A beautifully restored ancient riad in the heart of the Marrakech medina, Mentha is the perfect base for exploring the vibrant, exciting and exotic Marrakech- or if you feel like simply chilling in the sunshine then Mentha has one hell of a roof terrace for you! Tranquil, flower-filled courtyards lead to simple, luxurious rooms, where every comfort has been considered, from goosedown pillows to a well-stocked honesty bar. Sleeping up to thirteen in six en-suite bedrooms, its a great party house, particularly as the staff of three will take care of all the logistics for you. Breakfast is provided, with other meals to order - the riads cook is one of the best in town! The entrance to the riad is unassuming - a door in a wall - but inside the riad opens up. The entire riad is decorated in a simple but luxurious way, making use of local craftspeople; there are lots of antiques and artefacts, goosedown pillows, Egyptian cotton sheets and towels, top quality mattresses, interesting paintings, prints and textiles. Pool, hammam and massage are on site, and the roof terrace is a perfect sun trap with amazing views across the rooftops to the Atlas mountains. Brahim, the excellent English and French speaking manager/concierge, can arrange trips, excursions and activities around Marrakech and beyond to the beach and desert - he will ensure that you have everything you need for a wonderful holiday, from restaurant reservations to a round of golf. #### Features The Villa The riad was originally two very old houses, which now interconnect, but there are still two separate courtyards on the ground floor. Interior Ahead of you is the Salon; this has a working fireplace, long kelim-covered moroccan sofas and pouffes, a library, and is great for winter evenings. Next is the first bedroom, which is our suggested room for children and teenagers (although it is perfectly comfortable for adults too). This has a double bed in a sleeping alcove, plus a separate single. Up one floor is another room, glamorously furnished in silver and white, with a double bed, walk-in wardrobe, tadelakt bathroom and fantastic bedhead made from an ancient fortress door. It is romantic and tranquil. Also on this floor are two other double bedrooms. Going upstairs again brings you to the roof kitchen, where the honesty bar fridge is. Just go in and help yourself to wine, beer or soft drinks at any time. Then through the door to the roof terrace. This provides a shady, bougainvillea covered dining area that can sit up to 20, comfortable sun-loungers and parasols, a guest loo, and the hammam and massage room. Descending to the main roof, take the other staircase and arrive at another bedroom which occupies the entire first floor of this side of the house. It has its own bhou overlooking the pool, lavish bathroom, working fireplace, beautiful moucharabie window seat, superking bed and plentiful wardrobes. Sophisticated, private, romantic... Exterior Grounds - To the left is the pool courtyard, planted with palms, ferns, jasmine and bougainvillea - The plunge pool is tiled in dark blue, and features a handy ledge for sitting in it with a drink! - Next to the pool is the pool bhou, an outdoor covered seating area, perfect for congregating for pre-dinner drinks or for examining souk purchases. Next to that is the media room, with Tv, DVD, ipod dock, games, squishy sofas, books etc. - Turning right from the front door brings you into the fountain courtyard, which has a fountain complete with fish #### Location Riad Mentha is in the very heart of the old town or medina, about five minutes walk from the big square and the souks. Despite this it is very peaceful and tranquil. The derb it sits on is too narrow for cars so there is no traffic noise. There is a team of drivers to collect guests from the airport or station, and Brahim is on hand to guide guests to the house - tricky at first as the medina is like a rabbit warren! Fishing, ski-ing and golf are all readily available - Brahim can arrange trips for all of them - and also white-water rafting, hot air ballooning, beach, and desert overnight trips. There is parking about five minutes away. #### Extras There are three full time staff at the riad - Brahim the manager, Henia the cook and Ismail the gardener/security/butler. Breakfast is provided as part of the rental: fresh juice, fruit, yoghurt, eggs, local breads and pastries. Henia will also cook lunch and/or dinner on request - discuss and order with Brahim at breakfast. She cooks fabulous Moroccan food but can do a good chicken and chips or pasta if guests are tired of tajine. The riad also operates an honesty bar - theres a big fridge on the roof which is filled at the start of your stay with wine, beer, soft drinks etc. Guests are charged for what has been used at the end of their stay. Prices are very reasonable, and Brahim will get whatever guests request if available.