Riyad el Cadi

Perception can be the driving force of ones thought processes when considering the past, present and future use of a property. How your visitor perceives you OR how “you want to be perceived” by your visitor. What part of your personality are you prepared to expose and leave open for all to see? Perception can also be a device; which is even more pertinent when a property is located in an obvious tourist “hot spot”. What is the general expectation, from a Riad holiday, perceived by the specific tourist, that you would want to accommodate? It is so easy to over-swing the pendulum, between Nativity Scene style and the Footballers Wife’s bling. As there is no accounting for taste; one cannot actually go wrong, although an evaluation of what makes the demographic of the typical Marrakech guest, that you would be happy to accommodate, is a good starting point.

Choice and understanding are therefore the main ingredients for success.

Sisters; Julia and Anna Bartels were denied this choice. In 2003, following the untimely death of their father, Herwig Bartels, the German Ambassador to Rabat, the two daughters were to inherit a legacy of Islamic collections that date back over eight centuries. Born into a “Diplomatic” family is a tall order, for anybody, permanently following in the footsteps of your fathers career. The young Julia and Anna grew up in the obscure circus of diplomatic accommodations throughout the Middle East and Arab world. Their eyes were opened to eastern culture at the highest level, Marrakech being the “magical experience”. Their father, an avid collector of Islamic object d’art, especially textiles, was to become a recognised authority, on Islamic art, during his lifetime.

However…….. one must consider a timeline. Where was Julia during her fathers travels? By his side…. with her own eyes and her own thoughts. Where was Julia, during the extravagant collection process, just one pace away on every purchase. During Herwig Bartels final Dipolmatic appointment, Morocco, he fell in love with Marrakech and felt his choice of property, Riyad el Cadi, a suitable venue to showcase his lifetime collections and set about to systematically create an environment for his own retirement. What was initially one property with elegant courtyard, in 1995, eventually manifested into no less than 8 properties to create what you see today. Finished in 1998 and opened to receive paying guests, Herwig Bartels lived to enjoy 5 years fruits of his endeavour. Julia, has now been custodian, of this legacy, for a longer time than her farther; therefore, in time served, it is very much Julia’s endeavour that today’s visitor enjoys.

The leap from a Lawyers practice in Berlin to a Riad operator in Marrakech is dramatic. Even greater, when it arrives unexpected. What is made difficult; is to shake the perception, following on from such a high profile, who’s art haunts the labyrinth of corridors, stairwells, terraces and courtyards, that Julia has no right  to radically change, and make her own impression on Riyad el Cadi. In fact, she has. Subtly… true. Thoughtfully, considerate, sensitively also very much the case.

For her father; authenticity was key to his creation. Julia, fortunately, shares that same viewpoint. Why change; just to draw a line in the past, when the Riads sense of time and place is close to perfect.

Julia has every right to be proud of the legacy that she has now continued. A good place, a warm place, a peaceful place. Her contemplation has paid dividend.

It is easy to get lost within the walls of Riyad el Cadi, both in actuality and in time. Riyad el Cadi stands testament to a rich culture in a timeless world. Within a pleasant few minutes stroll you arrive at the D’ Jemaa el Fna, surrounded by souks offering a plethora of antiques and curios. Inside Riyad el Cadi you are equally surrounded by the best antiques collected from far and wide.

If your perception of Marrakech is of a timeless rich culture, tradition, art and architecture then, from approx. £100/room/night, the discerning traveller, need look no further than Riyad el Cadi.

You may find it impossible to rival.