From Dutch University to Renovating a Riad: A Surf Couple’s Rabat Dream

After years of splitting their time between the Netherlands and Morocco, the pair sought a permanent base. In 2024, they purchased a crumbling, century-old riad near the Rabat medina. The property had been abandoned for two decades, lacking even basic plumbing, but featured original tiling that the couple was determined to preserve. Financing the project through personal savings and loans from friends and family, they took on the role of project managers, hiring local tradespeople to execute plans drafted with the help of Ottevanger’s father.

Restoring the Riad

The renovation took five months and roughly $86,800 to complete. By October 2025, Ilyana Surfhouse opened its doors with five guest rooms capable of sleeping 16 people. The venture is a true family affair: Ilyass’s mother manages the kitchen, his sister handles operations, and his brother assists with surf instruction. With nightly rates starting at approximately $53, the couple aims to clear their debts within eight years. Living in a culture where they prioritize daily beach sessions and community connection over the frantic pace of the Netherlands, Ottevanger says the move has provided the balance they long craved. They remain focused on offering guests an authentic slice of Moroccan life rather than a manufactured tourist experience.