Riyad Al Moussika, Marrakech, Morocco

As the name suggests, Riyad Al Moussika is a feast for the senses. The luxury riad's large, tiled patios resonate with traditional Moroccan music mixed with birdsong, the splash of ornamental fountains and the atmospheric call to prayer of Marrakech's muezzin.

The facilities

The tree-lined Andalusian pool by the entrance to Riyad Al Moussika is a vestige of the opulence of its original owner, the brutal former pasha of Marrakech, El Glaoui. Current owner Giovanni Robazza is a far more erudite and affable host and has devoted years to restoring the luxury riad's palatial interiors and adding the polished service expected by today's pampered traveller plus all the amenities expected from a five-star hotel.

The Riyad Al Moussika's large hammam has a masseur (and a masseuse for the ladies) on call, the music room sports an art deco Pleyel grand piano and there are two roof-terraces for sun-bathing and candle-lit al fresco dining. Lunch and dinner consists of fine Italian, French and Moroccan dishes washed down with imported chianti wines and savoured in the shade of fragrant orange trees.

The rooms

All six rooms of the luxury riad, which are named after the colour of their interiors, are furnished with tasteful artwork, Egyptian cotton sheets, English lambswool blankets and satellite TVs. The Green room is by far the most spectacular as it has its own private terrace.