It is my utmost priority to find the most romantic accommodations for couples around the world. I especially love finding charming, and secret spots that couples on their honeymoon will fall madly in love with.
But rarely do I look for the perfect place for me; a solo female traveler blissfully unaware that I do not have an ounce of romance in my life. Romance that is badly needed, especially in this lonely, confusing, and frankly, scary time of the Covid 19 pandemic.
So imagine my surprise when I unexpectedly came across the most romantic riad hidden deep in the heart of the medina of Marrakech (but easily, quickly accessible via taxi) which was exactly what I needed to relax, unwind, and to enjoy a romantic getaway all by myself, where all of the fear and uncertainty of what’s happening in the world melted away, if only temporarily.
Fiinally, I was able to breathe once again and to remember, all will be well again.
Of course, travel will never be the same again. Travel will never again be “normal”. Perhaps we will find a new normal, where we will still wear masks, still obsess over sanitizing and social distancing, but be more considerate of our fellows and our responsibility as humans to keep them safe as well. But one day soon, we will be traveling again, and I want to share the perfect place for you to relax, unwind, and breathe.
Tucked away in the heart of one of the most magical, exciting cities in the world is Azzouna 13.
This lovely guesthouse is the perfect accommodations for a pampered princess. At least, for a wannabe princess to live out her fantasy by being treated like royalty, pampered and catered to by a team trained to offer ability the highest level of superb service, poised to anticipate and cater to the often complex wishes of the most spoiled, discerning customers.
Riad Azzouna 13 was exactly the place I needed to find the peace and serenity I had been missing for months.
Once the world is somewhat normal again and you find yourself ready for a much-needed vacation, consider Marrakech, and Riad Azzouna 13. Instantly you will breathe a sigh of relief when you arrive.
After a brief walk through a maze of little alleys and corners, you’ll arrive at this charming, luxurious riad, a traditional building with contemporary comforts and a minimalist, soothing design and ambiance.
Riad Azzouna 13 is within walking distance of the famous Jemaa el Fnaa Square, right next to the Medersa Ben Youssef and the Marrakech Museum.
Just outside, the souks are alive and pulsing with noise and chaos and vendors seducing you to buy their arts and crafts and treasures, but inside, you will immediately relax and relish being inside of this ancient, historical neighborhood of Kait Benhaid.
I loved wandering around in this side of the medina where I found plenty of small shops with talented artisans and antiques and special oils and potions in exquisite little glass Moroccan bottles with tassels. I also loved finding incredibly beautiful murals on the sides of buildings just minutes away from Riad Azzouna 13.
The team at Riad Azzouna 14, led by the charming, elegant Sadiq, is thrilled to cater to your every need, their priority is to ensure that your stay is absolutely perfect. You will not only feel catered to and safe, but you’ll also be able to relax after wandering around the medina, shopping, haggling, and sightseeing.
Sadiq, the manager, and your host, along with your talented chef, the ever-smiling butler, and the housekeeping staff will ensure that you have everything you need throughout your stay. Sadiq speaks excellent English and French, and he is an expert guide to all that Marrakech, and Morocco, has to offer – from a table at the hottest new restaurant to belly-dancing lessons, from mixing a cocktail to booking a round of golf.
Whether you want the best recommendations, a private tour, or secret tips on places tourists would never find on their own, Sadiq possesses the knowledge and secrets you need to have the most unforgettable vacation of a lifetime.
Riad Azzouna 13 is available to rent entirely for you and your family or friends to enjoy privately, or per room or luxury suite. This ancient courtyard house, located within the heart of the medina, is filled with contemporary comforts and a unique mixture of traditional Moroccan, Moorish and Italian styles.
Visitors have access to wifi, rooms with air-conditioning, and will be delighted with the delicious, complimentary Moroccan breakfast.
The fountain in the center of the courtyard bubbles with a soothing, tranquil sound, inviting you to relax and read, chat, or simply enjoy sipping Moroccan mint tea and cookies. On warmer days, you can enjoy sitting by the fireplace if you like.
Each room is completely, utterly, luxurious, with with fluffy, down pillows, Egyptian cotton sheets, uber comfy, enormous mattresses and spectacular bathrooms rooms – all designed to ensure your complete relaxation and comfort.
The private chambers are incredibly spacious, with high ceilings and beds so comfortable and decadent, you’ll be conflicted; torn between wanting to lounge inside all day, yet eager to explore the exciting city around you.
If you want to enjoy the evening sunset, or an early morning sunrise, you will love the rooftop terrace where your view of the medina is spectacular.
The Atlas Mountains, Koutoubia Mosque, and the old buildings around the kasbah are the backdrop for your pleasure.
My personal favorite part of Raid Azzouna is not the extra comfy bed with its high thread count sheets and fluffy pillows, although I fell asleep almost instantly once my head hit the pillow each night. Nor was it the perfect little alcove seat in the window where one can curl up with a good book, perhaps A House in Fez. And surprisingly, it was not the simple but elegant, tasteful design and small touches that remind you of the history and culture of Morocco.
No, my favorite part of this gorgeous riad was the bathroom. Oh, the bathroom!
Never have I raved about a hotel or riad’s toilet, but trust me, the minute you enter this room you will fall in love with the en-suite tadelakt bathroom. The not so sexy definition of tadelakt is that it is a traditional, lime-based plastering technique that has been used in Morocco for thousands of years. But I love it because it is an ancient finish that looks and feels like fancy Italian marble or traditional Venetian plaster.
Allow yourself to climb into the unbelievable large, stunning marble bathtub as I did each night, and you will know why I never ever wanted to leave.
The tub is more of a jacuzzi than a typical bath, and as I sunk deeper into my nightly ritual of washing away the dust of the souks, the stress of work and the world melted away as well. Reluctantly, and only after finding my fingers wrinkled prunes did I force myself to step out of the jacuzzi-like bath, grateful for the gigantic, plush towels I wrapped myself in.
Oh, a girl could get used to this.
I was not born into royalty, although perhaps I must have been in a past life. But even a brief, short holiday at Riad Azzouna 13 was all I needed to imagine what life as a princess must be life, treated as a VIP, extra special visitor who was treated not only as an honored guest, but as a long lost member of the Azzouna family after a much too lengthy time away.
DETAILS:
As a child, April dreamed of traveling around the world after reading books like Around the World in 80 Days and watching movies like Casablanca and The African Queen. On her first trip abroad, she got engaged on Valentine’s Day, so romance and travel was inexplicably linked for her. After a passionate long distance relationship, she had a fairytale wedding in London. She explored Europe and Africa on a one year honeymoon before settling in the U.S.
Although now divorced, she’s still a hopeless romantic and believes that you never know where you might meet your soul-mate. Whether you want to add romance to your relationship through adventure and travel, you’re in a long distance relationship looking for dating or travel tips and tricks, or you’re a solo traveler looking for love, April is dedicated to helping you make your travel fantasies a reality. She’s an industry expert with a passion for sharing stories of romance, wanderlust and adventure.
When home in NYC she also works as a writing coach and has led the Women’s Writing Workshop for over 15 years. You can find stories and articles by her and other insatiable travel lovers at www.LoveLustorBust.com.
