Escape to Paradise: Riad Melhoun & Spa's Moroccan Oasis Awaits
Escape to Paradise: Or…Did I Just Dream My Moroccan Getaway? - A Riad Melhoun & Spa Review (Honest, Messy, and Oh-So-Human)
Alright, alright, buckle up buttercups. I’m officially back from… drumroll… Riad Melhoun & Spa in Marrakech, and let me tell you, the magic carpet ride was… well, it was something. This review isn't going to be your typical, polished travel blog dreck. This is the real deal, warts and all, with enough tangents to make a Moroccan souk blush. Prepare yourselves.
SEO & Metadata Blitz (Let's Get This Over With):
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- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of Riad Melhoun & Spa in Marrakech! From the stunning pool to the sometimes-baffling service, get the real lowdown on accessibility, food, the spa, and whether it truly lives up to the "escape to paradise" hype. (Spoiler: maybe!)
(Deep breath) Okay, let's dive in…
Accessibility: Okay, Where's the Ramp? (Because I’m Not Sure There Was One)
So, the website promised accessibility, right? Said the naive traveler. Honestly, navigating Marrakech in a wheelchair is… an adventure. And the Riad? Let's just say it wasn't exactly designed with the mobility-impaired in mind. While they technically had some ramps, navigating the narrow corridors and uneven surfaces was… a workout. Forget about graceful entrances – it was more like a slow, slightly mortified, and occasionally teetering shuffle. I’d give it a solid… B- for effort. And honestly, the staff, while incredibly kind, seemed a little… surprised by my request for a wheelchair-accessible room. I swear, I saw a tiny flicker of panic in their eyes.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: Hmmm…
Look, truth be told the Riad's layout and the unevenness of the ground made accessibility a bit of a challenge. While there were ramps in some areas, others were tricky to navigate. Also, the dining experience seemed to be more a question of availability than accessibility.
**Wheelchair Accessible: More Like Wheelchair *Possible* But Not Necessarily Easy**
See above! It's possible but be ready for a bit of a workout. Bring your own "wheelchair-fu".
Internet: Wi-Fi in All Rooms! (Thank GOD)
Okay, this was HUGE. After fighting the uneven paving stones for what felt like an eternity, the promise of actually being able to connect to the outside world with the glorious embrace of free wifi was a blessed relief, especially after the whole ramp debacle. The signal in my room? Stellar. The signal in some of the public areas? A little… patchy. Reminded me of the Moroccan sun - lovely, but sometimes disappearing behind a cloud.
Internet [LAN]: Didn’t even bother looking, honestly. Wi-Fi was the life-giver in this situation.
Internet Services: They have it! Yes!
Wi-Fi in Public Areas: See above. Hit or miss, but mostly a hit.
Things to Do: (Beyond Getting Lost in the Souk…Again)
Marrakech, in general, is a sensory overload. Snake charmers, spice merchants, donkeys braying… It's a glorious chaos. The Riad offered a list of “things to do,” mostly centered around “relaxing.” Which I was totally down for. (More on that later.)
Ways to Relax: My Soul Needed This
- Body Scrub: Oh, the body scrub! I opted for the Argan oil treatment. It smelled like, well, heaven. The therapist was a tiny, fierce woman who scrubbed away weeks of travel stress and possibly a layer of my actual skin. Worth it. Absolutely.
- Body Wrap: Did it. Don't remember it. (Blissfully). Probably good.
- Fitness Center: Okay, I confess. I looked at it. Felt a little guilty afterwards. (Was more into Riad-style relaxation than gym-style).
- Foot Bath: My tired traveler feet LOVED this. Warm water, essential oils, and a gentle (or sometimes vigorous) massage. A win.
- Gym/Fitness: Refer to "Fitness Center" above.
- Massage: Yes. All the yes. The massage was heavenly. My knots? Gone. My tension? Vaporized. Recommend! 10/10 would do it again.
- Pool with View: The pool… oh, the pool. Picture this: turquoise water reflecting the Moroccan sun, surrounded by lush greenery, and the sound of trickling fountains. It was like something out of a postcard – except I was actually in the postcard. (More on this later…)
- Sauna: Did not try. Too busy luxuriating in other things.
- Spa: Excellent. Just… Excellent. Go there.
- Spa/Sauna: See above.
- Steamroom: Ditto. I’m not a steamroom kinda person. I'm a pool-with-a-view kinda person.
