Villa Kadiri

So first of all, I don't post for two weeks. And then when I do, I bring to you over-the-top exotic opulence from a beautiful desert land. Something that will require you to relax, take a deep breath, empty your head of everything else to make space for some über rich interiors, put on some soul stirring Moroccon music, and maybe wear your silk robe and those harem pants. I am all about creating the right mood today.

Presenting to you, the labour of love and indulgence from Morocco - Jaouad Kadiri and Priti Paul's home...or more apt, their palace. Working along with architect Stuart Church, Jaouad has created a home straight out of the tales of Arabian nights, with a fair dose of Indian mystique. Each nook and corner is full of rich colors and antiques sourced from the souks of Morocco and the bazaars of India. While everything put together gets a bit too much for me, there are elements and ideas from each room that inspire me.

Jaouad Kadiri and Priti Paul were in news recently as they hosted the Sex and The City 2 movie's star cast at their yet to be launched hotel. Their fairy tale wedding a few years back also generated a lot of interest.

 

[All images sourced from media articles about Villa Kadiri]

Morocco Series: A tour of my favorite Moroccan guest house

In between hostel stays, Chris and I treated ourselves to a night in the Riad Lalla Mogador, in the city Essaouira. It's actually priced really reasonably and just feels like a treat!

*please be patient during photo upload - I've specially uploaded higher-res images so you guys get extra detail! :)



Our room was very authentic and the furnishings reflected the craft/artisan trade that flourishes in Essaouira












Outside our room


Traditional Moroccan homes have no roof in the center, and an open courtyard area in the middle.









The second floor halls


Looking up from the second floor




Plenty of nooks to relax


You take your brunch on the roof, which has some great views - see the beach in the back?

See lots more gorgeous photos at their site, http://www.riadlalla-essaouira.com/

*All photos taken by my boyfriend, Chris

** I am by no means an expert and after 7 days of running around Morocco please feel free to correct me if any information I give in the Morocco Series is incorrect!

Morocco Series: Peaceful, coastal Essaouira

Chris and I took a much needed, 2 day trip to Essaouira (about 3 hours by bus from Marrakesh. Essaouira offers a little rest from the non-stop pace of the medinas in Fes and Marrakesh. The medina in Essaouira is much smaller, and the beach and dunes offer beautiful views.

The city still looks like a fortress, and you'll see many remnants (such as the forts and cannons), from the days when it was one. "During the 16th century, various powers including Spain, England, the Netherlands and France tried in vain to conquer the locality. Essaouira remained a haven for the export of sugar, molasses and the anchoring of pirates." - via Wikipedia

*please be patient during photo upload - I've specially uploaded higher-res images so you guys get extra detail! :)



Looking into an artist co-op from the street. There are many artisans and a big craft community in Essaouira.


A door to the co-op from the street

A typical residential street





Fish monger's counters in a square of the Medina.


The beach is a very popular place for windsurfers (the water is very rough), also dune buggies and camels. The island you see across the waves used to house a prison, but now it is a protected nesting ground for some type of falcon. (Correct me if I'm wrong about the bird)


Me on Cappuccino and Chris on Chocolat.




You never forget the blue boats in Essaouira's port.







Another view of the marina




I believe these are ruins from a lookout or fort






This cannon said "Barcelona" on it, and I believe a date of "18??" something...




What do you think of Essaouira?


*All photos taken by my boyfriend, Chris

** I am by no means an expert and after 7 days of running around Morocco please feel free to correct me if any information I give in the Morocco Series is incorrect!