If you’re seeking an escape from the frenetic pace of
Marrakech’s medina, book into Philomena Schurer Merckoll’s Riad
Mena. This beautiful property has seven serene bedrooms dressed
down in neutral tones and simple, clean-cut furnishings. Splashes
of colour are added though contemporary art on the walls and the
occasional embroidered cushion. Our favourite room? The Writer’s
Den – a dinky escape (the smallest in the house) made for solo
stays in the city. If you see anything you love during your visit,
pop into The Pink House, next door. The hotel’s gallery-boutique
sells similar homeware.

This intimate riad in the ancient Moqf district of Marrakech
oozes maximalist decadence. Six elegant guest suites feature
ornately carved doorways and sumptuously decorated columns, with a
rich, earthy colour palette used throughout in velvet cushions,
handcrafted ceramics and intricately tiled arches. Italian designer
Dario Locatelli took inspiration from the city’s 18th-century past
while crafting this beautiful riad. Traditional Moroccan meals are
whipped up by the talented Maria, who is also happy to lead cooking
classes. Stop by to learn the secrets behind her harira soup, lemon
chicken and vegetable tagine.

This 19th-century riad designed by Jasper Conran is an elegant sanctuary composed of five suites, a lap pool set within a fragrant garden, and various dining spaces and places to perch. The understated bedrooms ooze old-school glamour – four-poster beds topped with Egyptian-cotton linens and the like. The Casablanca, the largest suite, comes with its own private terrace overlooking the courtyard garden, with key features including an impressive zouac ceiling, antique furniture and art from Mr C’s collection. Head up to the roof terrace to dine under the arbour and be wowed by attentive service and munificent, multi-course meals. If the heat gets too much, make a beeline for the lemon-hued salon, where floor-to-ceiling French windows add an airiness to sun-drenched white surrounds.

Ready to live like royalty? This renovated former palace has
colonnaded balconies, sun-dappled courtyards and views of the
towering Koutoubia Mosque. The sprawling complex is dotted with
private riads, plus a 12m pool, boutique shop, yoga deck and
fragrant orange grove. Owner Vanessa Branson has decked out
interiors with heritage Moroccan finds, mid-century additions,
jewel-tone touches and walls filled with contemporary art from her
private collection.

Cyrielle Rigot and Julien Tang (the creative French duo also at
the helm of city-based interior design studio Rigotang) are behind
this beautiful hotel, and have injected the traditional Moroccan
riad with precision-focused pizzazz. Retaining its
characteristically magical original features (like stucco walls and
historic shutters), but adding a bohemian edge, there’s a
distinctly 70s vibe about the place. Rooms are cosy but colourful:
golden-yellow walls juxtapose bed blankets in a teal colour we’d
call typical of sultan’s slippers. When you slip into bed, keep
your eyes open and look up – you’ll spy ornate ceilings above.
Upstairs on the roof terrace, the team serves vegan food with a
view of the medina.