Review of Riad El Fenn, by The TI Review Team

Of the myriad riads in Marrakech - and it seems they're a dime a dozen these days - few possess the inimitable style and name credibility of Riad El Fenn. Owned by Vanessa Branson (yes, Richard's sister), El Fenn comprises three interconnected houses, making it one of Marrakech's largest.

Scattered about are works of art by Bridget Riley, Antony Gormley and Terry Frost amongst others. Traditional Moroccan flourishes are complemented by spare schemes of furniture and art. Atriums are scenes of understated seduction, with quietly flowing pool, carrara marble floors, and soft candle and lantern lighting.

A staff that's almost 50-strong is ready to administer to the needs of the New York-London art and media axis that comprises El Fenn's guest profile (Ms Branson is a co-founder of London's Wonderful Fund contemporary art collection, and her friends and patrons frequent her hotel). Shopping or cultural tours of the Medina are yours on request - but why leave when there's that contemporary art collection, plus a swimming pool, a putting green, and a fully-stocked kitchen, available for cooking lessons.

There's air con; but not locks, phones, or TV. All the better to be drawn out to explore Djemaa el Fna, the historic square a stone's throw away. Oh, and there are treatment rooms for two and a hammam for four, should the urge for some pampering become overwhelming.

All 18 rooms at Riad El Fenn boast largely Moroccan traditional decor and flourishes (such as they are: decor in the rooms tends towards the sparse, with the rich finishes - marble floors, carved window cornices, the occasional inlaid-silver surface - doing the talking). Some of them exceed 800 square feet in size; some boast ornate touches like Murano chandeliers. The bonus suite: Number 19, a duplex with a private pool.