Riad Enija, Marrakech, Morocco

Riad Enija is a fusion of east and west, of colour and simplicity, of old and new. Run like clockwork by a Swiss/Swedish couple and their army of girls in red dresses, this is the chicest of the Marrakech riads. The furniture in this luxury hotel is oversized, bright and contemporary but balances with the large rooms, neutral walls and traditional Moroccan decorative details and architecture. Huge modern light fittings hang from original, high, painted ceilings similar to those in the royal residence, the Bahia Palace.

The facilities

In the garden, birds chirp in the tall palms that sway gently in the breeze and the faint echo of the snake charmers’ pipes in close by Djemaa el Fna can be heard. Screened from each other by orange trees, flowering cacti and a fountain scattered with rose petals are six groups of tables and chairs, where a delectable breakfast is served in the morning, amongst tortoises of various sizes crawling on the tiled paths. Large glass lanterns light the garden and the pathways at night in this luxury hotel. The salon was formerly a hamman and has retained the vaulted tadelakt ceiling. The kitchen is open to all and serves highly regarded meals on request. Riad Enija is filled with vases of close packed roses and interesting objets d’art. Colourful sofas and chairs throughout the riad provide opportunity to sit down, relax and soak it all up.

The rooms

Beds are the focus of each room in this luxury hotel, swathed in silks, linens and cottons. Bathrooms are afforded as much space as a whole ensuite room in other riads, the baths are deep and the showerheads imitate rain. Mirrors with frames that are moulded and painted with Italianate scenes and gold cherubs reflect the light. The terraces have white cushioned rattan sunloungers, cane chairs with striped silk cushions, deck chairs, giant pouffes, large canvas parasols and views over the exceptionally pretty garden, the second courtyard or the medina.