Blog – Page 10 – Bosworth Property Marrakech

15/11/201620/08/2018

Fun Things To Do In Marrakech

Marrakech activities are exciting and varied. Marrakech is a stunning city in it’s own right. The ancient Medina throbs to a Mediaeval beat and the souks hypnotise with their sensuality and exoticism. The new town is overflowing with restaurants and night spots that would be appreciated anywhere in the world. Perhaps less well known is that the area immediately around Marrakech is jam packed with fun things to do for all the family. As befits a world-class holiday destination, the area provides top quality days out … with a particularly Moroccan twist!

Bosworth Property has just been named amongst the Best Blogs in Morocco by Epic Morocco – check out the reference here.

Marrakech activities - Bosworth Property Marrakech - Buy Riad Marrakech - Riads For Sale Marrakech — Riding a camel through the Palmeraie at sunset is an unforgettable experience

Get the hump on a Camel Ride in the Palmeraie, just a few minutes from the city centre! The Palmeraie is the oasis that lies just to the South East of the Medina and it’s a vast area of date palms and semi desert. There are a good few camel herders who offer rides on their impressive beasts. Most hotels and guesthouses have their favourite herder and taxi drivers will be happy to take you to their “brother” who has camels. Personally I only take short tours as it’s not the most comfortable way to travel. Yet it’s a must do on your stay in Marrakech.

Marrakech activities from Bosworth Property - Buy Riad Marrakech - Riads For Sale Marrakech — Jet ski on the Lalla Takerkouste lake – fantastic scenery

Check out Jet Atlas for your Jet Ski rentals on Lalla Takerkoust Lake, just 20 miles South of the Medina. They have good equipment and are highly rated. The lake is huge and there is some amazing scenery. It’s a fun activity during the warmer seasons and spectacular in Spring with the snow on the nearby Atlas Mountains.

Cycling is increasingly popular with families and sporty folk alike, and it’s easy to see why. The terrain is varied and suits all levels. By far the best company to go with is Argan Sports. This family run concern offers everything from City tours to High Atlas off-roading and everything in between. They speak English and their equipment is top of the range. They can provide guides and are very knowledgeable of the area.

You can also now use ride and drop bicycles in Marrakech city. Some are provided by the local authorities and some are provided by the excellent Pikala Bikes not for profit organisation. Pikala contributes significantly to the local population through their workshops and training, so give them a go in the city.

Marrakech Activities from Bosworth Property Marrakech - Buy Riad Marrakech - Riads For Sale Marrakech — Quads in the semi desert around Marrakech

There are many ways to get your dose of adrenaline by quadding in the Marrakech area. There are companies offering Palmeraie tours and many hotels have their dedicated fleets. For me though, it’s got to be out in the Agafay Desert only 20 miles from the Medina. It’s a surreal landscape and perfectly suited to Quads and Buggies. Quads Marrakech is a French run company specialised in the Agafay Desert. They can also organise multi day Raids into the Atlas Mountains for the more adventurous.

Ciel d’Afrique proposes incredible hot air ballooning in the Marrakech area. The company has been running here for more than 25 years and has a 100% safety record. And what a way to experience the Marrakech area! Dawn flights are truly spectacular and will make your visit to Marrakech an unforgettable one. They even do champagne flights! Friends have done this and absolutely loved it. However, now that vertigo is a part of my life I’ll leave this one to you.

This is just a little introduction to some of the incredible Marrakech activities on offer. There really is something for everyone. And the possibilities keep developing. Horse riding, water parks, guided nature walks, scooter hire, art galleries … the list of things to do in Marrakech is truly impressive. So whether you’re here for a short break or you live in this beautiful location you will never be short of fun things to do.

07/11/201620/08/2018

Running Guesthouse Riad For Sale Marrakech

Successful British managed Running Guesthouse Riad For Sale Marrakech. 5 en suites. Lovely patio with a big pool. Amazing views from the high terraces. 180m2 of titled Riad could be yours for just 3.2m dirhams (E299K £266K).

