the cartons.
Meknes is a city in Northern Morocco well known for its imperial past and especially the remnants of the colourful and monumental gate located at the south side of Place el-Hedim in the old city, the Bab Mansour. This was the main ceremonial entrance to the Kasbah of Sultan Moulay Ismail built in the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
How should I put it? You can’t have experienced Morocco properly until you have stayed in a Riad within the Medina!
travelikeme 