7 luxury riads in Morocco you can book now

Add spice to your next Morocco vacation with a stay in a riad. Many of Morocco’s traditional courtyard homes, or riads, have been transformed into luxurious boutique hotels, giving guests a glimpse of a culture once hidden from the world. Simply stepping into these buildings, many of which are tucked away off bustling, maze-like streets, will transport you into a “One Thousand and One Nights” fantasy. Interiors are decked out in vibrant ornamentation that include glazed ceramic tiles (zellij) in a kaleidoscope of colors and geometric patterns, elaborately painted wooden ceilings (zouakt) and hand-carved stucco work around impressive door frames. The riad experience is a far cry from one you’d get in a traditional hotel, with CNN Travel comparing it to having your own “private palace.” Here are seven of our favorite 5-star riads in Marrakech, all available at Orbitz.com.

RELATED: Riads are rad! Click here for a complete list!

Photo courtesy of Riad Kaiss by Anika

Riad Kaiss by Anika
Pure seduction. Once the harem of one of Morocco’s sultans, this is now one of Marrakech’s most exquisite riad hotels. It features nine rooms and suites that include a full breakfast. There’s also a full-service spa onsite, which can deck you out in henna tattoos, as well as a romantic restaurant, which prepares almost everything from scratch, with even the honey coming from local Berber villages.

Photo courtesy of Dar Darma Riad

Dar Darma Riad
Staying here is like living within a beautiful Moorish painting. Boasting a 300-year-old painted ceiling, this riad’s six suites, each distinctively decorated with carved wooden doors and antique furnishings, are a lavish blend of Old World with modern conveniences. Terraces provide spectacular views of the Medina, the Koutoubia and the Atlas Mountains. Staff can arrange hot air balloon flights, horseback rides through Berber villages, personal shopping excursions through the local markets and the most popular option, cooking classes with Chef Maria. (The perfect couscous dish recipe makes a lovely souvenir!)

Photo courtesy of Riad Kniza

Riad Kniza
Not many riad hotels are owned by true Moroccans, but this one has been in Haj Mohamed Bouskri’s family for generations. Dating from the 18th century, the luxury home feels like a quiet oasis in the withing the bustling Medina. It has been renovated by local artisans, with its 11 suites decorated with gorgeous antiques and Moorish aesthetics and its three open-air courtyards restored to their full grandeur. If you want a city tour, don’t hesitate to tap Bouskri: He’s shown celebs such as Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman and Jennifer Aniston around Marrakech.

Photo courtesy of Demeures d’orient Riad Deluxe & Spa

Demeures d’orient Riad Deluxe & Spa
This beautifully resorted 18th-century riad offers 11 large suites, all tastefully decorated in a modern style that pays homage to Moroccan aesthetics, from the rich tapestries to the tiled floors to the exquisite rugs. All rooms also feature a fireplace. The riad includes an onsite restaurant and full-service spa.

ALSO: Earning Orbitz Rewards is easier than rubbing a genie’s lamp

Photo courtesy of Riad Palais des Princesses

Riad Palais des Princesses
As the name suggests, this is a setting befitting of royalty. The ambience is a soft embrace of cremes and whites, accented with Moorish designs by artists, painters and sculptors who respect the art of the Moroccan tradition. With 23 rooms and suites, it’s a serene setting close to the Jamaa el Fna, yet tucked away into the quieter corners of the Marrakech maze. A favorite for guests: meals or drinks on the terrace, which has sweeping views of the Atlas Mountains.

Photo courtesy of Riad Ilayka

Riad Ilayka
Carved cedar ceilings, antique furniture inlaid with the bones of camels, canopy beds of ebony—these are some of the unique design touches at this luxury riad. Its seven plush suites, each individually decorated, feature sitting rooms, fireplaces and ensuite bathrooms. Breakfast is included for guests, as is access to an onsite spa and hamman (Moroccan steam room).

Photo courtesy of Dar Les Cigognes

Dar Les Cigognes
Renovated in 2015, this posh riad faces the gates of the Royal Palace in the heart of the historic Medina. It boasts 11 rooms and suites, a full-service spa, a restaurant and a vibrant roof garden that overlooks the palace. (We’ll take every meal up there, please.)

TIP: Orbitz is now offering even more offbeat and unexpected accommodations. Here’s how to find them on our website:

1. Select your destination and travel dates.

2. On the results page, find the “Filter Properties By” column to the left of the resulting hotel selections.

3. Sort by “Property Type” and “Vacation Rentals” to uncover cool options such as villas, houseboats, riads, castles and more.

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