The Most Beautiful Riads In Marrakech

There’s something about Marrakech – all that sorbet-hued architecture and sun-kissed warmth makes it the perfect destination for a spring fling. Need the lowdown on some of the prettiest medina riads? From a decadent Moqf district 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

Bold, brilliant interiors at Rosemary | Photo credit: Marina Denisova

Riad Rosemary

Last year, Marrakech’s most in-demand homeware designer, Laurence Leenaert (she of LRNCE fame), opened Rosemary – a much-anticipated guesthouse that captures the Belgian textile artist’s typically bold and brilliant style. Located next to the medina’s 19th-century Bahia Palace, this intimate three-storey property follows the flow of a traditional riad, with five bedrooms spilling out onto a central patio shaded by a leafy jacaranda tree. Interiors are packed with bespoke furnishings and works created by more than 40 local artisans – picture hand-painted murals, wavy terracotta tiling, Safi-sourced pottery and acres of coral-coloured plasterwork. A highlight is the rooftop terrace – a sun-dazzled, pink-tiled space offering views across the city’s rooftops.

Rue de la Bahia 25, 40000; rosemarymarrakech.com

A whitewashed bedroom suite at Riad Mena, left, and the sun-soaked terrace

Riad Mena

If you're seeking an escape from the frenetic pace of life in the heart of Marrakech, book a room at Philomena Schurer Merckoll's Riad Mena. The seven serene bedrooms at this beautiful medina property are dressed down in soft, neutral tones and have simple, clean-cut furnishings, while bathrooms are Philippe Stark-designed. Splashes of colour arrive though contemporary art and boldly embroidered cushions. Our favourite room? The Writer's Den – a dinky escape (the smallest in the house) made for solo stays. Elsewhere, you’ll find an oasis-like pool and foliage-filled courtyards scattered throughout the building. If you see anything you love during your visit, pop into The Pink House next door – the hotel’s gallery-boutique sells curated homeware that matches the riad’s vibe.

Derb Jdid 70, 40000; riadmenaandbeyond.com

The black suite at Dar Darma, left, and interior details | Photo credit: Enrico Costantini

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 evident 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 stay. 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.

Trik Sidi Bohuarba 11-12, 40000; dardarma.com

L’Hôtel Marrakech’s private terrace and bold interiors | Photo credit: Andrew Montgomery

L’Hôtel Marrakech

This 19th-century riad was transformed by Jasper Conran into 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 the sun-drenched white surrounds.

Derb Sidi Massoud 41, 40000; l-hotelmarrakech.com

The courtyard, left, and the Annex room at El Fenn | Photo credits: Cécile Treal Couloir, Kasia Gatkowska

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 and jewel-tone touches, while walls are covered with contemporary art from her private collection.

Derb Moulay Abdullah Ben Hezzian 2, Bab el Ksour, 40000; el-fenn.com

Living space and a suite at Riad Jardin Secret | Photo credit: Rigot Tang, Carley Page

Riad Jardin Secret

Cyrielle Rigot and Julien Tang (the French creative duo at the helm of Marrakech-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 (including stucco walls and historic shutters) but adding a bohemian edge, they have created a distinctly 70s vibe. Rooms are cosy but colourful: golden-yellow walls juxtapose bed blankets in a teal colour we'd call typical of a 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.

Arset Aouzal 43-46, 40000; riadjardinsecret.com

Riad Tahyra

Our favourite part of this picture-perfect riad? The romantic, verdant courtyard, where vines wander above covered sofas and clamber up palm trunks. Beyond the blue-and-white-tiled central oasis, you’ll find seven enchanting guest rooms filled with intricately painted Moroccan furnishings, richly embellished textiles, corniced archways and cosy curtained sleeping nooks. For unbridled extravagance, book Kiad – a silvery green room accessed through a beautifully painted door with a bathroom tiled in viper-green.

Derb Arjane 117, 40000; riad-tahyra.com