Uncover Fes's Hidden Gem: Kenza's Ring Riad - A Moroccan Oasis!

Riad La Bague de Kenza Fes Morocco

Uncover Fes's Hidden Gem: Kenza's Ring Riad - A Moroccan Oasis!

Uncover Fes's Hidden Gem: Kenza's Ring Riad - A Moroccan Oasis! (A Messy, Honest Review)

Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the mint tea on my experience at Kenza's Ring Riad in Fes. Forget your perfectly-crafted travel blogs, this is raw, unfiltered, and probably a little bit messy. Let's dive in.

First Impressions: That "Wow" Factor (and a Little Jiggle)

Finding the Riad itself was a thrilling (read: slightly stressful) experience, weaving through the labyrinthine medina. Let's be honest, the accessibility isn't exactly a selling point here. Think cobblestones, tight alleyways, and the constant fear of getting run over by a donkey. This is not a place for a wheelchair, folks. But! The doorman was an absolute lifesaver. He hauled my bag (seriously, bless his heart) and led us through the final stretch with a knowing smile. The first glimpse of the courtyard? Wow. Seriously, it was like stepping into a secret garden bursting with bougainvillea, that's exactly it. The fountain in the center, the intricate mosaics…it was gorgeous. My jaw actually dropped, and not just because I had to hold my breath to squeeze through a particularly narrow doorway. (There was a small jiggle when I squeezed my way through, just saying).

Getting Settled In (and Dealing with the Internet Woes)

My room (available in all rooms!) was a haven of tranquility. The air conditioning blasted a welcome gust of cool air after the dusty streets. Blackout curtains? Yes, please! The bed was ridiculously comfortable, with linens that felt like a hug. And the bathroom! Bathtub, check. Shower, also check. Toiletries that didn't smell like grandma's attic? Double check! I was especially pleased with the mirror which made me look like a person again after a 24-hour bus ride. (The hair dryer was a life-saver, too.)

Now, the internet. Okay, the Internet [LAN] was a ghost. A beautiful, mocking ghost. I tried, I pleaded, I even threatened to send a strongly-worded email (okay, I just thought about it). The Internet access – wireless (Wi-Fi [free]) worked… intermittently. Let’s just say, I spent a significant amount of time wandering around the courtyard, desperately trying to catch a signal. Internet access was a serious challenge (It's also worth mentioning that the Room sanitization opt-out available…is a nice thought).

Food, Glorious Food (Mostly Good, With a Side of Surprise)

Breakfast was an absolute highlight. Think Asian breakfast and Western breakfast and Breakfast [buffet]. The selection was vast: fresh bread (essential!), pastries, fruit, yogurt, and a variety of Moroccan delicacies. I’m talking mountains of couscous, fragrant tagines, and the most delicious mint tea you’ll ever taste. I also opted for the Asian cuisine in restaurant and ordered a dish of noodles, it was the perfect blend of sweet and savory. The staff was always patient and attentive. (I’m still dreaming about that breakfast.) There were also restaurants a coffee shop, poolside bar and snack bar to satisfy every craving.

I had my share of mishaps though. One evening, I ordered a salad in restaurant. I specifically ordered a salad and I was expecting a refreshing mix of veggies. What came was a dish of greens with something that resembled (and tasted just as old as) cardboard. I was too polite to complain. Let's just say, I learned to stick to the tagines. The room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver on that hangry night!

Relaxation and Rejuvenation (Spa Days, Anyone?)

Okay, relaxation at Kenza’s Ring? Absolutely. The swimming pool [outdoor] was small, but sparkling, and the pool with view was just perfect. I spent hours lounging by the pool, sipping on the bottle of water they provided, and reading. If I had more time, which I did, I would have gone to the Spa because I heard from another guest that the Massage was incredible! Also, the Steamroom sounded glorious. I've got to try a Body scrub next time!

They have a Gym/fitness, too, but I'm not allowed in there.

Things to Do (Beyond Eating and Relaxing)

The Riad seemed to be set up for Meetings and Seminars. There were also Meeting/banquet facilities, and Audio-visual equipment for special events. The whole thing felt very set up for that sort of thing. Kenza's Ring also has Outdoor venue for special events. Also, they have Facilities for disabled guests.

And for the kids, there are Family/child friendly accommodations!

