Riad El Fenn

Marrakesh can boast places to stay that are as sophisticated and cool as anything in the major Western cities. For proof of this, just visit the luxury Riad el Fenn, in Marrakech a wonderfully located townhouse in the Mouasine area of Medina. It may only be a few minutes away from the bustling main square of Jemaa el Fna, but its fortress-like walls, over 1 meter thick, shut out all sound. As soon as you pass through its beautiful blue door, you’ll know why it’s called Fenn. In the local dialogue, this word means “cool”, to which in our opinion you can add the prefix “seriously”.

It is a place of substance and style, yet notwithstanding the plethora of quality modern paintings throughout, arty touches and little details that surely cannot escape the eye - just witness the floor, made not from tiles or wood but real hide, no less – it remains intimate and cozy. This is in part due to the hospitality of Amina, Fatima, and Abdelkarim, who look after the El Fenn and whose welcome is as warm as the local weather, but it’s also to do with the abundance of private spaces, in which guests can indulge in a bit of sunbathing, reading or even a snooze. A great place for this would certainly be in the lush interior garden of the courtyard propped up by four lovely colonnades. Another location is the fabulous terrace which in addition to a rose garden, sun beds, and a plunge pool, offers some of the best views in town, including those of the Atlas Mountains.

There are so many lovely details that we’ve almost forgotten about the rooms. All the nine suites though individually decorated, share an ample size and come with a bedroom, sitting room, en suite sculpted bath, and king-size bed. It all makes for a memorable stay. Six of the rooms come with a fireplace, all rooms are equipped with CD players.

There is a heated 30-foot swimming pool with a power jet and a hammam with a cold pool, massage, and treatment room. Riad El Fenn also offers a daily changing menu (Lunch 30 Euro per person, Dinner 45 Euro per person) with produce from their organic farm, and the rest from daily markets. Food is fresh, simple, inventive, and eclectic with an emphasis on modern Mediterranean taste.