Dar Warda is an intimate riad in Marrakech of just five bedrooms. It lies in the heart of the medina, and as such is the perfect place for a romantic city hideaway, with excellent value rates to boot. Decorated in a traditional style, with zelliges, heavily carved wooden frescoes, tadelakt bathrooms and beijimet flooring from Fez, it keeps alive local building materials and centuries-old craftsmanship.

The facilities

Minimal in size and facilities, this riad is the antithesis of the large-scale resorts that are starting to populate Marrakech. There's a small garden patio with plunge pool, and food can be catered for by the in-house chef (it's fantastic, and well worth trying out at least once). There's also a petite library and lounge area and a terrace with views over the Koutoubia Mosque.

The rooms

Each of Dar Warda's bedrooms is elegant and refined, with traditional fittings and fixtures, as well as cable TV. Thery are spread over three floors, meaning that some benefit from immediate access to the pool area, whilst some open onto the terrace, with views across the Atlas Mountains.