Riad L'Arbre Bleu

If you ask my mother what she thinks of Moroccan pastries, she will tell you that she has never tasted anything so delicious. After our recent holiday in Marrakech, she will add that the ones at the Riad l’Arbre Bleu are exceptionally good. I can see her now, the day we arrived, so excited about these lovely sweet treats which were kindly served to welcome us into the riad.

Spending a few days in Marrakech had been her idea, and I am so pleased that she asked me along for the ride. Our long weekend in the Red City was a wonderful and truly unforgettable experience, where we had a luxurious, peaceful and relaxing break in one of the most beautiful cities on earth. I had been to Marrakech before, but I had never seen anything like the Riad l’Arbre Bleu.

She had heard about this establishment at length through a friend, and was determined to see it for herself. And so we arrived at the heavy studded doors of the sumptuous building, at the end of a quiet street in the centre of Marrakech. We could both sense the magical feeling in the air as we pushed them open and crossed the threshold.

Inside, you find yourself in a beautifully tranquil secret garden. The walls, partially decorated with intricate patterns, are painted in pure white. The living spaces are wonderfully bright and the interior design has created a remarkable contrast between past and present, tradition and innovation. In the centre of the courtyard lies a swimming pool filled with deep blue water. I looked at my mother and could tell that she couldn’t wait to dive in.

After trying those delicious Moroccan pastries, we were shown to our room. Decorated in a Berber style, we found all the comfort and refinement that you would expect in a modern luxury establishment. It is cosy and inviting, with beautiful furniture and warm colours. As I took a couple of photographs to send to the children, I heard my mother squeal with delight. The bathroom was magnificent.

Unsurprisingly, we spent the remainder of the afternoon soaking up the gorgeous atmosphere of the riad by the swimming pool. It is so tranquil, so luxurious. Later on, as night began to fall on the medina, we heard the muezzin calling the city residents to prayer. Content to imagine the adventures that lay in store for us outside, that evening we stayed in and had supper at the riad. Delicious Moroccan cuisine in such a glorious setting - it doesn’t get any better.