Located in a quiet Derb in an authentic quarter of Marrakech Medina, this charming property has everything to make your guests feel at home. On the ground floor, the entrance hall leads into the spacious patio with it’s big plunge pool. Around the patio you will find a shady sitting area, the kitchen and 3 en suite bedrooms.

The harmonic patio courtyard seen from the terrace

On the first floor are 2 further en suite bedrooms and good public spaces around the coursives. On the second floor are two terraces – the high terrace has panoramic views all over the Medina, including an adjacent palm-filled park and the High Atlas Mountains beyond.

This running Guesthouse Riad For Sale Marrakech has an annual turnover of more than E60K, so it’s a very decent proposition for someone who wants to get their foot in the door in the Riad business in this thriving tourist location.

Call me now on 00212658025028 or mail colin@BosworthPropertyMarrakech.com to arrange a viewing of this property. Bosworth Property gets you to the best Riads. We are your trusted Marrakech Medina specialists.

A colonnaded internal facade seen from the patio courtyard

03/11/201620/08/2018

Drinking in Marrakech Medina

Drinking in Marrakech Medina is one of the great pleasures of visiting or living here. It runs contrary to accepted wisdom about life in a predominately Muslim society and surprises by the tolerance and openness shown by authorities and local inhabitants alike. In this blog I’ll look at the sale of alcohol in the supermarkets and specialist shops, as well as my favourite Medina hangouts. I’ll also take a brief glance at the local hooch – Mehia.

While there are no supermarkets selling alcohol within the Medina itself, there are a couple of strategically placed shops just outside the walls of the Old City. There are Carrefour and Champion supermarkets with an array of beers, wines and spirits within walking distance of Jemaa El Fna. Within a short taxi ride of the Medina you will find two big Carrefours with well stocked Caves – one in the new Menara Mall complex on Avenue Mohammed VI and the other at the Al Mazar Mall near the Agdal Gardens. The Atacadao Hypermarket on the Fez Road (previously known as Metro) is a great place to stock up as they do wholesale rates if you buy in quantity. In Gueliz there are a number of local shops where you can get your drinks – notably on the Avenue Mohammed V and in the Marche Central. During Ramadan, only a few outlets are open and only to non Muslims. You will need to take your passport along if you want to buy alcohol during the Holy month.

There are also specialist wine shops in the new city. Have a look at this little selection from a sister blog: https://www.madeinmarrakech.co.uk/wine-and-spirits.html

Within the Medina there are numerous cool places to go for a drink. My local is Cafe Arabe in Mouassine, right opposite the Secret Garden. https://www.cafearabe.com/en/ It’s got a great terrace, best experienced at sunset, and the food is OK too. Another great sunset terrace is at KosyBar on the Place des Ferblantiers. http://www.kosybar.com/index_en.htm – I’m not enamoured of the food yet to sip a cold drink as the sun goes down behind the Kotoubia is a real spectacle. Just 100 yards away is the Tanjia – it too has good views and the occasional belly dancer.

Drinking in Marrakech Medina - Buy Riad Marrakech - Riad For Sale Marrakech - bosworthpropertymarrakech.com — The wonderful view from the KosyBar terrace in the Place des Ferblantiers

Around Jemaa El Fna square are a number of drinking spots. If you go the Marrakchi Restaurant, next to the Cafe de France – be sure to book a window table. There are fabulous views of the Kessabine end of the square. http://www.lemarrakchi.com/ – Just up the Rue des Banques from there is the newly refurbished Salama Restaurant. It’s got decent views and runs a happy hour. It’s run by the same people as the Tanjia. Possibly the oldest drinking spot in the Medina is the Tazi Hotel at the end of the Rue des Princes a couple of hundred yards from Jemaa El Fna. The atmosphere is one of decadent 1950’s Marrakech and the place has seen better days. It’s fun though.

