Riad Villa Berna under Swiss management

Our favorite meal in Marrakech was the private dinner at the Riad. The food was phenomenal, delicious, and felt like an authentic, elevated home-cooked meal. We saved it for our last night and were so glad, it ended the trip on a high note and outshone all the restaurants we tried. There were plenty of sofas and places to sit around the Riad, and the terrace was lovely for sunbathing or a relaxing evening. Our suite didn’t have its own seating, though, and after a full day out we would have liked an extra chair or small sofa so we didn’t have to relax on the beds. We’d also have appreciated a kettle and cups in the room, since we’re Brits and like tea throughout the day but didn’t want to keep bothering the team. We were three people staying at Villa Berna for a long weekend. From the start, Fatima, Aziz, Isham (sorry if that’s spelled wrong, the lovely man in red who helped with breakfast and luggage), Anoir, and the kitchen and housekeeping teams welcomed us like family. Communication was smooth and thorough, and they shared local tips and guides. Private transfers are a must because cars can’t reach the Riad in its central location, but the team personally met us and walked us there. It’s a short 5-10 minute walk to Jemaa el-Fnaa, with lots of souks along the way. We walked at all times of day and never felt unsafe. Each morning, breakfast was simple and traditional, with a generous selection of spreads, fresh fruit, and wonderfully sweet fresh orange juice. Our rooms were comfortable and clean. Thank you for making our Marrakech trip so memorable!

The meals were a treat, from tajine and Moroccan salad to French toast, and especially Amlou. We also booked excursions with a personal driver, which were great fun, and Fatima is a brilliant organizer who seems able to make almost any wish happen. Be sure to book a cooking class with her. Riad Villa Berna is right in the Medina but remains pleasantly quiet. The courtyard has a large table, a sitting pool, and a sofa, and the inside stays surprisingly cool. Verena and Norbert and their team have made a wonderful holiday retreat. Our room was cozy and clean, and we felt welcome the whole time. Everyone was very friendly and accommodating.

The owners’ Swiss standards of cleanliness and efficiency are evident in this Moroccan setting. The Riad is spotless, with quality Berber-style furnishings that seem far above what’s required for a riad. The Wi-Fi worked well everywhere, and the kitchen smelled beautiful. We thought the food was made with love and tasted fantastic. Breakfast was a sight to see, prepared in a pristine, open kitchen where you could watch the authentic food being made. Riad Villa Berna is centrally located, tucked just off one of the many busy narrow streets. We wished we could have stayed longer. We met the Swiss owners, who were generous with tips on where to go and how to navigate the streets. They said that if we got lost and wanted to return, we could call and someone would come find us and bring us home. We’d never been to Morocco and had worried about safety, but felt very safe. The riad has guardians and security around the clock. When the owners aren’t there, two local women manage the place day to day. We were told it’s the only Riad in Marrakesh managed by local women. They can arrange private transfers to and from the airport, as well as tours at better prices than the tour agents offer.

We had a late flight on the day we checked out, and the team kindly let us stay at the Riad and relax. We had dinner on the rooftop and, since we were the only ones there, it felt like a private dining experience. The food was some of the best we had. Breakfast on the terrace each morning was a lovely way to start the day. Our room had thoughtful touches, an amazing ceiling, and a colorful bathroom. The staff were super lovely and helpful, especially Said, the morning staff member, who was friendly and shared useful tips. Our stay at Riad Berna made our trip to Marrakech and Morocco so memorable. Thank you 🫶🏼⭐️