Marrakech's 8 Best Sleeps

Morocco’s Red City is replete with atmospheric hotels and riads that provide ethereal exoticism and eco-minded luxury. Here are eight of the very best

- Claire Boobbyer

LA MAMOUNIA

Founded in 1923, Marrakech’s most illustrious address has recently glammed up its Churchill Bar, salon de thé, poolside pavilion and restaurants, but the glorious Atlas mountain views, fragrant gardens of olive and orange trees, and the soul-stirring heart of the hotel remain unchanged. It’s why Winston Churchill called it one of the best he’d ever stayed in. For the full effect you’ll want to book an Agdal Deluxe room: these are full of lacy plasterwork, colourful zouac (painted wood) and zellij tiling, have balconies overlooking the grounds and pool, are ripe with the scent of peaches and Barbary figs and are bathed in the city’s painterly light. Produce from the huge organic garden appears in dishes at all the hotel’s restaurants, but it’s the simplest of things that stirs memories: a glass of almond milk and a plate of soft sticky dates proffered when you walk in. From £358pn; www.mamounia.com

RIAD JARDIN SECRET

Beyond ancient cedar doors lies one of the medina’s best finds, Riad Jardin Secret. Brought back to life by Parisian creatives Cyrielle and Julien, the 15th-century traditional home is furnished with fleamarket finds, and each of the seven rooms is a curation of hand-painted furniture, books from the owners’ own library and warm desert colours. In homage to authentic Marrakech living, and mindful of a light footprint, there’s no TV, air-conditioning or pool. Chef Mohamed serves soulful vegetarian food, using local, organic ingredients, on the Pink Rooftop while the riad’s Studio runs an artist residency that nurtures young and emerging talent, from photographers to tattooists.