Riad Anyssates

Are Jerome and Gerome pronounced the same?

If so what else do Jerome de Muizon and Jean-Léon Gérôme have in common? They are both French….. true but more importantly; to Riad Anyssates, both Jerome and Gérôme have a shared interest in Orientalism. Jerome de Muizon being the purveyor and Jean-Léon Gérôme being the master.

Orientalism was seriously in Vogue in the mid-to-late 1800’s. Artists from Britain, the USA, France and Germany became obsessed in their quest to capture the “Persian spirit” on canvass. Many did not even venture beyond their own country but this did not stop them. Orientalism has been criticised, almost from conception, by the Art Pundits for lack of authenticity. With such bad press, it is surprising that it caught on at all.

I am so glad it did. Orientalist Art when studied, as a child, was a subliminal driving force for me to investigate those magical worlds portrayed.

Riad Anyssated only displays one print in the Orientalist style. However that one print helps embody all that lay inside Riad Anyssates.

The Lloyd Loom patio chairs, the drapes, scatter cushions abundant, pool in centre courtyard, private alcoves, window shutters, polished old cream Tadelikt floors, all little accents which make up an imaginary scene in an Orientalist Painting; and indeed are equally the components which make up Riad Anyssates.

Whether by design, intervention, or happenstance Riad Anyssates holds a beautiful feel of the Orientalist world.

This evening it rained….. not a British downpour but a light drizzle following 3 days of +40 degree temperatures. During a beautifully composed meal the ambient sounds of “Belly Dance disk 3” proved a distraction. The only CD available with English written title was a compilation of symphonies by Wagner, Beethoven and Mozart. The mood of Riad Anyssates instantly changed and an “Age of Empire” which seemed somewhat appropriate. Humid drizzle, warm sticky Al-Fresco cuisine in a dusty, looking ( but in fact clean), colonial Hispano-Moorish courtyard. With light tones of Ottoman imperialism the Orientalist Victorian could have been seated at the next table.

Jerome and Valerie have a happy Riad. From the roof terrace one can see both the Koutoubia, the landmark mosque that marks the centre of Marrakech and the new town of Gueliz (Marrakech’s sophisticated French quarter).

Sadly Jerome and Valerie were in France when this review was written so their own thoughts shall become more apparent when I meet them next.

The staff are very friendly and welcoming although you may wish to polish your French prior to arrival. Rooms start from approximately £100 which is in keeping with it’s location.

Excellent sized air-conditioned bedrooms, a quality roof terrace and a good-sized pool. Bring some books, CD's with your own taste in music and see where Riad Anyssates takes your imagination.....