Cleanliness and Safety (The New Normal)

Kenza's Ring did a fantastic job with cleanliness and safety. The staff wore masks, there was hand sanitizer everywhere (Hand sanitizer galore!), and they were Staff trained in safety protocol. The Daily disinfection in common areas was obvious. I felt very safe there. The Anti-viral cleaning products must really work because my stay was cleanliness at its best!

Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter)

The concierge was a font of information and help. They arranged a Taxi service for me, helped with currency exchange, and even provided Luggage storage when I needed to explore the medina without my bags. The daily housekeeping was impeccable. Little things, like the complimentary tea in the room, made a big difference. There was also a Convenience store. There was a Gift/souvenir shop as well!

Check-in/out (Easy Peasy!)

Check-in/out [express] was available, which was a bonus. The front desk [24-hour] staff were always friendly and helpful.

In Conclusion… (The Verdict)

Kenza’s Ring Riad is a little slice of heaven in the heart of Fes. It's not perfect – that wonky Wi-Fi, the slightly treacherous approach– but those imperfections only add to its charm. It’s a place where you can lose yourself in the beauty of Morocco, recharge your batteries, and experience some genuine hospitality. Would I go back? Absolutely. Just maybe pack a book, embrace the slow pace, and prepare to be utterly charmed. It's the perfect escape, even if the journey there is a bit of a thrill ride. And that, my friends, is the honest truth.

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Riad La Bague de Kenza Fes Morocco

Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because planning a trip to Riad La Bague de Kenza in Fes? Yeah, I'm not gonna sugarcoat it, it's a venture. More adventure than vacation, more… well, let's just dive in headfirst, right? Here’s the absolute mess I'm calling a travel itinerary. Prepare for zero organization and 100% me.

PRE-TRIP MADNESS (AKA The Weeks Before…)

Week 1: Scouring Skyscanner for "deals" that actually end up costing more after baggage fees, and realizing I’m basically pricing together a trip to the goddamn moon. I'm pretty sure I've seen more of the inside of an airplane seat than my own apartment lately.
Week 2: Pinterest. Oh, the Pinterest. Tagines, rooftop terraces, lantern-lit everything. I’m basically manifesting romance and the perfect Instagram shot. I’m also realizing I have absolutely nothing appropriate to wear. Cue shopping spree (read: panic purchase of kaftans that probably won't fit).
Week 3: Learning a few basic Arabic phrases. "Shukran." "La shukran." "Where's the bathroom?" (Okay, that last one is crucial). My pronunciation? Let's just say, I'll be lucky if I accidentally order a camel instead of a coffee.
Week 4: The Imploding Luggage Situation. Packing. Unpacking. Repacking. Realizing I have too many shoes and not enough space for the vital necessity: earplugs. Because seriously, what if the call to prayer starts at 3 AM AND THE MOSQUES ARE RIGHT OUTSIDE YOUR WINDOW?

DAY 1: FES, BABY! (Or, "Arrival and Overwhelm")

Morning (ish): Arrive at Fes-Saïss Airport. The airport is… well, it’s an airport. But the moment I step outside, the air hits me. It’s thick with spice, exhaust fumes, and the slightly-panicked anticipation of being somewhere completely new. The taxi driver seems nice enough, but his driving? Let's just say I gripped the oh-shit handle tighter than I grip a winning lottery ticket.
Afternoon: Arrive (finally!) at Riad La Bague de Kenza. Wow. And I mean WOW. Forget the Pinterest boards, this place is actual magic. The courtyard? Instagrammable heaven (damn straight, I'm getting my money's worth of photos here). The staff greet us with sweet mint tea and dates. Seriously? Heaven. And they're genuinely kind. Even when I ask the dumbest questions like "Is this REAL gold leaf on the ceiling?" (it probably isn't).
Evening: The obligatory wander through the Medina. Oh. My. God. This is not a gentle stroll. This is a sensory overload of the finest kind. Donkeys, veiled women, spice stalls galore, the smell of leather, the constant calls of "Hello, Madame!" from every shopkeeper within a five-mile radius… I get slightly lost (okay, very lost within the first hour) and start to hyperventilate a little. I swear I saw a guy selling a live chicken and then another guy selling perfume made from camel urine. (Allegedly good for the skin, I'm not testing that theory.) But then I stumble on a rooftop restaurant and see the sunset over all the rooftops. Stunning. I almost forgot to order food because I was standing there mesmerized.
Dinner: Eating tagine. Accidentally ordered a lamb tagine, not realizing that lamb is essentially a goat. I'm a little sad about it, but the blend of spices is incredible. Drinking a bottle of local wine (because, why not?). Feeling simultaneously exhilarated and utterly exhausted. The kind of exhaustion only coming from sensory overload and the fear of getting lost (again).