I used to enjoy a drink in the Nomad Restaurant and Le Jardin Restaurant. They have recently had their alcohol licences revoked for an as yet undisclosed reason. Hopefully they’ll soon get them back. The Nomad on the Place des Epices has a particularly cool roof terrace and it would be great to be able to drop round for a drink again.

bosworthpropertymarrakech.com - Drinking in the Medina - Buy Riad Marrakech - Riads For Sale Marrakech — Looking forward to going back to Nomad for a cold beer

While all these, and other, restaurants sell good quality beers, wines and spirits (and the Moroccan wine and beer is surprisingly good), the local hooch known as Mehia (Mahia, Majia) can be a seriously dangerous road to travel. As it is technically illegal it’s production tends to escape normal quality controls. It is best avoided in anything but the smallest quantities. It is usually distilled from dates or figs, although other sugary fruit is sometimes employed. Personally I stay away from it.

In conclusion I would say that drinking alcohol in Marrakech Medina is generally a very pleasant experience. Whether it’s sat on the terrace of your Riad or in one of the numerous restaurants around the Old City, having a cool sundowner away from the hustle and bustle of the streets is a most relaxing pursuit. Try the Casablanca Beer. Have a sip of a great Moroccan red wine. Slurp on a cold Gin and Tonic or a minty Mojito. And enjoy everything that this marvellous city has to offer you.

Cheers!

26/10/201620/08/2018

Riad For Sale in Dar El Bacha Marrakech

Very rare investment opportunity in this Riad For Sale in Dar El Bacha, Marrakech Medina. The best street in the best quarter of the Medina. 202m2 of titled property for only 2.7m dirhams (E249K £223K). This wonderfully located property is priced to sell quickly, so get in touch me with now to arrange an immediate viewing.

One of the first floor bedrooms

Set amongst luxury guesthouses and upmarket private residences, in a quiet Derb just off the main Dar El Bacha street, this Riad is the perfect investment. It can only go up in price.

On the ground floor, the entrance hall leads you into the big 70m2 patio courtyard. Set around the courtyard you will find 3 bedrooms (2 en suite), a reception salon, a kitchen and two visitors loos. The first floor has 3 bedrooms (1 en suite), a reception salon, a bathroom and a big kitchen. On the wide sunny terraces there is a washing room and a storage room as well as fantastic sunning areas.

The long high ceilinged reception salon on the first floor

It is now extremely rare to find a Riad For Sale in this area of the Medina. And impossible at this price. Bosworth Property has unearthed this one for you so get in touch quickly.

The terraces are wide and sunny

The property is currently a private residence. It needs a good refresh and as a guesthouse project would need bathrooms added to the bedrooms to make them all en suites. There’s plenty of room in the patio to install a good pool and the terrace would easily accommodate a jacuzzi. The house was last renovated in the 1960’s. It’s very strong structurally and is in good condition.

The house needs a refresh yet is in good structural order throughout

Get in touch with me now on 00212658025028 or mail colin@BosworthPropertyMarrakech.com to arrange an immediate viewing. We are your trusted Marrakech Medina specialists and we get you to the best properties at the best prices.

24/10/201620/08/2018

Security Situation in Marrakech

One of the questions people ask me most often is about the security situation in Marrakech. On a general level this question is usually framed as “Is it safe to travel there?” Then, more specifically “Is it safe on the streets?” Given the relentlessly negative outlook of large sections of the foreign press to everything to do with Muslim culture and society I suppose these questions should not surprise.

The security situation in Morocco and more specifically in Marrakech is one of the great attractions of living and working here. The King of Morocco and the elected government have provided a multi-level approach to the current terrorist threat and it works. In fact, Morocco is seen as an example to follow in it’s approach to dealing with the issue. Morocco collaborates closely with it’s allies in Europe and North America and provides protection to Europe’s southern flank. The last incident in Morocco was in 2011, over five years ago, proving that the current approach is successful.

https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2016/10/199622/how-morocco-has-succeeded-in-keeping-terrorists-at-bay/

As well as the publically acknowledged policies as can be seen in the recent article above, Morocco has a quite unique advantage in terms of internal security. Cigarette sellers. Let me explain.

