The AnaYela, set in the heart of Marrakech's Medina - the ancient, spiritual part of Marrakech, is a perfect place for all those travelers who are looking for the key to open the door to the magic of the culture and the people of Marrakech.

This small 300 year old city palace was lovingly restored by German entrepreneur Bernd Kolb to become "A Place of Inspiration"; a place designed to soothe the senses, where you will forget your daily routines; a place where you are subtly stimulated by the colors, the music, the food and the fragrances to think and create. Local artisans helped to restore this extraordinary palace to its former glory following age-old traditional Moroccan craftsmanship for which Marrakech is famous for throughout the world. Every piece of furniture, every lamp, even the flatware was individually designed by Bernd Kolb and Yannick Hervy and produced by Moroccan artisans.

The name AnaYela translates as "I am Yela", which are the opening words of a hidden love letter found in a niche when building works started. The letter tells the romantic love story of a girl called Yela who once lived in this house. One of the most renowned Koranic calligrapher in Marrakech hammered the story in silver on the vast doors in chronological order through the house, like pages in a book, so each room becomes a chapter of the story. This magic love story sets the atmosphere of this Arabian Night’s palace. Following the style of a traditional riad, each of the five rooms are situated around a central courtyard, with a heated swimming pool taking centre stage. The flat roof terrace offers spectacular views across the city, the surrounding desert, the palm tree oasis and the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains.

Breakfast and dinner can be served on the romantic Magic Carpet, the little tower on top of the terrace, where, in the love story, the young Yela met her husband and stole her first kiss. The outstanding service of the AnaYela team was also awarded by a special prize at the 2009 World Hotel Awards.

World Hotel Award winner - Unique Small Hotel

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Vivienne Willison

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Marrakech, the Djama el Fna market and the Medina are places that every adventurous person has to visit... and once you've visited once, you'll be back. Take a hammam, enjoy a guided walk by the traditional desert Blue Men. Negotiate for spices at the market.See the sights, smells and vibrancy of this amazing destination - and practice your rusty French!

Add on a couple of days in the Atlas mountains at UHOTW property the Kasbah du Toubkal staying as an honourary berber and you've got a week long trip that will delight and inspire. Me? I'd go again tomorrow!
Steve Dobson, Co-Founder UHOTW

World Hotel Award winner - Unique Small Hotel
"The AnaYela is the first hotel in the history of the World Hotel Awards that has received 3 Awards. Even after our 3rd visit this extraordinary Riad and its wonderful staff are shining like a golden star over Marrakech. Andrea and Bernd Kolb haven't only proven that a small place with 5 rooms can stand any competition with the 'big names' in the industry, but that you can always go this little step further to make the difference. The AnaYela doesn't only soothe your senses, it helps you to be or find yourself again and this is something that also celebrities from all over the world appreciate. The AnaYela - simply UNIQUE."
Patrick Rosenthal, the founder of the World Hotel Awards