Riad Kniza, Marrakech - An Authentic Luxury Experience

How does one follow a career as a tour guide to 3 US presidents, Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, a Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger, and Hollywood royalty, including Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Aniston, Brad Pitt, Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, not to mention business titans, Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, Richard Branson, David Rockefeller. This tour guide, Mohammed, was honored with the award of best tour guide back in 1973 from the Ministry of Tourism. It’s no wonder he takes such pride in his native country of Morroco. His life-long mission has been to showcase Morocco like an ambassador.

To Mohammed, it made perfect sense to convert his once family home for guests, where he could showcase authentic luxury Morocco at its finest. Riad Kniza receives mostly 5 star online reviews, putting it at the top of the leader board, as a boutique luxury property, amongst the finest in Marrakech.

A Family Affair

Management of Riad Kniza is a family affair. Mohammed and his family at Riad Kniza take pride in treating their guests like family. They are all hands on and completely devoted to the successful operation of this property.

Riad

Common throughout Morrocco, a riad refers to a building with a courtyard in the center. The riad is designed to keep rooms cool in summer and warm in winter. It’s also soundproof from the chaotic world outside. True to every riad, in the center of the courtyard, there’s a water fountain, representing the source of all life.

Rooms

With only 11 rooms at Riad Kniza, each has a distinct personality, while remaining true to Moroccan tradition and decor. Ornate carvings, rich fabrics, large oriental floor cushions, and hand carved lighting, bring the guest back to a time gone by. Rose petals serve as garnish throughout the property, creating a sense of romance and mystique.

Spa / Hammam

A visit to Morocco wouldn’t be complete without the traditional hammam. An in-house spa offers a hammam and massage experience that takes one to a place of peaceful tranquility. Enjoy a personalized and private experience that is offered at very few select riads in the medina.

The hammam begins with a relaxing steam to open the pores, This is followed by application of the traditional black soap, produced from olives, which is the main ingredient for cleansing and exfoliating. An exfoliating glove is used to massage the whole body and remove dead skin. Once the exfoliation is complete, the body is lathered with argan oil, infused with the scent of jasmine. To top it off, include a body massage that will take your relaxation to another level.

A Feast Awaitsat the Terrasses Des Arts Restaurant

Dinner at Riad Kniza is a true feast that represents the generosity and hospitality of our hosts. Most guests agree that meals at this riad are the best they’ve had in Morocco. Expect to be overwhelmed by dinner at Riad Kniza.

We begin with a bowl of the traditional, hearty soup, bissara, a purée of dried split fava beans, flavored with cumin and cayenne. This is followed by a delicious light and fluffy pastilla; a puffed pastry filled with chicken and crushed almonds, so delicate to make that it’s typically served on special occasions.

A selection of mezze, small plates of appetizers are brought to the table, including: tomato slices sweetened with cinnamon; puffed pastry cigars with chicken, meat and seafood; pickled cucumbers; fava beans flavored with saffron and coriander; and my absolute favorite, pumpkin sweetened with orange zest. If that’s not enough, then the main course of tajine arrives, exquisitely presented and plated.

Finally, Moroccan pastries is beautifully presented, served with the perfect end to any meal, mint tea. This dining experience is as much about the presentation as it is about the taste and aromas.

Breakfast is just a continuation of the feast, with a vast selection of foods brought to the table. Just sit back and accept that Moroccan hospitality at its finest is represented through its food.

Antique Collection at Private Museum

Over the years, Mohammad and his wife have managed to collect an impressive display of antiques. This very rare collection is on display on site upon request, and Mohammad is delighted to share his rich knowledge. Take advantage of this opportunity, as this collection is not open to the general public.

Tips:

1. With only 11 rooms, book early.
2. Book your spa/hammam experience prior to arrival, to avoid disappointment.
3. The adjoining museum offers a shop of select, distinct items for sale, including jewelry, Berber carpets, shawls and clothing handmade under the supervision of Kniza, Mohammed’s daughter. The museum will soon be open to the public, with reservations made through Riad Kniza.
4. Book excursions directly with Riad Kniza staff, who can expertly advise on tours.
5. Book directly with the property at www.riadkniza.com to enjoy a free transfer upon arrival.