Moroccan society is fundamentally a feudal system. In Marrakech the city is organised into urban areas known as quarters. Each quarter has a hierarchy of local personalities reporting ever upwards. It starts on the street corners where cigarette sellers sit day and night selling single cigarettes to the local population. They are the eyes and the ears of the city. They know who lives in the area and who doesn’t. So they are able to report to the local chief, or to the local police, any strange happenings in a security context. The local chief passes the information on to the Caid, the area Chief, who will report to the security services anything worth reporting. In this way the local population contributes significantly to the overall security of visitors and locals alike. So as well as having a visible security presence around monuments and other sensitive places, the authorities get real support from the inhabitants of this peace loving city.

Security situation in Marrakech - Riad For Sale Marrakech - Buy Riad Marrakech — Armed security officers patrol sensitive areas

And make no mistake – the Marrakchi population is determined to keep this city peaceful. Nobody here wants to see the type of incidents that have plagued other North African countries, not to mention European cities in recent times. With Heads of State and the worlds press beginning to gather for the United Nations Conference on Climate Change in Marrakech – COP22 – this fabulous destination has never been safer.

Personal safety is a seperate question. Marrakech is a sprawling urban environment and brings with it the normal risks and perils of a modern city. Pickpockets are very skilled here and the throngs of people in the souks and markets mean that the visitor must take basic precautions to avoid losing that new iPhone or a wallet. I myself have “lost” two phones in the years I have lived here.

And some quarters are safer than others. Some of the modern suburbs can feel intimidating at night. And some quarters of the old Medina can feel threatening in the dark. Incidents are rare, yet due care must be taken. It’s best not to walk alone late at night in an area you don’t know well. During the daytime, some areas are rife with “false guides” – usually groups of young men offering you assistance and directions as you wander around the Medina. They will nearly always insist on being paid for the “help” they offer you. This is an annoyance more than a danger. A specialist unit of the local police was set up ten years ago to deal with the phenomenon and has had some success. The problem persists in quarters away from the main tourist attractions.

Security situation in Marrakech - Buy Riad Marrakech - Riads For Sale — In some of the poorer quarters there is an issue with “false guides”

In summary I would say that Marrakech is a particularly safe city to visit and to live in. Gun crime is unheard of here. The terrorist threat appears to be well contained. Personal safety on the street is generally very good, with all the provisos that being in an urban environment carries. As the good news about Moroccan security gets progressively into mainstream consciousness in the West, so the attractiveness of Marrakech to both visitors and investors grows. Long may it continue.

20/10/201620/08/2018

Speaking English in Marrakech

English in Marrakech - Riads For Sale from bosworthpropertymarrakech.com - Riad For Sale Marrakech - Riads a Vendre Marrakech - Riad a Vendre Marrakech

People often ask me what is the biggest change I’ve noticed in Marrakech since I arrived some years ago. My answer sometimes surprises – English in Marrakech is now spoken everywhere. When I arrived this was patently not the case. In hotels as in the souks, the first words spoken to visitors were always in French. Now a visitor is greeted with “What are you looking for?” or “Take a look, please.” As Marrakech becomes progressively more open to international tourism, and less reliant on the French market, so the quick and clever businesspeople of this dynamic city have adapted their language in order to reach the widest possible audience.

And it is not just a greeting to lure you into a sense of homeliness. The sales people throughout the Medina and in the new town of Gueliz are remarkably proficient in their English conversation. Speaking English in Marrakech has never been easier. Menus and drink lists are printed in English. Websites and advertising focus more and more on the English speaking visitors.