DAY 2: LEATHER TANNERIES AND MINT TEA (AND, OH GOD, THE SMELL!)

Morning: Brave the Medina again, this time with a guide. Okay, this is essential. Those tiny, winding streets are a labyrinth. We head to the Chouara tanneries. The photos do not prepare you. It's the eye of Sauron but for the smell. Sulfur, animal hide, and I swear, something that resembles the bottom of my gym bag after a particularly brutal workout. But the view… the vibrant colours of the dyes are incredible. I'm trying to hold my breath and take photos at the same time, which is harder than it sounds, and I nearly fall into a vat of blue dye. Not my finest moment.
Afternoon: A cooking class! Finally. This is the part of the trip I've been obsessing over. I'm ready to make some proper Moroccan food. Getting through the chaos. I learn how to make tagine and couscous and have more mint tea because as it turns out, I'm addicted. They even give us aprons! Now, I’m convinced I’m basically a Moroccan chef. I'm probably not, but I'll take it.
Evening: After the cooking class, I head back to the Riad. I'm tired and I want to relax for a while. I sit in the courtyard. The Riad is a soothing refuge from the chaos of the Medina. I'm starting to feel like I'm actually getting the hang of things. Enjoying it. Getting used to it all.

DAY 3: DIVERSIONS AND DELIBERATIONS

Morning: Exploring the Riad, taking a final deep dive into the magic. I am taking a moment of quiet, reading. Because, hey, vacation.
Afternoon: Wandering through the gardens. There's something about the chaos and the beauty that is intoxicating. The contrast between the Medina and the quiet gardens is making me want to stay forever.
Evening: Dinner in the courtyard of our Riad. It's so nice to be back in our haven of beauty and quiet. I spend the evening reflecting on what I've seen, what I've felt.

DAY 4: FAREWELL, FES! (AND, PROBABLY, MORE PANIC)

Morning: Breakfast on the rooftop terrace, one last glorious view of the city. I try to memorize every detail of this place, knowing I'll be missing it the moment I leave. Last-minute souvenir shopping (because, you know, gotta bring back the spice blends that will probably sit on my shelf until they expire). I pick up a few things. I'm still getting ripped off, but I don't care.
Afternoon: Say goodbye to the staff at La Bague de Kenza (tears are probably involved). Hail another taxi, and brace myself for the inevitable airport chaos, the plane ride, and the slow, sad realization that I'm leaving paradise.
Evening: Looking out the plane window. Overthinking the entire time. Thinking I should have done more. Wondering if I should get a second job so I can come back sooner. Maybe selling my home? I'm going home to my normal life, but my heart has been stolen by Fes. And a small part of me has been left behind.

POST-TRIP NOTES:

I will probably spend the next few weeks showing everyone my (slightly blurry) photos and telling them, at great length, about the time I almost fell into a giant vat of dye.
I'll be craving mint tea for months.
I'll be figuring out how to get back to Fes.
And I’ll be dreaming of those rooftop sunsets.
And probably planning my next adventure. Because, really, what else is there?

There you have it: a thoroughly imperfect, gloriously chaotic, and completely honest account of a trip that will undoubtedly change me. And if you go to Riad La Bague de Kenza? Tell them I sent you (they won't know who I am, but whatever!). Go. Breathe. Get lost. Love it. You won’t regret it. Just pack earplugs. Trust me.

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Riad La Bague de Kenza Fes Morocco```html

So, You're Thinking About Kenza's Ring Riad? Buckle Up, Buttercup! (FAQ - Honestly)

What is Kenza's Ring Riad, Anyway? Is it actually a "hidden gem?"

Okay, first things first: Yes, it's *technically* a riad. Think traditional Moroccan house, courtyard in the middle, usually with a fountain and tons of intricate details. Kenza's Ring is in the Fes el Bali medina, which is basically a human-sized maze. And, honestly? "Hidden gem" is a bit overused, isn't it? I mean, *everyone* calls their place a gem. HOWEVER... walking through those crazy, narrow streets (you'll get lost, guaranteed – embrace it!), and then *bam!* you stumble upon this beautiful building, it does feel like a discovery. It’s not some modern, sterile hotel. It's more like stepping into a storybook, a *really* old storybook. The courtyard? Stunning. That fountain? I nearly chucked a coin in just for the sheer romance of it.

