The Concept of Slow Travel
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A few days ago, I returned from a trip through northern Morocco, where I visited Fez, Chefchaouen, Akchour, and Tetouan. I spent three days in Fez and chose to stay at Riad Anata—honestly, I couldn’t have made a better choice.
Let me tell you how I discovered this place because it was one of those serendipitous finds that happen to me from time to time.
I was deep in one of my usual, meticulous searches, with countless “discovery tabs” open in Chrome. Almost everything I came across in Fez felt too ornate, ostentatious, or just not aligned with that concept of simple luxury that I love so much. Just as I was starting to feel a bit frustrated, something unexpected happened. From one of those open tabs, a voice suddenly caught my attention—its words resonated so strongly that I had to stop and listen.
Keep reading to find out what this voice was saying and discover a unique place that will make your stay in Fez truly special.
(The photos in this post are mine, except where indicated as provided by Riad Anata.)
How I found it
Check out this video—it will speak to you if you have a free spirit.
The voice in the video says:
“I just love traveling. If I could, I would always travel. I would travel to get inspired, to learn, and to be changed. There’s a beautiful expression that describes many free-spirited people in search of something in life. These people identify themselves as gypsy souls—a wild spirit that is continuously searching for home.”
That voice captivated me. Without a second thought, I closed all the tabs I had open for accommodations in Fez and focused entirely on this Riad. The more I researched, the more I fell in love—not just with the space itself, but with the philosophy behind it.
I then reached out to Valerie, the owner, via Instagram. After our conversation, I knew I had found the perfect place to stay in Fez. I didn’t need to look any further.
Meet Valérie
Riad Anata has a beautiful and incredibly relaxing courtyard—one of those spaces you can’t help but photograph from every angle.
But before diving into the details of the Riad, let’s get to know its owner, Valérie Janczewski—a true globetrotter who has visited more than 85 countries, both for work and for the sheer love of travel.
Originally from Belgium, Valérie studied Marketing and Communication, later complementing her education with a year of business management. She worked as Sales Director for Africa at a publishing house in Madrid—a dream job that allowed her to travel extensively, discover the African continent, and ultimately fall in love with it.
Her journey to Fez began when a friend opened a real estate agency in the city. From the moment she arrived, she was captivated. The house that would later become Riad Anata was the very first one she visited—she was just 27 years old at the time.
Initially, Valérie envisioned it as a private retreat, a cozy and intimate space to enjoy with family and friends. But as someone deeply passionate about sharing her discoveries, she transformed her vision into reality. In 2012, Riad Anata opened its doors, welcoming travelers to experience the magic of Fez.
The People behind the Magic
Valérie has always been drawn to Moroccan culture and hospitality, having had many Moroccan friends in Belgium. Now, her team at Riad Anata has become her family. In fact, many of them have been part of this journey since day one.
This strong, dedicated team is at the heart of Riad Anata:
- Said, an exceptional butler with over 30 years of experience.
- Hassania, a talented cook who masters traditional Moroccan recipes.
- Mohamed, the Riad’s most dedicated manager—he knows its history better than anyone and loves to share it.
- Samira, a culinary genius with outstanding social skills, offering unforgettable cooking classes.
- Zineb, the extraordinary housekeeper who ensures that every corner of the five rooms shines.
At Riad Anata, hospitality isn’t just a service—it’s a family tradition.
Slow Travel: uncover Fez beyong the guidebooks
Traveling in “slow” mode means embracing a relaxed pace, allowing yourself to truly absorb a destination—its culture, traditions, and local community. Riad Anata is the perfect place to experience this philosophy.
Personally, I’m not a big fan of “must-see” lists or guidebooks that focus only on classic tourist spots. I prefer to wander the streets at my own rhythm, soaking up the essence of a place and immersing myself in its culture. However, I do love personal recommendations—especially when they come from inspiring people like Valérie.
When you book at Riad Anata, Valérie shares with you a thoughtfully curated Travel Booklet filled with personal recommendations and insider tips to explore Fez at a slow pace. This special guide, sent to you via email before your trip and available in your room, is a treasure trove of unique experiences that go far beyond any conventional travel guide. Each recommendation reflects her passion for hospitality and her deep connection to the city.
