Riad AnaYela

ABOUT ME

I am Riad AnaYela. Climb through the history of my 300-year-old walls to the tip top terrace, overlooking the rooftops of Marrakesh. I am a bit off the beaten track in the quiet northeast pocket of the Medina. You would never know such beauty lies behind my plain brown, wooden door, but once you are through and into my inner courtyard, I am bound to amaze. With only 5 rooms of which 2 are suites, I like to keep it very intimate; each one unique and each one with its own story. One of the most renowned calligraphers of Morocco chiseled the love story of a diary that was found during renovation in silver on every door. Swim in my refreshing pool located in the courtyard, feast on delicious homemade tagine, or retreat back to the seclusion of your own peaceful room after exploring the lively medina.

WHAT TO DO AT ANAYELA

Anayela is located rather on the outskirts of the Medina, giving you the peace and quiet you need after exploring the bustling city all day. That being said the walk to most sights is very straightforward and a good way to get to know the city.

Here are a few spots to check out —

Jardin Majorelle — 30 minute walk
Jemaa El Fna Square — 25 minute walk
Ben Youssef Madrasa — 15 minute walk
The Souks — 10 minute walk

We would suggest to download maps.me as this will help you to navigate through the city easier. You can also read more about our personal experiences in Morocco here

Marrakech is filled with divine restaurants, make sure to check out these places when you get hungry while wandering through the souks — Le Nomad, Café Des Épices, Terrasse Des Épices, Atay Café Food, Le Jardin, La Sultana, I Limoni, Cafe Clock.

AnaYela offers a variety of excursions within Marrakech and around such as the Atlas Mountains, the Ourika Valley or even a day trip to Essaouira. Make sure to ask the front desk when checking- in as they will be delighted to set you up with an exciting trip to experiences the real Morocco.

SHARED SECRETS

AnaYela is named after a young girl who used to live in the house a long time ago. When AnaYela was renovated a diary was found written by a girl named Yela.  Within the diary is a romantic love story about her and a boy, written on the day of her wedding and the last day of living in the house. If you read Arabic, make sure to look closely at the doors of each of the rooms, as all 5 chapters of her love story have been hand chiseled into the brass inlays of the doors. Each room is as unique as the story it tells.  “Ana” is Arabic for “I am.” Thus AnaYela means “I am Yela.” Make sure to take advantage of the chill out lounge on the second floor, equipped with lots of pillows, board games, books and of course shisha.

We also highly recommend dining in at least once during your stay as the tagine we had at Anayela was one of the best during our four week trip through Morocco.