Dar les Cigognes

Jewel-like designer riad with shades of the exotic

This 17th century former merchant’s home has been transformed into a sleek boutique riad. The result is good enough for a sultan – with a stylish modern take on traditional Moorish design.

Know It All

Hit the spot
At the gates of Marrakech’s royal palace.

Come here for...
• Boudoirs fit for a sultan, with a modern-Moorish feel. • Unbeatable views of the royal palace rooftops, and their nesting storks. • Good central location.

Amenities
You’ll find a hammam, a treatment room for reflexology, manicures and massage, a well stocked library and a secluded roof garden perfect for watching the North African sunset.

Good to know
There’s no pool, but guests get free passes to the nearby Nikki Beach club.

Bedtime...

Bedrooms 
11 rooms, one suite

Special features
Each room is a highly individual take on Moroccan design. Deluxe rooms and the suite each have a working fireplace and huge baths for soaking.

Pillow Talk
Some of the more exotic boudoirs range from the stunning Silver room, with its four poster bed,  to the rich red velvets and gold four-poster of the Harem room – simply made for sultan-esque goings-on.

Eat & Drink

Dining in
Dine in the courtyard or on the roof terrace at Dar les Cigognes, where dinner is cooked to order. Daily changing choices include classics such as vegetable couscous, monkfish tagine and traditional pastilla au fruits de mer (a delicious seafood pie), as well as some European favourites. We stayed for one of the weekly Moroccan buffets, complete with costumed musicians, which was first rate.

Breakfast in bed? No problem. And if you’re serious foodies, you can join in one of the pre-dinner cookery classes and cook your own meal.

Breakfast
Buffet breakfast with home made traditional pastries and jams is served until 10am. Your room rate also includes afternoon tea.

Room service
Available 24 hours

Activities

See & Do
It’s easy to feel you have stumbled onto the set of Casablanca when you plunge into the hurly-burly of the souks of Marrakech, especially in the Medina (the old city). Soak up the carnival atmosphere of Djemma el Fna square, with its entertainers, hawkers and cafes, then watch the weavers, herbalists, slipper makers and copper beaters at work. Take a horse-drawn calèche ride and make time for a wander in the cool Majorelle Gardens.  

Dar Les Cigognes' friendly owners will be happy to suggest more unusual treats, like a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Atlas Mountains or a helicopter trip over the desert.

Spa
Book a body scrub or massage at the Dar Les Cigognes spa (we suggest booking as soon as you arrive) or simply soak in the steamy hammam. For a day by the pool, passes can be arranged (complimentary) to Nikki Beach club or to the Beldi country club (payable). 

Diary Dates
February
Tune into Dakka Marrakchia – Marrakech’s big traditional music event.

July
The streets are even noisier than usual during the Marrakech folklore Festival. Showcasing the country’s traditional music and dance.

Late September
Watch open-air screenings of Bollywood blockbusters and rub shoulders with stars and starlets at the Marrakech Film Festival.