Le Farnatchi is a lavish and exotic hideaway that is owned and run by the ambitious hotelier, James Wix. Renowned for being one of the first Riad hotels in the Medina, this traditionally designed and decorated Moroccan home combines history and modern comforts to envelop guests in luxury and culture.
Awarded: Bronze
LOCATION
You will find Le Farnatchi at the core of the oldest part of Marrakech, surrounded by countless souks and historical sites, including the Marrakech Museum and the Ben Youssef Medersa. The 5-star Riad is just a 5-minute walk from the Place Mokf taxi stop, which means that the entire city is easily accessible and ready for exploring. Surrounded by the hustle of day-to-day living, the area allows visitors to immerse themselves in diverse heritage before escaping back to the hotel for subdued relaxation.
ROOMS
With just 10 suites, the Le Farnatchi feels more like a private house than a hotel, although it comes with all the perks of a hotel, such as 24-hour room service. Each room is indulgently spacious and comfortable and decorated in a modern Moroccan style. Guests can rest or entertain in the confines of their own private sitting rooms or take in the bustling view from a secluded balcony or patio. The beds, some of which are canopied, are all king-sized and blissfully plush with mountains of feather pillows.
COMMUNAL AREAS
Le Farnatchi differs from many traditional riads in that it provides a communal reception salon for guests to sit and socialise in, the setting is perfect for meetings. Heading outdoors, you’ll find a courtyard pool that’s fed by a splash fountain and is beautifully framed with intricate mosaics. There’s also a barbecue available to guests on the roof terrace and if you don’t feel like food from the grill, you can walk next door to the Trou au Mur restaurant, which is part of the Farnatchi family. A luxury on-site spa is also open to guests.
ACTIVITIES
This private courtyard-house hotel provides guests with a varied itinerary of activities that can be arranged by the staff. You can remain at the hotel to indulge in a massage or spa treatment, or you can head out and spend the day touring the city on foot or in a Classic car. You can play golf, go hiking or you can even participate in a custom-designed scavenger hunt. Riad Farnatchi can also arrange hot air balloon tours and private helicopter rides into the Sahara.
Bed & Breakfast
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
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- Good
- Poor
A great time to visit if you prefer to travel away from crowds, allowing you to see Moroccans going about their daily life more authentically than during the hotter months. It is generally sunny and mild, but there is the chance of rain (good for wildflowers), and snow in the mountains. The desert is perfect for visiting now but gets very cold at night.
A great time to visit if you prefer to travel away from crowds, allowing you to see Moroccans going about their daily life more authentically than during the hotter months. It is generally sunny and mild, but there is the chance of rain (good for wildflowers), and snow in the mountains. The desert is perfect for visiting now but gets very cold at night.
The weather in March is much like the start of spring in any country. With flowers coming out and the sun shining, the weather is generally between 10°C and 20°C depending on the region, although it can become cooler. Snow and rain become rare at this time of year, but it would be best to pack clothing for all scenarios, as it can be unpredictable.
This is a popular time to visit due to the favorable spring weather of between 15°C and 35°C from the High Atlas Mountains to the desert. Given the diversity of the landscape, weather can differ significantly from place to place and this is particularly true in spring when showers are common. Labour Day is held on the 1st of May. This can lead to the closing of some shops, banks, and local schools, which can mean the main sites are busier with locals.
This is a popular time to visit due to the favorable spring weather of between 15°C and 35°C from the High Atlas Mountains to the desert. Given the diversity of the landscape, weather can differ significantly from place to place and this is particularly true in spring when showers are common. Labour Day is held on the 1st of May. This can lead to the closing of some shops, banks, and local schools, which can mean the main sites are busier with locals.
June is one of the hotter months in Morocco, however, different regions like Essaouira and Tangier still stay relatively cool because they’re situated on the coast. If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, Morocco is great to visit in June because tourism is relatively low compared to some of the other months. This is the last month to visit the desert region before there's an influx of insects and snakes in July and August, as well as often unbearable heat.
July and August are the hottest months in Morocco so are not the ideal months to visit; however, they should not be ruled out. If you’re looking to escape the unpredictable British summers then this is a great time to visit. Coinciding with the school holidays makes this a popular time for families; as such, many hotels and riads do get booked up in advance, particularly those with swimming pools.
Daytime temperatures can reach the mid-40°Cs, so exploring and sightseeing is best done in the morning or evening, making this is a good time to combine activities and relaxation. This is also a great time to visit the Atlantic coast, which at other times of year can feel on the chilly side.
Whether you are seeking water sports or delicious seafood, Essaouira is a summer highlight. The Atlas Mountains are cooler than the cities, although still very hot. While summer is not ideal if you're wanting to do serious trekking, it is great for short morning walks and lying by a pool with panoramic mountain views.
July and August are the hottest months in Morocco so are not the ideal months to visit; however, they should not be ruled out. If you’re looking to escape the unpredictable British summers then this is a great time to visit. Coinciding with the school holidays makes this a popular time for families; as such, many hotels and riads do get booked up in advance, particularly those with swimming pools.
Daytime temperatures can reach the mid-40°Cs, so exploring and sightseeing is best done in the morning or evening, making this is a good time to combine activities and relaxation. This is also a great time to visit the Atlantic coast, which at other times of year can feel on the chilly side.
Whether you are seeking water sports or delicious seafood, Essaouira is a summer highlight. The Atlas Mountains are cooler than the cities, although still very hot. While summer is not ideal if you're wanting to do serious trekking, it is great for short morning walks and lying by a pool with panoramic mountain views.
Cooling down after the hot summer months, September is an ideal time to visit Morocco as you can enjoy the pleasantly warm weather and clear blue skies the country offers as it heads into autumn. The beaches are not as busy from local holidaymakers, the cities welcome gentle breezes, and exploring the desert becomes pleasant again.
October is one of the best months to visit Morocco, as temperatures are cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. This is a great month for hiking in the mountains and visiting the Atlantic coast, with temperatures dropping in November and Essaouira becoming very windy. As such, October is a month that books up quickly, and trips for this time of year should be organised far in advance.
The latter months of the year are a great window to explore the imperial cities of Morocco. The sunny but cooler days provide a comfortable climate to discover the colourful sights and sounds of Marrakesh and Fez. Other regional centres, such as the coastal town of Essaouira and the High Atlas Mountains, are not to be missed either, but coastal winds and potential snow in the mountains will naturally bring colder weather; particularly in the evenings. One thing to bear in mind when considering travelling during the winter months is that not all riads — particularly not those in the north of the country — have adequate heating, so it's advisable to bring warm layers of clothing.
The latter months of the year are a great window to explore the imperial cities of Morocco. The sunny but cooler days provide a comfortable climate to discover the colourful sights and sounds of Marrakesh and Fez. Other regional centres, such as the coastal town of Essaouira and the High Atlas Mountains, are not to be missed either, but coastal winds and potential snow in the mountains will naturally bring colder weather; particularly in the evenings. One thing to bear in mind when considering travelling during the winter months is that not all riads — particularly not those in the north of the country — have adequate heating, so it's advisable to bring warm layers of clothing.
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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