Scorpion house- Dar Akrab    

 
Set amidst stunning landscapes and Morocco’s holiest town, Moulay Idriss Zerhoun – Scorpion House is a treat for all senses. Tree covered mountains and the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis are spread out beyond the house’s wide terraces.

This vantage point is the culmination of a five year labour of love by Mike Richardson, proprietor of the acclaimed Café Clock in Fez. After a lengthy renovation to his exacting standards, Mike has now decided to share his retreat:

“Moulay Idriss is a remarkable town, steeped in history and tradition, and it’s my pleasure to host cultured travelers who are wanting an authentic and sacred adventure. Like the old Sufi saying, ‘some doors are only opened from the inside’, we are determined to offer our guests a truly rewarding experience, revealing a deeper, richer side of Morocco.” Mike says. “Fortunately not many people linger in Moulay, so a reflective and relaxing afternoon at Scorpion House is a real delight.”

Fine cuisine and attentive service are also hallmarks of this new venture. The menu has been carefully selected by our expert chef, with special focus on seasonal delicacies, and prepared fresh at the house. The service is directed by Mike himself, former maitre d’ at London’s prestigious Ivy and Wolseley restaurants. His relationships in the culinary world have led to renowned Moroccan and international chefs gracing Scorpion House’s kitchen, both by preparing meals and teaching classes with the freshest ingredients from the superabundant souk.

The house itself is a breath a fresh air, combining an open and modern floor plan with traditional touches like decorative arches and detailed woodwork. The space serves as a showcase for treasures collected from Morocco and beyond – straw hats from the Rif Mountains, antique Iranian metalwork, light fixtures from Istanbul, Cammeroonian headmasks and pottery unearthed during the house’s renovation. The eclectic furnishings are equally chic and comfortable; the chairs in particular embrace you for a long, leisurely meal. Even the bar is a work of art, flanked by a unique stone arrangement, its green Guatemalan marble top sparkles. Log fireplaces keep you warm on the chilly winter days. The gardens are lush and green, the perfect setting for an after dinner coffee. The expansive terraces offer incredible views of the Zerhoun Jbel.

Easily reached from Fez and Meknes, and adjacent to Volubilis, the Scorpion House is the perfect stop on a longer tour of Morocco, or a worthy destination in its own right. The view, food, and atmosphere combine to create an unforgettable experience.