Five of the Most Beautiful Riads in Marrakech

The best riads in Marrakech distil the atmospheric magic of the Pink City into an intimate guesthouse experience. Peppered with decadent decoration, original features and a certain “je ne sais quoi”, these are the city’s prettiest stays

Have you heard the news? Marrakech's favourite homeware designer, Laurence Leenaert (she of LRNCE fame), is opening a riad in the city next year. Rosemary is - at the moment - merely an Instagram page, but if the cryptic social posting is anything to go by, it will be an exquisite guesthouse filled with the Belgian textile artist's typically bold and brilliant style.

It seems the desert winds are stirring in Marrakech. The recent opening of Habitas' desert camp, Caravan Agafay, just under an hour from the city, made our ears prick up, too. Likewise, news that one of our favourite city raids, El Fenn, has added 10 new rooms, suggests something is on the move in the Pink City.

While we wait for a date on Rosemary's opening, we've revisited some of the city's most beautiful riads. New flings might be on the horizon, but in a city filled with voguish stays, any incomer will have to be more than remarkable to rival our current dalliances. From a decadent Moqf district medina home to the pared-back perfection of Philomena Schurer Merckoll's seven-bed stay, these are the Marrakech riads we can't stop thinking about.

Medina magic: the most beautiful riad hotels in Marrakech

hotel

Riad Mena

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.

Address

70 Derb Jdid, 40000

hotel

Dar Darma

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.

Address

11-12 Trik Sidi Bohuarba, 40000

A white bedroom at L'Hôtel Marrakech

hotel

L'Hôtel Marrakech

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.

Address

Lahcen ou Ali, 41 Derb Sidi Massoud, 40000

A pink bedroom at El Fenn
Photo credit: Kasia Gatkowska

hotel

El Fenn

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.

Address

2 Derb Moulay Abdullah Ben Hezzian, Bab el Ksour, 40000

hotel

Riad Jardin Secret

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.

Address

43-46 Arset Aouzal Bab Doukkala 40000

This article was updated 7 December. It contains affiliate links, which means SUITCASE may earn a small commission if you click through and book.

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