Authentic stays and unforgettable experiences for a relaxing Moroccan escape.
This privately-owned riad has become famous for its ability to house guests from all over the world with elegance and style. While its remains family-owned, it serves as a luxury property in the heart of the Marrakech medina. Guests seeking to get authentic experiences in the Centuries old markets and winding streets of the old city feel right at home here, in the peaceful tranquility of the riad. With only 5 uniquely decorated rooms, we aim to provide the service of a boutique hotel whilst accommodating the needs of couples and adult guests. The fittings on the bathrooms, the modern showers, heating and air conditioning, and modern amenities like hair-dryers, luxury soaps and generously prepared breakfasts make guests feel comfortable. Our riad manager receives amazing reviews for his kindness, knowledge of the city and its surroundings, and guidance on a full range of activities. Having only opened its doors to our exclusive clientele, Riad Jamaique is already receiving repeat business and rave reviews. We have been written about in the New York Times, and housed dignitaries and guests from over 20 countries.
Entering the riad, one is immediately stuck by the traditional extravagance of Moroccan design; Century-old Berber jewellry, hand-woven carpets and traditionally ornate furniture greets guests. The chicaned entrance leads around the corner to an open courtyard, where carved wood, hand-painted “zouak“ ceilings and carved cedar wood finishes rise up over three floors to meet the sky. The open courtyard includes a seating area, dining area for guests to be served their breakfast and dinners, and small and refreshing plunge pool are evident. There are five rooms in all, ensuring intimacy and a romantic and luxurious experience. Each room is adorned with individually selected pieces of Moroccan art and Arabic text, true to the cultural norms and fashion of North Africa. The roof terrace includes lounge beds for relaxing under the warmth of the Moroccan sun, a covered pergola to read, eat or catch up on work, and a barbecue area. Above that is the Upper Terrace, with expansive view over the medina, the Koutoubia Mosque and other famous landmarks, and on a clear day, the Atlas Mountains are in sharp view. It is a truly unforgettable experience.
Why “Riad Jamaïque”?
We are often asked about the name of our riad. People ask if we are Rastafarian (we are not, but we do believe in people’s right to have their own social, cultural and religious beliefs). Some comment “don’t you know that Jamaica is in the Caribbean, not north Africa?” (We do!) The simple truth is that Wendy’s nickname is Jamaica, named after the lyrics of a famous song by musician Charlie Pride. Isn’t it nice to have a special person and place to return to, where you feel safe, loved, and warm? Welcome to Jamaica, we hope you enjoy your stay… ❤️🇯🇲❤️
You’re My Jamaica (lyrics)
Every day I read ads in the paper, saying come to the islands
Bikinied ladies, sweet rum drinks, yeah, they'll keep you smiling
But I've got calypso music on the record at home
And when it comes to the warmth and sunshine, well, I got my own
You're my Jamaica, you're where I want to be
You're my island when I am being tossed on a stormy sea
My heavenly haven, where I can spend eternity
You're my Jamaica you’re paradise to me
White sunny sand, palm trees and tans, it's sounds so inviting
Limbo dancing and star light romancing it's all so exciting
But I’ve got my flowery shirt, and rum punch in my hand
And my own exotic lover in my native land
You're my Jamaica, you're where I want to be
You're my island when I am being tossed on a stormy sea
My heavenly haven where I can spend eternity
You're my Jamaica you're paradise to me
Activities/Excursions
Our staff are deeply connected to their roots, and are able to guide you towards selecting the right activities for your stay. While you stay with us we can arrange private walking tours, cooking classes either in the riad or elsewhere, and all sorts of excursions in and around the city. We provide a customised map to show where things are (mostly very close by!) and a range of opportunities for you to explore. Many of our guests explore surrounding villages, the Atlantic coastline and surfing at Essaouira, or the Ourika Valley. Nearby the riad is the Bahia Palace (only 8-10 minutes on foot) and all of the famous historic landmarks in Marrakech. We can cater to sports-lovers too, with access to tennis and golf clubs, running trails and swimming pools or water parks for those interested in splashing to keep cool. Our staff can arrange dinner reservations, or private, home-cooked dinners with traditional Moroccan recipes and authentic fare. We have yet to have someone complain that there isn’t enough to do, and most people seek to return as soon as their schedule permits. Moroccan hospitality and its destinations are becoming the favourite choice of sophisticated travellers the world over. Perhaps it’s time for you to visit?
Google Reviews
My husband and I stayed at Riad Jamaica ...an incredibly beautiful home nestled in the meandering streets of the Medina ...close to the market stalls, Souks and Jemaa el Fna, but far enough hidden to have quiet seclusion on the rooftop patio. This restored Riad honours traditional Moroccan style with a sophisticated warmth and comfort. It was truly an amazing refuge.
About us
This Riad is owned by us (Wendy and Marshall), a couple who live in the UK, but are originally from Manitoba and Pennsylvania. Many years ago we fell in love with Morocco and the incredible beauty of this country and its people. Our Riad is open to guests to enjoy as we do. We are a family-owned home, not a corporation. We aim to make each of our valued guests feel as comfortable as we can, whilst respecting their individual needs and their privacy. We have hand-selected the art on the walls, and much of the decor in the riad has been hand-made by local craftsmen using old techniques; carved plaster archways and cedar-wood terraces are matched with pewter and camel bone inlaid furniture. Local Marrakech artists have designed pictures for the rooms, and entrance ways tailored for their beauty. For us, the family’s comfort matters. We have lived on 3 continents and travelled ourselves to more than 80 countries, and we know what it means to come home to a relaxing and modern environment. We know that you’ll feel equally at home here.
Charity Fund
It matters to us that those fortunate enough to have a good life can help take care of others. For all of the recent advances, Morocco remains a poor country, and there is great need. We regularly donate to a variety of causes; we focus on helping people to improve their lives through education, training, and skills, and we target sectors that are traditionally less able to support themselves.
We welcome all donations from guests, and would gladly approve of any support that you may wish to provide. Your generosity will go a long way to improving the planet.