Established by Moorish and Jewish communities in the 15th century, Chefchaouen is a once-sleepy town that has grown into the maze of blue streets and souks that it is today. Nestled into a fold in the foothills of the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen has all the allure of a Moroccan Medina - did someone say Berber textiles and spiced street food? Set above the cascading alleyways, Lina Ryad has fantastic views of the medina and its mountain backdrop, with pristine, stylish decors. Mint tea and home-baked biscuits are constantly on-hand, best enjoyed after a dip in the Grecian, indoor pool or on the rooftop terrace.
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The lobby is decorated in cool tadelakt, with large blue velvet banquettes and crystal lights. It's here that you'll tuck into a breakfast of Moroccan pancakes, breads and yoghurts, whilst dinner is served on the terrace, accompanied by gorgeous views of the sunset and valley beyond. You'll have a choice of Moroccan dishes, including rich lamb and vegetable tagines and homemade strawberry tart for dessert. A stairway strewn with greenery leads to the spa, which offers steams and massages in the traditional hammam, as well as oriental baths infused with bitter orange and seaweed.
There are 16 rooms at the Lina Ryad, but no two are identical. Decorated in classic, white tiles, each reflects Chefchaouen's sky-blue facades in the drapes, couches or stained glass windows. They all have a breezy, light feel with beds that are large, plump and very comfortable, and there's a sitting area right by the windows. The en-suite bathrooms are spacious and well-appointed, and the private terrace provides a lovely view over the medina, perfect for a morning cuppa.
Set out to wander the bright blue streets, which all converge at the Plaza Uta el Hammam, and enjoy browsing the hundreds of stalls, munching tasty street food, and listening to local music drifting through the square. For a dose of activity, hike into the Rif Mountains, where you'll find some of the most scenic routes in Africa, and visit the Cascades d'Akchour waterfalls to swim in the frothing pools, marvelling at the natural Bridge of God.
The riad is gorgeous, especially the spa! Just the place you want to return to after a day of exploring.
The heated pool can be booked privately for an uninterrupted soak.
As is commonplace in Chefchaouen, there are a lot of stairs so it can be difficult for anyone will mobility requirements.
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
A picture-perfect scene of sky-hued buildings, often called Morocco’s ‘best kept secret’.
