Luxurious Magazine’s Simon Wittenberg is the first journalist in the world to enjoy a rare stay at the newly-opened Nobu Riad in Morocco’s “Red City”.
A riad is a traditional Moroccan home centred around an open courtyard or garden. It provides an inner sanctuary of tranquillity shielded from the hustle and bustle of daily life. This is the very experience that awaits guests at Nobu Riad, which opened its doors only a few weeks ago, on November 1st.
Purchased by the owners of the nearby sister property – the five-star Nobu Hotel Marrakech, the 400-year-old riad, once the home of a wealthy merchant in the 19th century, sits tucked away on a narrow street lined with orange trees.
Only five minutes walk away from the famed UNESCO World Heritage Jemaa el-Fnaa Square and lively souks of the medina; the riad was subject to an extensive four-year renovation.
Completed in September of this year, following what can only be the result of a sizeable investment, the architectural splendour of this very well-located riad has been painstakingly restored to create a new standard of luxury and a unique urban retreat for those seeking the ultimate private experience in the heart of Marrakesh, Morocco’s fourth-largest city.
“The architectural splendour of this very well-located riad has been painstakingly restored to create a new echelon of luxury and a unique urban retreat for those seeking the ultimate private experience in the heart of Marrakesh.”
The only clues which reveal that this is a Nobu property are the illuminated insignia perched up high and an imposing wooden door furnished with the famed logo of the restaurant and hotel group owned by Nobu Matsuhisa, actor Robert De Niro, and film producer Meir Teper.
Beyond this, there are no other clues to what lies inside, or indeed who is occupying this spectacular riad.
Passing through the discrete reception area lined with rows of tall stone pots and vases, and where a butler is at the beck and call of guests around the clock, visitors are welcomed by a light and airy 150 square-metre courtyard filled with an inviting scent of orange blossom. Being fully open to the elements, guests can pull up a seat to sit back and relax around the central rose petal-filled fountain, shielded from the sun’s beaming rays by day and where a starry sky entertains visitors by night.
It is also here in the “main square” of the riad, that one can admire the three different tiers of this property dressed in a subtle cream hue, which are characterised by large arched windows shielded by pillars, a suspended external walkway, and natural palms which rise up from the ground to the rooftop.
Sitting around this focal point of Nobu Riad are the six individually appointed suites capable of accommodating up to 12 people, and where all are subject to a single block booking due to the highly exclusive nature of this property.
The three Junior Suites (see below) on the ground floor are intimate and cosy and come complete with open fireplaces and a walk-in shower for the largest of these (at 28 square metres).
What is clearly evident at Nobu Riad is the meticulous attention to detail, where no stone has literally been left unturned so that the original features of this Moroccan riad – steeped in four centuries of history, merge seamlessly with today’s technology. Walls have been covered in tadelakt plaster to deliver a rustic effect, with the high ceilings featuring exposed eucalyptus and walnut wooden beams to deliver added character.
The historic nature of this building is equally reflected via antique Berber artefacts, handmade furniture, and carefully chosen fixtures so as to not compromise on an authentic Moroccan experience. Even the ceiling-mounted air conditioning units feature an ornate, carved wooden cover to preserve the look of yesteryear, and there are minute light switches to not disturb the flow of the décor, which can just be flicked on and off at the touch of a finger.
On the far side of the courtyard, still at street level, is one of many soft seating areas, and this particular lounge houses the only TV to be found at Nobu Riad, meaning there are no in-room flatscreens to detract the eye from the beauty of the many original artworks which line the walls.
Guests are also greeted here in the dining room, which is furnished with a long sculpted wooden table and arched turquoise doors – an original feature of the riad that conceals the private kitchen. On this point, the daily rate, which extends to up to €7,000 (around £6,000) per night in high season (for example, when the autumn and winter temperatures are cooler), includes a delicious breakfast buffet, and a light lunch prepared by chefs at Nobu Riad, according to individual dietary preferences gathered at the time of booking and beyond.