In fact, English is progressing across the country and not just in Marrakech. The internationalisation of business and specifically through the internet have led to profound changes in Moroccan society’s approach to language. While Arabic and French remain the administrative languages of the country and are likely to do so for a long time to come, English is now the second language of choice for most Moroccans, as many recent surveys confirm – https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2015/03/153952/85-moroccans-want-english-first-foreign-language/

English in Marrakech -Riads For Sale from bosworthpropertymarrakech.com — Morocco is a young country and the English language is likely to continue to gain in importance

Within the city of Marrakech various expat groups are here to welcome the English speaking resident. The British Business Group – http://www.britishbusinessgroupmarrakech.com/about-us/ – provides support to the newly arrived and provides networking opportunities to those already well established here. The Internations organisation – originally a German concept – runs a relaxed and dynamic social hub where English is very much to the fore – https://www.internations.org/marrakech-expats

This development in the use of English offers plenty of potential to those who are not yet proficient in French or Arabic. The Hotel and Riad business is an obvious case in point. Yet outside the hospitality industry, many companies are looking to recruit native speakers too. And many private language schools offer work for teachers of English as a foreign language within the city of Marrakech. A quick google of “English Teaching Jobs in Marrakech” will prove my point.

So it would appear that speaking English in Marrakech has a bright and rosy future. Times were when not speaking French was a major handicap … and now people are scrambling to learn English. English speakers – the Kingdom of Morocco welcomes you!

Speaking English in Marrakech - Riads For Sale Marrakech from bosworthpropertymarrakech.com - Riad For Sale - Buy Riad Marrakech — The sun is shining on the use of English in Marrakech and all of Morocco

18/10/201620/08/2018

Marrakech – A Tale of Two Cities

Bosworth Property Marrakech - Riads For Sale - Riad For Sale - Property For Sale

Marrakech really is a tale of two cities. The impressive ramparts that encircle the old Medina serve as a defining arbiter of the city’s urban identity. Within the walls lies a sprawling medaieval town of sinuous alleyways, historic Mosques, grand old Riads and bustling market places. Outside is a modern, thriving city first developed under the French “protectorate” only a hundred years ago. The impression on the first-time visitor to Marrakech can be quite schizophrenic.

The traditional way of life in the Medina continues unfazed by the modernity of Gueliz. Time is of much less importance within the protective walls. Marrakech Medina is a truly remarkable urban environment, where you can step from the calm, air conditioned and wifi infused peace of a Riad guesthouse into a smokey, noisy street thronged with donkey carts and speeding mopeds in just seconds. Vegetable markets vie with local butchers and trinket sellers in a frantic whirr of vitality and energy.

Whilst in Gueliz, just a five minute walk from the Medina ramparts, you can sit in a quiet cafe just as you can in Paris or Milan. You can shop in Zara and Louis Vuitton. Get your imported groceries and wines in a modern supermarket. You can find McDonalds and Starbuck’s. There are French, Italian, Japanese and every other conceivable kind of restaurant. There are hundreds of bars and dozens of good nightclubs. Luxury apartments and villas are all around.

So it’s entirely possible to live in the Medina and benefit from all the conveniences a modern and thriving city can offer, whilst still enjoying the exotic and wonderful energy of the Old Town. As I navigate between the Medina and Gueliz I often thank my lucky stars that such a diverse and tolerant city exists here and now. It is a unique blend of the ancient and the modern. I love living here.

With the recent upgrade of the city centre airport, Marrakech has never been more accessible. It is time for you to experience the special atmosphere of this city with two hearts – one that beats a rhythm from time immemorial … and one that dances to a very modern tune.

Colin
Bosworth Property Marrakech.

16/10/201620/08/2018

Successful Guesthouse Riad For Sale Marrakech

This successful guesthouse Riad For Sale Marrakech is in the fashionable Riad Laarous area of the Medina. Easy access. 5 en suite rooms and spacious public areas. Titled and authorised property. Annual turnover of about 100,000 euros. This could sell for as little as 4.4m dirhams (E408,000 £354,000). It’s the perfect place to start your Marrakech business.

The house is set out as follows.
Ground floor: Entrance, patio courtyard, dining room, modern kitchen, big sitting room with fireplace, 1 suite.
First floor: 4 suites, storage room.
Terrace: beautiful sunny spaces and two pergolas, technical area.

There are some great details in this lovely, harmonic Riad. Look at the hand painted ceiling in the big sitting room ..

