Born into a family hotel business, I'm originally from East Yorkshire and have spent my life working in the travel and hospitality business - as an adventure tour guide in Africa and Asia, a rental property owner, tour operator and hotelier.

Opening to guests over the Christmas period in 2023, Riad Explore is one of the newest riads in Marrakech medina. Previously a Moroccan family home, it has been meticulously converted into a high-quality boutique riad guesthouse. With 10 en-suite guest rooms, Riad Explore offers a high standard of comfort and is only 400m from the beating heart of Marrakech medina – Djemaa el Fna square. Located in a safe and secure medina neighbourhood, guests have easy access to taxis, parking, a wide choice of restaurants, shops, and the famous medina souks! The décor throughout Riad Explore is bright, white, and silver, with a touch of sepia in keeping with its theme of world exploration. More than 15 local artisans, each specialising in a different Moroccan craft, were used in the creation of the riad. Ornate silver lanterns, elaborate plasterwork, Fez zillege, Saharan marble and tadelakt combine throughout, to expose an authentic and tranquil abode for today’s modern explorer. Guest facilities include an indoor courtyard plunge pool, Moroccan salon (lounge), and two roof terraces (the high terrace has super views of the Atlas Mountains and Koutoubia minaret). Riad Explore’s sister riad, Riad Africa, is only a few steps away - and a heated pool, spa, cooking school and roof-top bistro are available to guests staying at Riad Explore. On the ground floor, around the courtyard and dipping pool, are 2 standard rooms (twin/double/triple or quads), a superior room (can sleep up to 5 guests) and a super cosy single (ideal for solo explorers who seek value and don’t mind a super small room). On the first floor are 3 standard rooms (1 triple with a double and single bed or 3 singles; and 2 twin/double/triple or quad rooms); and a superior room (can sleep 5). On the second floor (terrace) are 2 twin or double standard rooms.

Riad Explore enjoys a prime location in the centre of Marrakech Medina only a couple of minutes walk from a taxi rank and drop-off point for vehicles, and only 3 minutes walk to Djemaa el Fna, Bahia Palace, Dar Si Said, the Mellah and Koutoubia. Mellah indoor market is close by as well as several top quality restaurants and bars. The neighbourhood around Riad Explore is a quiet residential area populated by friendly locals. It is a safe area of the medina, clean and easy to navigate.