Step into a pretty alleyway steeped in history and pass through our large carved door. Our Riad Le Voile d’Orient opens up to you and reveals its secrets, in the heart of the Medina. Once inside our house, a world within a world awaits you, an authentic world where you will find peace, relaxation and a change of scenery.

A RIAD is a traditional Moroccan residence located within the walls of the old city, ‘the Medina’. It is entirely enclosed inside, set apart by solid walls to maintain a degree of privacy and featuring minimal ventilation to shield against the heat and noise of the street.

Riads are known for their inner courtyards, decorated with colourful traditional mosaics known as ‘Zellij’ and featuring a water feature surrounded by plants, trees and flowers.

Another distinctive feature is the presence of spacious rooftop terraces offering panoramic views of the Medina.

A blend of architectural styles

The structure of the riad has its origins in ancient civilisations and is a perfect blend of different architectural styles.

Architecturally, the façade and walls of the riad are distinguished by their private nature.

An inward-facing design

Unlike ordinary homes, the windows of riads face the inner courtyard and garden, to protect the family’s privacy but also to shield them from the weather.  

This inward-facing design and the absence of large external windows further highlight the central garden, the courtyard and the swimming pool.

Refined decoration

The walls, typically made of brick, are usually covered with authentic lime plaster or tadelakt, a smooth, waterproof finish, and Zellij tiles.

The walls may be decorated with carved wood for a more refined look.

A UNESCO-protected heritage

Recently, foreign travellers’ interest in this type of residence in Morocco, particularly in Fez and Marrakech, has sparked a wave of renovations.

This has led to certain medinas being recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.