- Swimming pool: Stunning. Just… stunning.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: See above.
- Cleanliness and safety:
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe (mostly)
They were clearly trying. They had hand sanitizer everywhere, staff wore masks, and the common areas were frequently cleaned. Did I see someone actually disinfecting the pool with a hazmat suit? No. Did I feel generally safe? Yes. Did I still secretly wash my hands a million times a day? Perhaps.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Probably.
- Breakfast in room: See Dining, drinking, and snacking below.
- Breakfast takeaway service: See Dining, drinking, and snacking below.
- Cashless payment service: Yep. Convenient.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Seemed like it.
- Doctor/nurse on call: Good to know, though let's hope you don't need them, non?
- First aid kit: Present. Probably useful.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere! (This made me happy.)
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: I hope so!
- Hygiene certification: Didn’t see it, but maybe I wasn’t looking hard enough.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Yes, for some things, which was reassuring.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Attempted. Success varied depending on the number of tourists (and their enthusiasm for the buffet).
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Unsure.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: I did not request it.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: I hope so!
- Safe dining setup: See Dining, drinking, and snacking below.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: They appeared to be.
- Shared stationery removed: Good. I also don’t want to touch a communal pen.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Seemed like it.
- Sterilizing equipment: Probably present.
- Dining, drinking, and snacking: Oh, let's talk food…
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: (Food, Glorious Food…and Occasional Confusion)
- A la carte in restaurant: Yes!
- Alternative meal arrangement: Available.
- Asian breakfast: Nope.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Nope, not really. (This is in Marrakech, not Bangkok!)
- Bar: Yes. Pretty good, actually. Mint tea. Wine. All essential.
- Bottle of water: Free and plentiful. Always a good sign.
- Breakfast [buffet]: The breakfast buffet was… an experience. On some days, the food was amazing – fresh pastries, fruit, delicious local jams. Other days? Let's just say the presentation could have used some work. And the coffee? Variable. Sometimes strong and delicious, sometimes… well, let's just say it tasted like it had been brewed in a dirty sock.
- Breakfast service: See above.
- Buffet in restaurant: See breakfast above.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: See coffee critique above. Coffee was like a gamble.
- Coffee shop: Did not see a dedicated coffee shop.
- Desserts in restaurant: Pretty good, actually!
- Happy hour: Yes! (And essential after a day of navigating the souk.)
- International cuisine in restaurant: They made a respectable effort to offer a range, which was good.
- Poolside bar: Lovely. Sun, pool, cocktail… what more could you want?
- Restaurants: Several on-site options.
- **Room service [24
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into the chaotic, glorious, and utterly unpredictable adventure that is my Marrakech trip. This isn't your perfectly polished Instagram post; this is the REAL DEAL. Prepare for some sand in your shoes, some mint tea spills, and a whole lotta heart. And, yes, I'm staying at Riad Melhoun & Spa. Wish me luck (and maybe send chocolate).
Marrakech Mayhem: Riad Melhoun & Spa - A (Mostly) Unfiltered Adventure
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Mint Tea Debacle
Morning (or what passes for morning after that red-eye): Landed. Marrakech airport. Hot. Like, "woke up in a furnace" hot. Found a porter who looked vaguely like a Berber warrior (or maybe I was just delirious from lack of sleep and the sheer exoticism of it all?) and fought him (gently, with a smile) for my luggage. Currency exchange felt like playing a high-stakes game of "guess the exchange rate." Got scammed. Probably. Oh well, embracing the chaos!
Afternoon: Riad Re-orientation. Arrived at Riad Melhoun. Gorgeous. Absolutely stunning. Instagram-worthy courtyards, intricate tilework, the whole shebang. Check-in? Easy enough. Got my key. Swiped my key. Nothing, no, no, no… the door wouldn't budge. 10 minutes later someone came, problem solved. A true beginning.
Early Evening: Mint Tea Trials and Tribulations The most important aspect of any Marrakech visit: the Mint Tea. Ordered a traditional mint tea at the riad, expecting some relaxing time while gazing at the courtyard, feeling fancy and refined. Nope. First sip: scorching. Second sip: still scalding! Third sip: I realized I'd burnt my tongue to a crisp. This is a bad start!
Evening: Rooftop Revelation. Okay, after the mint tea disaster, I needed a victory. So, went to the rooftop terrace. The view! Breathtaking. Sunset over the medina, the call to prayer echoing through the air. It was truly magical.. and it was the beginning of my love affair with Marrakech.
