Ksar Salha

I might have some preconceived ideas before arriving in Marrakesh. Morocco was a country I had never visited before and Marrakesh a city I had only experienced though movies and media. (Hard to trust the movies and the media these days.) The perfect journey on a direct flight from Ireland saw me arrive late in the evening with a driver awaiting. The 30 minute journey to the Ksar Salha was uneventful, apart from the occasional near death experience with scooter drivers. On arrival, greeted by a gentle gatekeeper and escorted from the courtyard into the riad. Magnificent interior decor and design - very tall ceilings, colourful seating areas, expansive collection of books across a massive wall, reception area and entrance into the dining area. Warm wlcome form Fatiha then guided to my room. Up a stairway and onto a hallway that lead to my room. Beautiful , spacious with the biggest bed Ive ever seen - TV on the wall was dwarfed by the sheer size of the room with double doors leading to a balcony. Ornate, colourful, homely with a spaceous bathroom and a massive bath and seperate shower. Downstairs for supper - a chicken tagine, salads and water. I could get carried away writing about the experience but in truth words will not do justice to the experience. It's the most beautiful place to stay - I found it online as an Hotel, but it is really a beautiful family home that dates back to the 9th Century. The rooms are amazing, spaceous, clean and tidy with all the 21st century accessories you'd ever need. The facilities are perfect. The swimming pool is heated, clean and well served with sun loungers. There is a modest gym beside the pool too. Both are sat in the middle of manicured gardens - home to a peacock and peahen and cats. Trees, rose bushes, orange and lemon trees everywhere. Well-dressed hideaways everywhere if you want to get lost adn chill out completely. The stand out for me was the cuisine - i have not tasted better in any country or hotel than at Ksar Salha. Beef, chicken, vegetable tagines - Berber cuisine and my favourite lamb, prune and almond tagine. Starters and deserts just as good. The people working in the kitchen and serving the food were some of the most kind and friendly - ignoring any language barrier there maybe. And the music they play - from local to worldwide artists, at the perfect pitch for each occasion. The right distance from marrakesh and close enough to the Atlas mountains, I would say that the Ksar Salha is the ideal location for solo travellers, couples or families thatw ant to experience the true variety of this majestic country. I loved every second of my time here - the family are wonderful considerate hosts who put together a 100% authentic Moroccan / Berber experience. A wonderful family and a brilliant holiday experience - an honour to have stayed here. If you're going to spend time in the treat yourself. And bring some warm clothing if its your first time.