Housed in a 200 year old palace in Marrakech's famous medina, AnaYela is a truly special place to stay. Its name translates as "I am Yela", taken from a love letter found during the riad's not-insignificant restoration work. This letter has now become part of the fabric of the building; the owner (German entrepreneur Bernd Kolb) hired the city's best Qu'ranic calligrapher to inscribe the letter's lovelorn story throughout.

The facilities

Romantic to its core, every piece of furniture in AnaYela was produced by local artisans. There's a lovely rooftop terrace (complete with sweeping views across the medina) and a courtyard swimming pool; spa treatments can be arranged on request. Traditional Moroccan cuisine can be ordered throughout the day and night, and staff organise regular evening soirées with local musicians, dancers and soothsayers.

The rooms

Each of AnaYela's five guestrooms is as decadent as its communal areas. Meticulously appointed, all have hand-carved silverware, floor-to-ceiling mirrors and cream-coloured silks throughout.