There’s a funky little blue riad in Marrakech, where you can immerse yourself in a world of art and design unlike any other.
Riad Goloboy, with its one-of-a-kind art collection and electric blue walls, naturally stands out as one of the most unique stays which the Moroccan capital has to offer.
Riad Goloboy was the passion project of French émigré, Beatrice Faujas, an art collector and interior designer who has lovingly called Marrakech her home for over ten years. Faujas restored two 19th century houses in the royal district of Sidi Mimoun in the Medina. Faujas explains that goloboy means blue blood in Russian, a term which she often heard during her years as an émigré living in Russia before her move to Marrakech. This served as the inspiration for the name, while the Jardin Majorelle inspired the painting of all the walls of the riad the stunning shade of Majorelle blue. Riad Goloboy is the only riad in all of Marrakech with blue walls, which need to be painted every three months, as the bright color fades under constant sun exposure.
THE DÉCOR
Faujas decorated Riad Goloboy with her extensive collection of highly original and striking works of contemporary art. Faujas even rotates the pieces on display and regularly changes all the pieces throughout the riad every few months. Faujas’ one-of-a-kind art collection is what gives Riad Goloboy its unique character and flair. Everywhere you look, your eyes can feast on a striking work of bold, contemporary statement art: from the oversized scroll of a feminine portrait which covers the length of the riad wall, to the pink porcelain bulldog guarding the main suite to the ceramic snake bannisters on the stairs. The riad is also outfitted with gorgeous stucco walls and elaborately carved arches, which took local artisans 8 months to sculpt.
THE ROOMS
The rooms are boldly decorated with an adventurous touch, as expected from this crazy cool riad. Each of the fifteen rooms is designed with its own unique patterns and colors. One suite is giving funky chic mermaid fantasy, with walls covered in half-moon fish scales all painted in a dreamy turquoise aquamarine. Another suite gives African minimalism with wood-canvas artworks plus headboards and furniture upholstered with bold tribal prints in earth tones. Other rooms have teal walls painted in geometric patterns or polka dots, velvet cheetah-print chairs and carved pink ceilings. At Riad Goloboy, you never know what you’re going to get, which is what makes the stay so unique.
THE FOOD
The intimate dining room on the second floor serves breakfast, which features a lovely spread of Moroccan pastries, eggs, olives, fruits, juice and coffee. Dinner service is also available by reservation only the night before. For just 20 euros per person, guests can enjoy an authentic, homecooked Moroccan dinner featuring tagines, soups, salads and dessert.
AMENITIES
In the building across from reception is the pool, which is a stunning picture of deep blue walls and white geometric stuccos reflected in dark glassy water. In this dreamspace, you can lounge away like a sultan on velvet gold cushions and luxurious surroundings. Each building also provides a rooftop with comfy daybeds and plenty of table space. On the rooftop, guests can lounge and enjoy tea in the sun with a close view of Koutoubia Mosque among swaying palm trees.
Riad Goloboy is in a prime location for those who wish to be near the main attractions of the Medina without constantly being in crowded streets. The riad is in the calm cloister of Sidi Mimoun, right behind the Koutoubia and next to the Kasbah. All the attractions, including Jemaa el-Fnaa, Badi Palace and Bahia Palace are within close walking distance. But Sidi Mimoun itself is safe and quiet, with no noise or crowds to speak of, especially at nighttime.
With so many riads in Marrakech to choose from, it’s hard to decide which one offers a singular experience. However, it’s not difficult for Riad Goloboy to stand out from the rest with its iconic Majorelle blue walls and inimitable art collection. For those looking for a bit of art and adventure, Riad Goloboy is a fun stay with one-of-a-kind design and a prime location.
