Riad Farnatchi, Marrakech

Farnatchi is an English-owned riad that has been restored to an exceptionally high standard.  One of the oldest surviving historical buildings, it boasts remarkable latticed plasterwork which has been reprised on the added floor with such fine detail that it is virtually undistinguishable from the original.

Traditional craftsmanship used to create more contemporary interiors is a new trend in Marrakech and Farnatchi has done this superbly. From intricate carved tadelakt walls to fabulous metal panel floors, to specially commissioned bathtubs to the infinity plunge pool and the world class spa on the top floor, everything at Farnatchi is just so and polished to absolute perfection.

The diminutive restaurant is incredibly stylish and serves elegantly presented Moroccan dishes. We chose a selection of delicately spiced salads and a chicken pastilla  (a type of Moroccan fried pastry filled with chicken and vegetables) for starters, an intriguing tagine (traditionally cooked for new mothers, the waiter informed me) that consisted of shredded pancake and chicken strips in a fragrant sauce, and a rabbit tagine, followed by ice cream.

The wine menu at Farnatchi is quite extensive and includes a number of Moroccan wines selected by the owners and described by them  with a great deal of humour, so if you do dine there, be sure to read the introductory note to the wine section.  We opted for the….rose and, for a country not noted for its oenology, this was as good as it gets – certainly a notch above the very popular vin gris (very pale rose).

Whether you stay at Farnatchi or not, if in Marrakech you must try out the Farnatchi spa and its masseur, Ahmed. Using a variety of techniques, from pressure point to lymphatic drainage to gentle limb stretching, this is without a doubt the best this writer has ever tried and worth coming to Marrakech for. The spa is a perfect fusion of vernacular and contemporary design features, the ubiquitous intricate plasterwork co-existing effortlessly alongside the stylish floor to ceiling black and white photography.

 

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