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.