The rooms are all fully equipped with air conditioning, wifi and all mod cons. The kitchen is bright and airy. The terraces have great views of the Medina and the Atlas Mountains. The Riad is sold fully furnished and with future bookings. It’s a very interesting deal.

This guesthouse Riad For Sale Marrakech is a very good investment opportunity. It is a classic Riad with all the modern amenities that your guests will love. So call me now on 00212658025028 or mail colin@BosworthPropertyMarrakech.com to arrange a viewing.

Beautifully furnished and with many fireplaces too!

The bathrooms are a real feature and much appreciated by the guests

Bosworth Property Marrakech – working to get you to the best properties at the very best prices in this beautiful location.

13/10/201620/08/2018

Riad For Sale Marrakech – masses of potential

Riad For Sale Marrakech - Riads For Sale from bosworthpropertymarrakech.com - Riads a Vendre Marrakech - Riad a Vendre Marrakech - Riad To Renovate Marrakech

This is a big Riad For Sale Marrakech in the geographical centre of the Medina. Over 530m2 on the ground. There are some amazing original features to carry forward into a renovation project. It could be yours for as little as 3.5m dirhams. That’s just £291.000 or E322,000). A top investment opportunity in a hard to find product.

The property is made up of three joined structures. The original Riad set out around the traditional patio courtyard with it’s four gardens and central fountain: an annexe of six small rooms and a little courtyard; and the small Douiria appartment. In all they have a footprint of 535m2 and the potential to develop between 10 and 15 luxury suites.

This Riad For Sale Marrakech will please the purist. The traditional lay out. The very high cedar wood ceilings in the reception areas. The chicaned entrance hall. The gardens and the fountain. Everything here speaks of the traditional Islamic Garden, a reflection of Paradise on Earth.

Remember that Bosworth Property proposes a Key In Hand Project Management service for your renovation project. So if you would like to renovate a property such as this but don’t have the time, then let us take the strain for you. We are experienced in this type of project and will bring the finished property in on time and on budget.

Give me a call now on 00212658025028 or mail Colin@BosworthPropertyMarrakech.com to arrange a viewing. We are your Marrakech Medina specialists – getting you to beautiful properties at local prices.

And remember to sign up for my free guide to investing in Marrakech. There’s a link right underneath this article. Thank you!

12/10/201620/08/2018

Beautiful Old Riad For Sale Marrakech

This Beautiful Old Riad For Sale Marrakech is in the very upmarket Ksour district of the Medina, just 2 minutes walk from Jemaa El Fna. It’s got big volume too, as the main Riad is over 350m2 and the Douria annexe a further 75m2. The asking price is a negotiable 4m dirhams (E369,000 £333,000). Given the size, the location and the historic nature of this wonderful building … it’s a deal!

This traditional Riad is for lovers of Marrakech Medina and Arabo-Andalucian architecture. The octagonal patio balcony in cedar wood is quite remarkable. As are many of the original features in this house – from the beautiful Khoka doors to the intricate plaster work and the wrought iron workmanship on window grilles and coursive barriers.

Given the volumes and the location of this lovely old Riad For Sale Marrakech, it is certainly possible to get 8 or even 10 luxury suites into the renovation project. The annexe would take a pool and a garden, so you could protect the central patio courtyard. Much of the original Zellij tiling still exists in place around the patio. This is much sought after now and is increasingly rare to find in it’s original position.

The property has two entrances in two seperate streets. Access is very easy. It is possibly the most sought after quarter of the Medina and hosts numerous luxury private Riads as well as upmarket guesthouses and restaurants and boutiques. The views from the terraces here are amazing – the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, the Royal Gardens, the Kotoubia Mosque – a prime location, just 2 minutes from Jemaa El Fna.

Call me now on 00212658025028 or mail Colin@BosworthPropertyMarrakech.com to arrange a viewing of this lovely old Riad For Sale Marrakech. It’s a great investment opportunity. We get you to the right properties at the right price. We are your trusted Marrakech Medina spcialists.