Le Farnatchi – A Marrakech Riad That Feels Like Coming Home
Timeless Moroccan craftsmanship meets deeply personal hospitality
A Jewel Hidden in the Medina
In the heart of Marrakech’s vibrant old city, Le Farnatchi offers more than just beautiful design—it offers a sense of belonging. Owned and lovingly run by James Wix, this elegant riad has earned its reputation not through flash, but through warmth, refinement, and loyalty. Many guests return year after year, not just for the sumptuous interiors, but for the feeling of being genuinely welcomed home.
Design with Soul
Wix’s own collection of Moroccan art and antiques fills the rooms and common areas, complemented by the intricate work of local maalems (master craftsmen). The aesthetic is baroque Moroccan—ornate, yet never overwhelming. Tadelakt walls, zellige tilework, carved plaster, and handpainted wood ceilings are everywhere, but so are creature comforts: big beds, plush lounges, deep baths.
A Layout That Lets You Breathe
With just a handful of suites, Le Farnatchi offers a low room-to-space ratio, making it feel more like a private villa than a hotel. Two beautiful patios anchor the riad—one centered around a seven-meter pool with a trickling fountain, the other shaded by citrus trees and lined with a salon, bar, and dining room. It’s all about quiet corners, ambient sound, and soft evening light.
Hospitality That’s Human
From the outdoor bhou (a traditional seating nook) to the grand salon, the atmosphere is one of relaxed luxury. Guests are just as likely to be curled up with a mint tea as they are chatting with James himself or swapping stories with fellow travelers over an apéritif.
DNA Hotels Verdict
Le Farnatchi is the rare riad that manages to feel both elegantly cinematic and intimately personal. For those who want an authentic, art-filled Moroccan stay with a host who truly cares, this is Marrakech at its most soulful.
