Riad Kaiss, Marrakech, Morocco

When Riad Kaiss opened a decade ago, it was one of the most stunning luxury riads in Marrakech. Renowned French architect and interior designer Christian Ferre (now sadly deceased) spent three years restoring its palatial 19th-century spaces and adding his eclectic collection of antiques from Morocco, Africa and Asia plus some stunning pieces of art deco furniture. The result is a luxury riad that is grand but still cosy.

The facilities

The elegant courtyard is a mass of manicured foliage that hides fountains and small salons with open fires that are perfect for romantic dining a deux. Downstairs there's a small gym (a rarity in a Marrakech riad) and a hammam and up a labyrinth of staircases, a warren of decadent private roof terraces leads to a small, walled plunge pool.

The rooms

The eight bedrooms are the most alluring aspect of Riad Kaiss as the detailing is exquisite and there are beautiful paintings and objets at every turn. Rooms 1 and 2 have layouts that best suit families, and 7 and 8 are preferable during the winter months as they have open fires. But the most spectacular in the luxury riad is room 3 with its red hues, original Moroccan detailing and mouche arabies (elaborate wooden screened windows) overlooking the courtyard below.