Wednesday, 30 December 2009

Experience the Moroccan Culture: Tangier Riad

By Gerald Branch

Tangier is a mysterious city influenced by several cultures. It is located in 60km from Gibraltar and 14km from Spain. It is believed to be the most vibrant and mythical city in Morocco. Tangier is popularly known as the "gateway of Africa" and has several tourist attractions such as beaches, museums and gardens. Because of its rich European, Moroccan and African cultures, Tangier makes it a perfect destination to visit.

Tangier offers several traditional Moroccan houses for you to stay known as riad. Riad may also be a palace with an indoor garden. If you are planning to visit Morocco for a vacation getaway, you may want to stay to a Tangier riad to feel and experience the Moroccan culture. Here are some of the riads that you may consider.

You may want to stay at one of the oldest guesthouse in Tangier. Riad Dar Sultan is a 300 year old riad located at the heart of Tangier's Kasbah District. It was once the house of a former Sultan. The Sultan lived in Dar El Mahkzen which is now converted into a museum. Riad Dar Sultan has 6 spacious rooms equipped with lobby, fireplaces and library. Each room is elegantly designed with the local Moroccan lifestyle. Its guests can enjoy the spectacural view of the sea and the old district of Kasbah while staying in Riad Dar Sultan.

Riad Dar Jameel, known as the "sanctuary of peace and tranquility," is a place where a visitor can experience the twist of a rich past and the beauty and elegancy of the present. Being the most intimate place in Tangier, Riad Dar Jameel allows its guests to enjoy the peacefulness and mysteriousness of the city. The riad's interior and outer design is influenced by both Moroccan and European cultures. The rooms and suites have stucco ceilings, traditional Moroccan couch and a bed with baldachin.

Riad Tanja. Riad Tanja is the first and therefore the oldest guest house in Tangier. This riad offers a high quality and luxurious accommodation. Rian Tanja is purely Moroccan designed with elegant, old pieces of furniture and ornaments, giving its guest the comfort and sleekness of a Tangier riad. It has 6 exquisite, spacious and well furnished double suites. Its terrace has lavishing, expensive flora overhanging the remarkable view of the bay.

Riad Dar Nour, known to its unique beauty has 7 cozy rooms and suites. Each room has its own shower room, air conditioning and heating. Meaning the "house of lights", the riad is further adorned by its collection of carpets, old ceramics and other ornaments from the 15 year period of the Arabs in Tangier. The guesthouse has also its own library with books from various parts of the world.

If you appreciate art, try to stay in Riad Dar Nilam. Riad Dar Nilam is an exquisite place with magnificent works of art that are expressed in every little detail. It is greatly influenced by both the African culture and the east of the Orient. You will be left in awe while looking at the smooth architecture of the riad, as well as its splendid gardens. Riad Dar Nilam offers uniquely polished rooms and suites with private shower room, air conditioning, Internet access, mini bar and satellite TV. Relax in the riad's massage room, swimming pool and hamman. You can also enjoy the spectacular view of the city while reading in its fireplace and reading place.

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