THE FEZ ATTRACTION THAT TAKES YOUR BREATH AWAY
“The Ancient Capital Of Morocco”
BY SUNA MOYA - 24 MAY 2022
“The Ancient Capital Of Morocco”
Oriental Fashion Show
Wafaa Idrissi
Actress Raniia Mansour
Paul Tomasini
Hind Joudar
Photo By Cali Foster
Gigi Sam
Why not visit Fez, the ancient capital of Morocco and step back in time to experience the sensory delight of this city with the best-preserved Medina in the Arab world with culture, history and mystery awaiting at every corner - just ready for you to discover your own authentic experience!
Famous for its ancient fortified city, the Fes el Bali, on entering the Medina you will most probably get lost but have no fear - take in the charm of the colourful streets, bazaars, spectacular courtyards and luxury Riads. The winding alleyways will take you home.
Dating back to the 9th Century, the Medina in Fes gives you the experience and a taste of what ancient Morocco has to offer. A city where donkeys and hand-drawn charrettes are still the only means of transport within one of the last few urban environments without cars and with an architecture dating from the city's foundation in the late 8th century up to modern times.
Looking around, you will notice that the houses have no windows overlooking the streets, looking like small forts where the only source of fresh air and light is the roof. These Moroccan Riads - a house with an inner garden with a fountain- were once the homes of wealthy merchants or nobles. Nowadays, many hotels and guest houses in such buildings are proud to be called “Riad”.
This traditional architectural style developed during the Islamic period and was part of a wider culture often referred to as "Moorish" architecture. This unique style, blending pre-Islamic Spain (Roman, Byzantine, and Visigoth) and contemporary Islamic Middle East styles elaborated over centuries into recognisable features such as the "Moorish" arch, Riad gardens, hypostyle mosques with square-shafted minarets including a mix of elaborate geometric, arabesque and calligraphy motifs in wood, stucco, and tilework.
It’s all here to be discovered. We are privileged to experience the heady atmosphere of this wonderful city and to have the opportunity to shoot our QCEG fashion editorial at three of the most beautiful Riad hotels and palaces.
— Suna Moya
FEZ - MOROCCO
“The Ancient Capital Of Morocco”
THE
EMOTIONS
ARE
BEYOND
WORDS
Fez - Morocco
you will get transported
into a different world,
a splendid, enchanting
universe.”
The Palais Shéhérazad
Having received numerous awards the Palais Shéhérazade is simply outstanding.
This old Arab-Andalusian palace was constructed in1 870 by a Vizir (ex-finance minister) of the king of Morocco.
Located in the heart of Fez's Medina, the luxury hotel and spa 'Palais Shéhérazade' is composed of two superb Riads and is an architectural splendour. The owners, Dr. Abdelhai Ben Ghazi and his wife Nadija who is a distinguished architect have revamped the palace with an innovative restoration, bringing the past and the present together. The first wing consists of 14 suites featuring high ceilings in carved and sculpted cedarwood. It embodies the style of traditional decoration that represents the essence of Morocco and is furnished with four-poster beds and plush sofas. The second wing opened three years ago after two years of work where it has been completely redesigned in a Moorish contemporary spirit and it has around ten smaller suites which overlook the indoor pool.
The spa and hammam have been awarded a World's Best Spa Hotel - Five Star Alliance.
The Palais Shéhérazad remains an icon of evolving luxury. There's a reason why the dignitaries and celebrities are eager to return... It's a hotel that is tailor-fitted and provides an exceptional accommodation experience to its guests.
ETHNICITY
WITH
ELEGANCE
“While fashions comeand go rapidly,
Wafaa Idrissi created
a luxury fashion brand
that has evolved from
ethnic wear kaftans
to evening gowns
with timeless appeals.”
Relais & Châteaux
Riad Fez - Relais & Châteaux is located in the very heart of the Medina of Fez, 15 km from the international airport of Fez-Saïss. This guest house offers a swimming pool and a panoramic terrace with a view of the Atlas Mountains. All rooms and suites are fitted with air conditioning and decorated in oriental style. Each unit comes with a desk, sitting area, kettle, safe and flat-screen satellite TV. Bathrobes and slippers are availbale in the private bathrooms.
The Fes Riad's restaurant serves authentic Moroccan and international cuisine. You can enjoy your meals in the hotel's dining room or on the roof terrace. There is also wine-tasting to discover different wines.
Fez is the most sacred imperial city in the Kingdom of Morocco and is not for the faint of heart. Surrounded by mysteries, it dresses in light veils and drapes itself with a certain pride. In its pedestrian medina, its high walls shelter a hidden life, unsuspected from the street. Riad Fez is one of its many secrets. At the end of a dark alleyway opens this luxury hotel with an Arab-Andalusian atmosphere, affiliated with the Relais & Châteaux house. One discovers a certain sweetness of life while being in the heart of the hectic medina. Which is an alternative to that of
Behind its walls,
Of course, this will not happen to the Royal Suite, a dream of stucco and zelliges on two floors and easy access. Ideal for wedding coos or anniversaries.
5, DERB BEN SLIMANE ZERBTANA
30110, FÈS
(WILAYA DE FÈS) MOROCCO
UNVEIL
YOUR BEAUTY
WITH THE
TIMELESS KAFTAN
“While fashions come and go rapidly,there is something so alluring about kaftans
that makes them timeless.”
Riad Fes Nass Zmane
The Fes Nass Zmane is a family run Riad which is located a short distance from the Batha place. This is a Riad that offers a traditional modern homely feel and the serene atmosphere of this charming property is in stark contrast to the busy streets of the Medina.
It is a two-story building with the first floor overlooking the courtyard and a fountain. The roof terrace features a panoramic view of the Medina in keeping with the classical Moroccan structure.
Traditional materials have been used for the decoration of the entire building with geometric shapes and arabesque images. Another typical architectural characteristic of the Fes Nass Zmane Riad is the arch-shapes that are used for doors, gates and windows.
The arch was supposed to provide protection against the evil eye and bestow good fortune.
The motifs in Moroccan architectural decor are chiefly carved into stone, plaster and wood. The walls and surfaces are ornamented with geometric and floral mosaic patterns featuring zellige tile work and tadellakt finishings to allow the clients to feel and live an authentic Moroccan experience.
16 DERB BENNIS DOUH, DERB HAMIA
30 000 SECTEUR 1009, MEDINA FEZ