Staying at Riad Anata is more than just booking a room—it’s stepping into Valérie’s home and feeling instantly welcomed.
Want a sneak peek at this Travel Booklet? Get in touch!
Design & Atmosphere
As you’ve seen and as I mentioned earlier, I fell in love with this Andalusian Moorish-style patio from every angle. Every corner is beautiful in its own way.
In the mornings, you can witness how the light shifts and casts shadows in the different corners, while in the afternoon, it becomes the perfect spot to unwind after a walk or getting lost in the medina.
The stunning decoration of this Riad was created by interior designer Audrey Vermeersch, who has truly worked magic in this charming guesthouse.
The Rooms: A Perfect Sanctuary for Your Stay in the heart of Fez
Fez is a spiritual, authentic, and mysterious city. Its medina, the largest in the world, is a direct witness to the past. You’ll likely walk the city as much as I did, so it’s crucial that when you return to your Riad, the most comfortable bed in the world awaits you to recharge and enjoy a restful night’s sleep for the next day. Wait until you try Riad Anata’s mattress and pillows—they’re highly addictive!
The five rooms of this Riad are exquisitely decorated and provide a peaceful haven of tranquility. The bathroom in your room is wonderful, featuring a shower and bath amenities with amazing scents that can be purchased directly at the Riad.
Located in the Medina, in one of the best areas, Riad Anata is easily accessible without having to navigate through labyrinthine streets. You won’t get lost when returning from exploring the city at any time.
The Terrace: Your Perfect Spot to Unwind
Riad Anata boasts a beautiful terrace spread across three small levels, where a delicious and varied breakfast is served daily. Overlooking the medina, this space adjoins another Riad in Fez and offers a truly special atmosphere — an oasis of calm, peace, and tranquility, just like the rest of the property.
There’s also a sun lounger area, perfect for enjoying the stunning sunset views, and a small pool where you can cool off. Alternatively, relax on a swing with your feet in the water, reading a book or catching up on social media. Pure happiness awaits here!
Taste the Tradition: Moroccan Cooking Classes
As I mentioned earlier in this post, you have access to a very special Travel Booklet with Valerie’s personal recommendations in Fez.
In addition, Riad Anata offers a unique experience with a cooking class lasting about 4 hours, led by Samira or Hassania. The class begins with a visit to the local market to source fresh ingredients, and once back, you’ll have the chance to impress your friends and family with your new cooking skills.
This is an engaging and enriching activity, perfect for those wanting to learn how to prepare traditional Moroccan dishes and gain insight into the important role of cooking in Moroccan culture.
Recharge and Unwind
Fez has a rhythm and energy all its own, captivating all who wander through its streets. Often, as you stroll, it feels as though time has stood still.
Back at Riad Anata, let yourself be pampered by the incredibly friendly staff, always at your service to make your stay even more memorable. Savor delicious food, recharge your batteries, and unwind in a peaceful environment away from the hustle and bustle of the Medina. Take advantage of the many books in the Riad’s library or enjoy a game from its collection of board games.
The Ideal Venue for Special Occasions
Riad Anata offers an exclusive rental option, making it the perfect venue to host any event or special occasion. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, a bachelorette party, a holiday like Christmas, or simply gathering with close friends and family, this space is ideal.
As someone with experience in the events sector, I can confidently say that Riad Anata is the perfect place to privatize for a truly memorable celebration.
That’s all for today! Riad Anata has quickly become one of my top 5 favorite places I’ve stayed in Morocco, and I highly recommend experiencing it for yourself on your next trip to Fez—no doubt about it.
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Feel free to contact me if you’d like to take a look at Riad Anata’s Travel Booklet, which includes Valerie’s personal recommendations and tips for Fez.
More Unique Stays in Morocco
This article is part of my guide to the best places I’ve personally stayed in Morocco. You can check out the rest of the spaces I’ve visited here.
I’m also working on a guide of unique locations in Morocco—stay tuned for more details!
In the meantime, don’t forget to follow me on Instagram for more daily content. See you soon!