Day 2: Souk Savvy… and Soul-Searching (More or Less)
Morning: The Souk Shuffle. Today: Souk. The marketplace. Pure sensory overload. Smells of spices, leather, and… well, everything. The merchants were relentless, but after an hour or so and a few minor confrontations, I got the hang of the negotiating. I may or may not have spent way too much money on those hand-painted ceramic bowls. Whoops.
Afternoon: Hammam Hijinks (or, My Naked Truth) The hammam experience. I opted for a traditional one at the Riad. Let's just say, I went into it with a sense of adventure and came out feeling clean and raw. A lady vigorously scrubbed me and slathered me in black soap. The intense heat felt like a meditative experience that was followed by a thorough exfoliation that, well, let's just say my skin has never felt more… exposed. And then I was gently offered a cup of warm jasmine-rose tea.
Late Afternoon: (Almost) Lost in the Labyrinth: Wandered off the main streets of the Souk, and suddenly, I was surrounded by alleyways, a maze of hidden treasures, and the distinct feeling that I was completely and utterly lost. Had to ask for help from a very kind shop owner who spoke a little English. Found my way back eventually.
Evening: Dinner Drama (and Deliciousness). Found a restaurant recommended by a friend. It was in a stunning riad. The food was amazing. Tagine to die for. But the ambiance? A bit… stuffy. The other diners seemed to know more than I, I had to smile and wave a little (a lot) so I wouldn't be noticed.
Day 3: Desert Dreams and Djemaa el-Fna Frenzy
Morning: Camel Capers (or, How I Learned to Embrace the Sway). Camel ride! Finally! The desert was beautiful, the camels were… well, camels. I was worried I would fall as the came, but actually, it was incredibly peaceful, the sun warm on my face, the vastness of the desert whispering a sense of peace.
Afternoon: Djemaa el-Fna, or: The Greatest Show on Earth. The main square. Djemaa el-Fna. The energy! Snake charmers. Storytellers. Food stalls sizzling. The air filled with smoke and the scent of grilling meat. It was chaotic, loud, and utterly mesmerizing. I tried the snails (they were… okay). The orange juice? Divine.
Evening: Goodbye Dinner (or, the beginning of forever?) My last dinner at the Riad. I decided to step back during the experience for the last time and decided to make my own plan. No more following recommendations, and here I am, writing this.
Day 4: (Departure - with a heavy heart)
Morning: Woke up. Sat in the courtyard one last time, soaking up the sun and the quiet. I miss the city's energy, the colors, the smells, the sounds.
Afternoon: Headed to airport. Said goodbye (for a while) to the riad staff.
Evening: Already planning my return. Marrakech, you haven't seen the last of me.
Observations, Quirks, and the Ramblings of a Recovering Tourist:
- Language barrier: I only know a few words of Arabic. The struggle is real, but the friendliness transcends words. Also, Google Translate is a lifesaver.
- The heat: It's intense. Hydrate, wear sunscreen, and embrace the shade.
- Cats: They're everywhere. And they judge.
- The food: Seriously, the food is incredible. Eat everything. Especially the tagine.
- The unexpected: Be prepared for the unexpected. Things don't always go as planned (and that's part of the charm). And don't worry, if you don't have amazing Instagram photos.
Final Thoughts:
Marrakech is a sensory overload, a culture shock, and an experience that will stay with you long after you've left its vibrant embrace. It's a place where you can get lost in a maze of alleyways and find yourself in the process. It will challenge you, surprise you, and make your soul sing. So go. Just go. And don’t be afraid to get messy. You will love it!
Bangkok Luxury Suite: Asoke & Sukhumvit MRT/BTS Access!
Escape to Paradise: Riad Melhoun & Spa - The Messy Truth (FAQs)
Alright, so you're thinking of jetting off to Riad Melhoun? Good for you! Prepare for a sensory overload, a rollercoaster of emotions, and likely, a few very, very strong cups of mint tea. Forget the glossy brochures; here's the REAL deal, FAQ style. Brace yourselves, it's gonna be... well, *me*.
