Riad Fes in Fez, Morocco - More Gorgeous Moorish Architecture

Many of you are aware of my love of Moorish architecture.  My latest 

installment of Moorish architecture comes from Fez, Morocco where the

fabulous Riad Fes is located.  Riad Fes is a part of the Relais Chateaux 

group which is synonymous with luxury and the creme of the crop.  To 

give you an idea, The Orient Express rail group is also a part of this 

prestigious club.  As you can see above, the entrance courtyard to Riad

Fes is absolutely stunning.

Here it is during the day time.  When I see this courtyard, I feel a sense 

of calm and cleanliness.  Somewhere a little out of this world.

The inner courtyard is what a very luxurious 

yet traditional Riad might look like.

Here it is lit up at night.  The intricate tiles and 

motifs in the arches are just gorgeous.

This 8 pointed star is a very common shape

in Moroccan or Moorish architecture.

A closer look at the dipping pool shows gorgeous 

tree motifs on the wall of tiles.

No Riad is complete without a roof top terrace.  The 

views from this terrace are absolutely breathtaking.

An aerial view of the grand courtyard.

Another breathtaking view of the walled Medina.

Every room and space in the Riad is very tastefully decorated.

Love the use of the Venetian styled mirrors on the wall.

Love the dark colored motif in this room.

It's stately and elegant.

Each room boasts different color schemes, layouts and decor.

Each bathroom is also designed to match the room.  Every thought

of what a black Moroccan motif bathroom might look like?  Here 

it is paired with silver leaf which is a fine combination, I might add.

Here is something a little more traditional and homey.

Or perhaps a suite would suit you better - one with ultra tall ceilings.

And of course a luxurious bathroom.

Architecture & Design Library: Moroccan Style

If you enjoyed this tour or love Moroccan design as well, you should

definitely check out this book:  Architecture & Design Library - Moroccan 

Style.  I haven't done a post on Moroccan furniture yet but adore Moroccan 

sofas and tables.

Photos from Riad Fes

Moroccan Outdoor Flair

I don't know about you, but I absolutely adore Moroccan architecture

and design.  This was a budget patio makeover for a space that

previously looked very bare.  Morocco has this air of mystery and

allure to it.  The makeover is super fun and filled with color.

A lot of the materials were reused vintage pieces or common items

easily purchased at a store that were repurposed.  Add paint and

some fun Moroccan tea glasses and voila!

This little fountain is definitely one of the highlights of the

makeover.  Love the upholstered bench next to it as well.

Here's another home with a patio that has gone with a distinctly Moroccan

 motif.  Moroccan furniture is very unique in its low flat design and fabrics

 that come in a myriad of colors.

Another modern interpretation of Moroccan outdoor

living with colorful lanterns.

I love this very layered and "lived in" look.

The great think about Moroccan decor is that it's

easy to mix textures, fabrics and accessories.

I love what the ownders did with their gazebo.  They

outfitted it with low, streamlined frames and covered

the sitting area with Moroccan mattresses and tons

of throw pillows and throws.  The colors are bright

and fresh. 

Morocco Chic

Found this fabulous book on Moroccan decor.

For more Moroccan inspiration, this is a fun

book.

In the meantime, spring and summer are just

around the corner.  Hopefully this post has

jumpstarted some ideas for outdoor living.

Photos from HGTV and Domino

A Luxe and Otherworldly Moroccan Boutique Hotel in Marrakech - Part II (the Rooms)

This, ladies and gentleman is a dream spa room for me.  The tall ceilings to

the architectural details, perfect lighting and the fun designs on the wall

from  the lantern all contribute to make this space peaceful and beautiful.

This is a continuation from Monday's article on the gorgeous boutique hotel

Dar Les Cigognes in Marrakech, Morocco.

Each of their 11 rooms are decorated differently and beautifully.  This

is the silver room.  The details on the ceiling are just gorgeous.

The  bathroom is not huge but it is luxurious and very well designed.  The bathtub looks to be made entirely from concrete - oh the things you can do with concrete are just amazing.  There are arches everywhere.

The lines and furniture in the room marry traditional moroccan decor with modern furnishings and clean lines.  It's just fantastic - especially the fireplace design!

This is the Harem Suite and named appropriately so in this sinly and decadent crimson color.  I love it!

Totally fell in love with this room as soon as I laid eyes on this image.  This is the Safari suite and the shade of green is just perfection.  It's really hard to get that perfect shade and the designers managed to get it just right.

This is Safari deluxe room.  The room is simply decorated -- but it is just perfect.  Not too much and too minimalistic.

Gorgeous wood beams with a berber carpet really make this a luxuriously rustic space.

A traditional Berber styled lounging area.

The Library

Last but not least is the dining room with a gorgeous chandelier.

What ambinence the dining room has at night.

The Villas and Riads of Morocco

If you love Moroccan design as much as I do, check out these two books.  I have several books on Moroccan design and am buying more!

Living in Morocco
Design from Casablanca to Marrakech

I hope you enjoyed "eyeing" this hotel as much as I did.  I'd love to stay there some day.  If you love all things Morocco, Maryam of My Marrakesh is THE blog to check out.

Photos from Dar Les Cigognes

A Luxe and Otherworldly Moroccan Boutique Hotel in Marrakech - Part I (the Property)

I recently discovered this gorgeous Moroccan Boutique Hotel in Marrakech

that has been renovated to perfection.  This property is located in the old

town of Marrakech and was originally owned by a wealthy merchant.  The

developer took two Riads (traditional Arab home with an interior world

built around a courtyard with fruit trees and a fountain) and worked with

an architect to create this astounding boutique hotel.  The hotel is called

Dar Les Cigognes and it boasts 11 guest rooms and suites which are all

decorated differently and beautifully designed.

When viewing the images of this property, I totally fell in love with

all of the details and the authenticity of the place.  You can tell the

developers really put in a lot of care and attention to detail with the

architect to create this place.  You definitely feel as if you're in a

different world.

The lighting in this image is absolutely perfect to showcase this fountain.

The hotel boasts a hamman as well. 
This is the entrance to the hamman.

Here you can see the same fountain by night.

The courtyard is brilliantly lit with lamps and moroccan lanterns by night.

You can see the incredible detail and workmanship.  It's just amazing.

The rooftop deck is not forgotten and gorgeous views can be seen from there.

A gorgeous lounging area to have mint tea.  Stay tuned for the second post

on this property which will feature all of the rooms.  You won't be
disappointed!

All images from Dar Les Cignognes