Getting There: Will I Survive the Medina? (Seriously.)

The medina is… an experience. Let's just be honest. Imagine Google Maps, but made of cobblestones, donkeys, and the persistent feeling you're being watched. You'll probably have *someone* offering to "guide" you. They might seem helpful. They might be. They might also expect a hefty tip. I'm not saying all guides are bad, but be aware. Kenza's Ring *can* arrange a transfer, which is probably worth it, especially if you arrive after dark. That walk with all your luggage... Ugh. Trust me, pay the extra few dirhams. You'll thank me later. I was so frazzled finding it the first time, I almost started crying! The air is thick with smells, the noise is intense... it's a lot. But when you finally find the riad, a wave of relief washes over you. And the air is still, and cool and fragrant! Ahhhhhh

The Rooms: Are They Actually Instagrammable? (And, you know… clean?)

Okay, the rooms. Yes, they're totally Instagrammable. Think ornate carvings, beautiful tilework, and probably a strategically placed tagine. But more importantly, they're comfortable. My room had a huge, comfy bed, and the bathroom was... well, the water pressure wasn't always amazing, but hey, you're in Morocco! It adds to the charm, okay? (I'm lying a little... the water pressure frustration was real at times. But the charm overshadowed that.) They were kept really clean, which is a huge relief. I wouldn't say "spotless," but definitely well-maintained, which is critical. Because, let's be honest, nobody wants to find a rogue scorpion under their bed (though I, thankfully, did not).

Breakfast: Is it Worth Waking Up For? Because, Jet Lag...

Absolutely! YES! Wake up. Drag yourself out of bed. The breakfast is *fantastic*. Freshly baked bread, delicious jams, local honey, fresh fruit, and usually, some sort of savory dish, like a fluffy omelet with herbs. And the coffee? Strong and perfect. Honestly, I looked forward to breakfast every morning. Sitting in the courtyard, surrounded by all the beauty, eating delicious food… it’s hard not to feel like royalty (or at least, a very well-fed tourist). I'm not usually a breakfast person, but this was worth every groggy moment. That mint tea made me feel like a new woman every time!

The Staff: Are They Actually Nice? (Or Just Pretending?)

Okay, the staff. They're lovely. Genuinely lovely. Not the fake, overly-solicitous kind, but warm, friendly, and helpful. They speak English (thank goodness, because my French is… well, let’s just say it’s not fluent). They'll help you with anything – arranging excursions, calling taxis, offering recommendations. And they're patient. Because, let's face it, tourists can be a bit… much. I remember one morning, I was trying (and failing) to figure out the local currency, and the guy at the front desk just smiled and helped me, no judgement. They remembered my name too which was so nice. One guy even took my picture by the fountain (I forgot my selfie stick). It was really, really nice to deal with such kind staff after the sensory overload of the medina. They're truly what makes the experience special. (I actually miss them!)

What About the Sound? Will I Get Any Sleep?

Okay, the sound… this is where things get real. You’re in the medina. It’s alive. It’s vibrant. It’s noisy. You’ll hear calls to prayer, donkeys braying, shopkeepers hawking their wares, and the general cacophony of a busy market. Kenza’s Ring does a pretty good job of insulating you from the worst of it, but it's not silent. Bring earplugs. Seriously. I did. Life-savers. I’m a light sleeper and while it wasn’t a dealbreaker, there were a few nights where I just lay there, wide awake, listening to the city. At least the calls to prayer are beautiful; just the volume is intense. I got used to it eventually, but earplugs are your friend. (And maybe some melatonin.)

The Hammam Experience: Is It Worth it or Am I Better Off at the Spa Back Home?

Okay, the hammam. THIS. IS. A. MUST. DO!!! Kenza's Ring can arrange it for you, or you can find one nearby. (They'll generally be happy to put you in touch with an amazing one.) Now, this is *not* like your fancy spa back home. This is a traditional, authentic experience. Be prepared to strip down (modestly… you're not completely naked – usually, you’ll wear a disposable thong), get super steamy, and have someone scrub you with the vigor of a thousand suns. It’s a bit… intense. But incredibly cleansing! My skin felt amazing afterward. It's a little awkward at first (getting scrubbed by a stranger!). But you'll relax. You'll emerge feeling like a new person. I wasn't convinced before I went, but I absolutely loved it. Book it! Do it! It’s something you’ll never forget (Escape to the Alps: Your Dream Apartment Awaits in Rauris, Austria!