Riad Babouchta & Spa

Riad Babouchta & Spa Overview

First Impressions

Tucked away down a narrow derb in the heart of Marrakech’s medina, Riad Babouchta & Spa feels like stumbling upon a secret. I mean, you’ll walk past it twice before you find the entrance — but that’s part of the charm, honestly. Once you step through those heavy wooden doors, the chaos of the souks just melts away. The central courtyard hits you immediately with its traditional tilework and that gorgeous fountain in the center, and you know what? It’s exactly what you picture when you think of an authentic Moroccan riad.

Location & Getting Around

The location is actually brilliant if you want to be in the thick of things. You’re literally a five-minute walk from Jemaa el-Fna square, which means the snake charmers and orange juice vendors are right there when you want them. But here’s the thing — being tucked away on derb rouda means you get all the medina atmosphere without the constant noise. Marrakech can be overwhelming, especially at first, but this spot gives you the perfect balance. The staff will walk you to the main square the first time because, let’s be honest, the medina’s maze of alleys can be confusing.

The Rooms

The room I stayed in had this incredible hand-painted ceiling that I spent way too much time staring at. Each one’s different — some have tadelakt walls, others feature beautiful carved wood details. The beds are comfortable (not always a given in traditional riads), and the air conditioning actually works well, which you’ll appreciate during those scorching Marrakech afternoons. What I really loved was how they’ve managed to keep the authentic Moroccan design while adding modern touches that actually make sense for travelers.

The Spa Experience

Now, the spa — this is where Riad Babouchta really shines. The hammam treatment was honestly one of the best I’ve had in Morocco, and I’ve tried quite a few. They use traditional black soap and that rough kessa glove, but the therapists really know what they’re doing. The massage room has this dreamy atmosphere with soft lighting and traditional music, and after a day of navigating the souks, it’s exactly what you need. The four-star rating makes sense when you experience the spa — it’s clearly where they’ve invested a lot of attention.

Why Guests Love It

There’s something special about this place that keeps drawing people back. Maybe it’s how the staff remembers your name and actually cares about making your stay memorable, or perhaps it’s that perfect rooftop terrace where you can watch the sunset over the medina with a mint tea in hand. The restaurant serves solid Moroccan classics — their tagines are particularly good — and breakfast on the terrace is a lovely way to start exploring the city. Couples especially seem to fall for this place, and I can see why. It strikes that sweet spot between authentic Moroccan hospitality and modern comfort that’s honestly pretty hard to find in the medina these days.

Facilities