1. Is this 'Moroccan Oasis' REALLY as dreamy as it looks in the photos?
Okay, let's be real. The photos? Filtered. The lighting? Probably professionally managed. BUT... and it's a big but... it's pretty damn close. The courtyard, with its fountain and bougainvillea cascading everywhere? Yep, gorgeous. I actually tripped over something in the courtyard the second time I went out there – a stray rug, I think? – and landed right on my backside, mortified. But even lying there, dusting myself off, I had to admit, the place was *stunning*. So, close enough. Take the pictures with a grain of sand (a lot of sand, because, you know, desert), and you'll be pleasantly surprised. Just don't expect *perfection*. Perfection is boring, and this place is anything but.
2. The Spa... Spill the Tea (and then maybe the Argan Oil)?
Oh, the spa. Okay, the spa. My friend Sarah went, and she said it was "transcendent". Me? Well, I had a *very* firm massage. Like, so firm I think my masseuse was quietly wrestling me back into shape from the all the tagines and sugar-laden pastries. Seriously. At one point, I may or may not have let out a small, strangled yelp. It was intense. But, you know what? Afterward, I felt like I'd been reborn. My knots that have held me together for years, GONE! I'd recommend specifically requesting a *gentle* touch if you're, shall we say, a bit of a delicate flower like yours truly. However, the hammam? Do it. Just... do it. (Okay, *maybe* be prepared for some awkward moments. Remember the whole stripped naked - and then scrubbed - part? Yeah...awkward for introverts like me).
3. How's the food? Because, let's be honest, that's a major factor.
Okay, buckle up, food lovers. The food... the food is *everything*. Breakfast? Freshly squeezed orange juice, crusty bread, little pots of jam and honey that will have you wanting to lick the spoon. Honestly, I could have stayed there all day just eating the breakfast. Lunch? Tagines. Oh, the tagines! I had a chicken tagine with preserved lemons that, no kidding, changed my life. Dinner? More tagines! (I'm not complaining). But then, I tried the pastilla. My god! It was a flaky, sweet and savory pie filled with chicken and almonds, and it was *divine*. Like, I still dream about it. Seriously, take a notepad, and write down every single spice you think you can identify, because you will want to recreate it when you get home. Or, you know, just book another trip.
4. Speaking of food, can they handle dietary restrictions? I'm gluten-free/vegan/allergic to life, basically.
Honestly? Yes, probably. I mean, I'm not *totally* sure, because I'm not gluten-free or allergic to anything beyond the crippling stress of modern life. BUT, the staff were incredibly accommodating. My friend Dave is a vegetarian, and they bent over backward to ensure he had delicious, interesting options. I suspect they'd do similar for other dietary needs. Just... email them in advance. And maybe pack a little emergency stash of whatever you need, just in case. Better safe than hangry. Hangry is no fun, especially in paradise.
5. What's the deal with the staff? Are they as lovely as everyone says?
Okay, can we just pause for a moment and talk about the staff? They're... extraordinary. Truly. They’re the kind of people who seem to genuinely *enjoy* making you happy. They remembered my name, the type of tea I liked, and even the fact that I ALWAYS asked for extra lemons with my water. One of the guys – I think his name was Hassan? – saw me struggling with a particularly stubborn suitcase and practically ripped it from my hands. It was a small thing, but it made a HUGE difference. They’re kind, they’re attentive, and they're the reason why this place transcends being just a hotel and becomes an experience. I mean, the service is seriously 10/10. You WILL want to bring them all home with you. (Don't do that, probably illegal, but the thought will cross your mind).
6. Any downsides? Be honest. We can take it.
Okay, here comes the messy part. Nothing's perfect, right? The wi-fi in my room was a bit spotty. And by "a bit spotty," I mean it went AWOL at crucial Instagram-upload moments. (First world problems, I know, I know.) Also, the walls are thin, which means you hear *everything*. Including that very romantic (?) couple who seem to think the whole Riad is a bedroom. (Note to self: pack earplugs). And, this is a *minor* quibble, but the air conditioning in my room took a little while to truly kick in. I spent the first night sweating like a… well, like someone in a desert, which is ironic. But honestly, these are minor niggles. The magic of the place more than makes up for them. Truly. The only real "downside" is that you'll never want to leave. And trust me, that’s a very real risk.
7. Okay, I'm sold. But, how do I actually BOOK this thing?
Right, right. Practicalities. You can (and should!) go to their website (Google is your friend!). Check TripAdvisor. Read the reviews (although, take everything with a grain of salt, including mine). I recommend booking well in advance, especially if you're going during peak season. And, here's a pro-tip: email them. Ask them your specific questions. They're super responsive. And, just... do it. Book the tripPersonalized Stays
