Ona Marrakech Ryads & Spa

Marrakech Ryads Parc & Spa is on a large property with 13 riads that includes manicured lawns, fountain-filled courtyards, and paved pathways. The location is slightly isolated from the Marrakech attractions, but the hotel offers a shuttle (for a fee) that drops guests off outside the city center. The sprawling property, expansive sports facilities, and outdoor pools appeal to both couples and families. There are wide open areas for kids to play and the two lagoon pools -- lined with palm trees -- feel like a beach with a faux sandy shore. The deck is furnished with lots of white plastic lounge chairs and umbrellas, with a children's pool and shower nearby. Gazebos on the lawns are outfitted with patio furniture.

The hotel’s sports facilities are well-equipped with three covered pétanque courts, a slightly weathered basketball court, a sandy volleyball court, and a terrace with table tennis. The gym features wood flooring and modern equipment.

The hotel is situated on the fringes of Marrakech in rural surroundings somewhat removed from the area’s medina, which is about 14 minutes south by car. (A shuttle provided by the property takes guests to the city center for a fee.) Palmeraie Golf Palace is a mere three-minute drive east, while other attractions like the Jemaa el Fna, Souk Kafé, Palais de la Bahia, Marrakech Museum, and Saadiens Tombs are all less than 20 minutes away by car. It's a 20-minute drive south to Marrakech Menara Airport. 

Moroccan arched doorways, traditional furniture, and large windows decorate all guest units here, which range in size from double rooms to junior suites. Features include safes, mini-fridges, tube TVs, and air-conditioning. Family Rooms have master bedrooms and children’s rooms. Suites have sitting rooms, master bedrooms, and bottled water. Spaces also come with balconies or terraces with pergolas and private gardens, with views overlooking the pool, Atlas mountains, or gardens. Large bathrooms feature modern fixtures, shower/tub combos, slippers, bathrobes, bidets, and separate toilet rooms (in some). Keep in mind that there are no irons and that the bar’s music can be noisy in certain rooms. 

The main restaurant, Darkoum, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets in a family-friendly setting with casual decor; vegetarian options are available. Dar Diafa is traditionally decorated and serves Moroccan fare. The poolside snack bar features patio furniture on a spacious terrace and offers buffets, ice cream, and a billiards table. A bar and lounge are also on hand with colorful lighting and trendy modern furniture.

The on-site spa facilities come with two saunas, a steam room, a hammam, and an indoor pool. A hair salon is also available while company travelers have access to two meeting rooms -- offering modern audiovisual equipment and Wi-Fi -- that can fit between 60 to 450 people. A kids’ club is available as well, with a mini-disco and nightly entertainment lead by the hotel’s animation team.