Marrakech is always a thrill. That feeling of being immersed in the clatter and colour deep in the souk, haggling for Berber-inspired jewellery, fine woven rugs and the freshest saffron you could hope to find, whilst dodging moped riders through ancient market alleyways.
When senses reach such a saturation point, stepping into a serene private riad is an experience that never fails to lower the heart rate and seduce with a sense of calm.
And if a sense of serenity was part of a star rating, the new Nobu Riad would be up there in the five-star-plus category.
Just steps away from the frenetic Jemaa el-Fnaa – Marrakech’s main square that comes alive at night with whirling dervishes and lamb tagine stalls – is an old carved wooden door with the signature Nobu lettering above.
This six-suite exclusive-use guest residence opened at the end of 2024 and is a departure from the usual Nobu hotel offering, which was first launched 12 years ago by chef Nobu Matsuhisa, actor Robert De Niro, and film producer Meir Teper.
Instead, Nobu Riad blends Moroccan artisanship, Japanese minimalism and Nobu hospitality, and opened last summer following the launch of its mothership hotel, Nobu Hotel Marrakesh, which sits just outside the ancient city walls.
Formerly the 19th-century home of a wealthy merchant, the very centrally located riad has been meticulously restored and rebooted.
As is the nature of riads, everything revolves around the inner courtyard. The brick and clay walls are finished in smooth tadelakt plaster, indigenous to Marrakech, while bespoke floor tiles, antique Berber artefacts and handmade furniture sit alongside Moroccan zellige mosaics with a Japanese twist.
Each of the six suites has its own oversized fireplace and private bathroom. One of the two master suites has a theatrical ‘o’-shaped hole through the bedroom wall and a roll-top bath tucked behind the bed, plus a high-end shower-steam room.
The rooftop space is at a premium here too. Unusually, Nobu Riad’s deluxe roof space comes with a heated pool and outdoor shower with 360-degree views over the terracotta-hued city, a traditional hammam spa, a long bar where your private mixologist crafts a cocktail or twelve, plus a slick sushi counter and authentic Japanese robata charcoal grill.
Cooking classes are on demand, or guests can let the Nobu chefs take the strain and order classics such as Black Cod Miso. And as this is a private residence, there’s also the option to have a chauffeur at guests’ disposal, spa therapist, personal trainer and yoga teacher. With all this serene pampering, even the most stressed-out high-flyer will feel more prepared to take on the madness of the souk.
How to book it: The Nobu Riad in Marrakech sleeps up to 12 guests, and rates start from £3,142.99 per night (minimum two-night bookings).
