Riad Enija

Press Reviews

Conde Nast Traveller (UK), June 2008
"Since it opened 8 years ago, the Riad Enija in Marrakech has won a loyal following, but even the guesthouse's most die-hard fans have declared the newly converted courtyard building 'le chapeau' (the icing on the cake). In contrast to the 'old Arabian palace' style of the existing accommodation - 12 spacious rooms in four connected 280-year old buildings, with elaborately carved and painted doors and ceilings - the two new suites ('Yaziz' and 'Calyana'), housed in the converted stables in the riad's courtyard, are Indian-Moroccan in inspiration. The Enija's owners, Ursual Haldimann and Bjorn Conerdings - a Swiss hotelier and a Swedish architect - furnished them with century-old teak doors, wardrobes and ceilings bought in Rajasthan, and added French-colonial brass beds, antique carpets from the Atlas mountains, Artemide lamps and Designers Guild fabrics to glorious, bejewelled effect. The expansion has also introduced a new pool, and you can have mud wraps, Argan-oil massages and beauty treatments by Guinot. The riad's restaurant, known for its fresh salads and tagines, is open all day, with a set menu in the evening; cookery classes are by request. Stepping outside, guests find themselves in the thick of the bazaar - Haldimann recommends Cafe des Epices as a good place to watch Marrakech life unfold - and Cafe de France, with its superb views over the Djemaa el Fna square, is just five minutes' walk away."

The Guardian, October 2006
"Ask anyone who lives in Marrakesh which is their favourite riad and they'll probably say Riad Enija. Step through the door and you instantly understand why: the three houses are filled with antiques and elegant objets, dining tables rest between mosaic columns, one courtyard is so crammed with shrubs and banana trees and palms it's impossible to see from one side to the other. It's not unusual to wake up and find a fashion shoot going on in one of the elegant alcoves - which all adds to the fabulously exotic feel."

Lonely Planet
"Live a charmed existence next door to Rahba Kedima magic-sellers at the exquisite Enija, brushing up against 200-year-old architecture, modern design showpieces, rare plants, turtles and supermodels.

Once Ursula sweeps through the courtyard in some polygonal black Helmut Lang-ish creation to say hello, you've officially arrived at Enija - a parallel universe where financiers discover their artistic sides and gaunt German gallerists bloom like hothouse flowers. Of the four courtyards, the northwest courtyard away from the garden and new pool wing is best for aspiring novelists and romantic recluses. Rooms range in size and theme from the iron-webbed, cavernous Lizard Suite to the canopied Harem Room; the dreamiest are the Anenome and Poupre rooms, where you'll drift off on beds shaped like boats. Breakfasts are lavish courtyard affairs involving Moroccan pancakes and sunbathing cats; dinners are less inspired, but dining adventures await in the Djemaa. Onsite massages are pricey, but soothing facials and honeyed-beeswax hand treatments will make a queen bee out of you yet."

Fodor's
"Walking into this unmarked riad at the end of an anonymous derb is like stepping into another world. Owners Ursula and Bjorn have blended modern sculptures and fabrics with extraordinarily well-preserved Moroccan architecture and decor, at times creating an almost futuristic effect. This marvelous maison d'hôte comprises two spacious riads linked by a stunning corridor hung with dazzling scarlet silks. One courtyard is a giant tangle of plants and trees, with a tiny space for dining, while the other, fountain-filled courtyard is good for reading, dozing, or enjoying a quiet sunset cocktail. Large guest rooms have fans and high ceilings, so they tend to stay cool, and the luxuriously spacious bathrooms are works of art in themselves, with sunken baths, tiles, and tadlak finishes. A spa offering massage and herbal treatments completes the idyll."

Guest Reviews

Reviews are only from people who have stayed there and booked through i-escape.

• “Riad Enija is not just a great place to stay it's a fantastic experience. I can't wait until I can return.”
  Marc, United Kingdom (01.05.11)

• “In generally, I didn't like that you ALWAYS have to ask for the special offer (wich ist part of the booking like a bottle of wine or a massage)). Nobody - so far- came to us with the offer. I found it very anoying to aks for it. I don't want to feel like someone who is running after bargains.”
  Anja Frerich, Germany (30.04.11)