Other meals, such as dinner, are charged at around €300 per sitting, and being only a five-minute drive away from Nobu Hotel Marrakech, guests have the opportunity to order signature dishes from the renowned Nobu menu to enjoy inside or al fresco on the rooftop.
Climbing the winding narrow stone staircase from the courtyard to the first floor reveals another small lounge which peers out over the courtyard and a further three suites, including the 55 square-metre split-level “Royal Suite” – the flagship offering at Nobu Riad, which we had the privilege of staying in.
Opening the large glass doors, guests are welcomed by a private soft seating area complete with a minibar, which gives way to a shallow set of stone steps to reach the sleeping and cleansing quarters.
Flanked by traditional Moroccan-pointed slippers and fresh dates on the side tables, forming the centrepiece of this remarkable accommodation is a large bed with a crisp white plush mattress on a rich wooden dark base to deliver an air of elegance.
This is the perfect location to lie back and peer through an “oculus” – a preserved circular opening in the light exposed brick wall, where the vista opens up onto the second tier of the courtyard when the wooden shutters are retracted, and the floor-to-ceiling curtains are drawn back.
Sitting behind the sizeable wooden headboard is a free-standing bath with similarly free-standing matt black taps which complement the wheel-like faucets that look over the handmade twin sinks where the base has been carved from rock and which are lined with numerous Nobu kits and luxury accessories.
What is special in this suite when traversing the herringbone-style stone floor is the walk-in shower, which sports a concrete-like look and doubles up as a digitally controlled hammam with a built-in stepped seating area. Opposite is a separate WC and bidet behind a discrete frosted glass partition.
The pinnacle of Nobu Riad is, of course, the third level of this property – the rooftop, a haven for relaxation and light exercise for the mind, body and soul.
The exercise bike points towards the silhouette of the Atlas Mountains in the distance at sunrise, next to the four cabanas on the wooden decking, which are dressed with neatly rolled white, soft Nobu Riad-branded towels to dry off after a dip in Nobu Riad’s own refreshing rectangular pool, which doubles up as a jacuzzi.
It is here that you can pour a glass of Moroccan tea, have a cup of coffee, or spear some slices of healthy fresh fruit and sliced avocado to tease the palate and quench any element of thirst when starting off the day.
Walking around the perimeter of the rooftop delivers a panoramic vista of the Marrakesh city skyline, with the 77-metre-high minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque visible from one aspect and where the five daily calls to prayer can be heard out in the open.
The top floor of the riad is equally geared around hospitality, with two different bar areas, cooking facilities with sushi and robata grill options, and a large covered seating area, sizeable enough to accommodate all of Nobu Riad’s occupants for communal meals and activities.
In summary…
Nobu Riad is a literal hidden gem of Marrakesh and the perfect hideaway for those seeking an oasis of calm amongst the contrasting facets that this city, steeped in culture, history and charm, has to offer. With bookings already taken well into 2025, Nobu Riad deserves to be full to the brim all year round – there is nothing else like it anywhere in the world.
As the first venture of its kind for Nobu, what a magnificent property they have meticulously brought to life, and undoubtedly delivers an unrivalled experience that will venture far beyond the expectations of even the most discerning of guests who are destined to walk through the door of Nobu Riad for decades to come.
Nobu Riad – Where and How?
For more information or to make a reservation at Nobu Riad, visit https://marrakech.nobuhotels.com/riad.
A minimum two-night stay is required on a fully-exclusive basis. Included in the daily rate is a Nobu chauffeur-driven car, whilst Nobu Riad is also pet-friendly.
A private chef, spa therapist, personal trainer, and yoga teacher are all available upon request.
See highlights of our visit to Nobu Riad on the Luxurious Magazine Instagram page.
With thanks to Lumirani Collection for hosting this exclusive visit and to Nobu Riad and Nobu Hotel Marrakesh for their generous hospitality.
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