Riyad El Cadi

A classy and enchanting Medina town house. Now this is special - a place that is exotic, beautiful and a stylish home from home in equal measure. There’s also something of the art gallery about the Riad El Cadi, with the numerous "objets d’arts" and pieces that range from French colonial furniture to Asian works, carpets and handicrafts throughout the whole house.

The layout and history of the El Cadi just adds to the atmosphere. For example, the original mansion can actually be traced back to the 14th century and takes in the main building and seven interconnected side houses. It all makes for a rambling maze of various patios, salons and passages and odds on that you may get lost, but even that is such fun at a place like the El Cadi. After having been acquired and renovated by the ex-German ambassador to Morocco some years ago, the raw essence of the El Cadi was combined with superb decoration to create a truly classy place to stay and from which to explore Marrakech.

As for the 12 individually decorated rooms, these are spread out over the five labyrinthine and interconnected courtyards and, without exception, radiate character and style. The only caveat perhaps is the size which given the traditional Moroccan architecture makes for relatively narrow rooms but they score top marks in everything else. Add to this the small pool, hammam, large terraces with views of the High Atlas Mountains and everything is set for a perfect stay.

And we almost forgot, being located some 10 minutes away from the main Jemaa El-Fna Square, means that you’re in the heart of the Medina, yet still situated in peaceful bliss.