Riyad Edward, Marrakech, Morocco

Riyad Edward is the epitome of old-school Marrakech. Ancient, crumbling and wonderfully eccentric, it's the riad of choice for the bohemian end of British high society and discerning fashionistas (Mario Testino has stayed and Vogue and Elle have both staged fashion shoots in the riad).

The facilities

English owner Stephen stumbled across this 500-year-old merchant's house years back on a holiday to Marrakech, bought it and filled it with friends, faded mirrors and rugs, hundreds of paperback novels and faded portraits of Queen Elizabeth. He installed a sizeable pool, painted the dining room a vivid blue, plastering it with coats of arms and planted jasmine and bougainvillea around the ancient Cyprus tree that takes centre stage in the large courtyard. The roof terrace (one of the highest in Marrakech) at this boutique hotel was also packed full of plants and the courtyard became a candle-lit haven at night. A few years on, friends still come to visit, but Riyad Edward now mainly plays host to guests who are devoted to this shabby-chic home-from-home.

The rooms

The ten rooms and suites at this boutique hotel all have their own charm. The Annex Suite is popular with families as are the Blue and Striped suites which are joined by a large sitting room with a fireplace and plasma screen hidden behind a traditional Moroccan tapestry. The Rose room is best for ladies with luggage as there's a large adobe wardrobe and dressing room. The Dylan room is favoured by the contemplative as its small terrace is the highest in the riad with stunning views over Marrakech's medina and the Terrace room is the only one with its own TV. But by far the most impressive is the Studio Suite thanks to its size and high ceilings.