Dar Darma: Maximalism in Marrakech

CairoScene

09-02-2025

This riad really did leave minimalism in the dust…
Marrakech is a city that's 953 years old. Its labyrinthine alleyways have borne testament to the rise and fall of dynasties and the ebb and flow of trade. It has been home to Berbers, Arabs, Jews, and Europeans, each leaving their mark on the city's architecture, cuisine, and customs. The city has served as a centre of Islamic scholarship, a hub of caravan trade, and a site of pilgrimage, attracting visitors from across the Islamic world and beyond. More importantly, it has served as a backdrop to innumerable stories of intrigue, romance, and adventure, some famous enough the whole world remembers them vividly and others lost to time, now mere whispers forever entrapped in the grains of the Sahara.
In a hidden alleyway off a sidestreet in the Medina - barely big enough for two people to walk through - an ornate door, not unlike all the other doors, beckons travellers from far and wide, because it's the entrance to what is, arguably, Marrakech's most maximalist riad, Dar Darma.
The six-room riad is a haven that leaves minimalism in the dust. Its interior is a work of art, an entanglement of rococo carved doors, painstakingly-crafted zellij, and soaring ceilings that serve to spotlight Marrakech's often-chaotic and seemingly contradicting personality in one space. Upon arrival, you are greeted with a refreshing mint tea and Moroccan leather babouches, setting the tone for the stay. Squishy fauteuils covered in plush velvet are scattered around while handcrafted monolithic chandeliers - expertly handwrought with brilliant crystals - cast their kaleidoscopic shadow, captivating wanderers.
One of the standout features of Dar Darma is its rooftop, which boasts panoramic views of the surrounding Medina, with the Atlas Mountains peaking beyond the horizon. There, you can laze in the beautiful solarium or take a dip in the glistening pool, surrounded by the hotel's lush gardens and enchanting décor. It also serves as the perfect setting for indulging in a steaming traditional breakfast, enjoying a candlelit dinner beneath the shimmering stars, or simply unwinding with a refreshing cocktail.
However, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all served at the time and in the place of your choosing, with the hotel's La Table Dar Darma restaurant offering a range of Moroccan delicacies that tantalise the taste buds. You can also participate in cooking classes or themed happy hours, if you feel that a touch of adventure - without leaving the decadence of your stay - is necessary.
The hotel's hammam, fireplace room, and library all provide a variety of options for both relaxation and entertainment. Dar Darma also offers a range of extras upon request, including a laundry and ironing service, shoeshine service, English and French-speaking babysitters, beauty and wellness treatments, private car with chauffeur, and personal shopper. The hotel's concierge is always available to assist you in planning trips and transfers, offering a less stressful experience.