Riad El Ouarda by Joanna Monkhouse

Near Bab Taghzout in the north of the medina, in a neighbourhood which is home to the Hermes family and the architect Bill Willis, is a 17th century riad that has been faithfully restored. Riad El Ouarda has a shallow square fountain in the open courtyard, which can be covered over so that the space can still be used during inclement weather. The huge doors of the bedrooms are painted a soft grey blue and heavy, natural linen curtains frame the view from within.

Each room is decorated in a different style, African, Moroccan, Zellige (some of the original 17th century tiles survive and have been restored and repaired) and the ensuite shower rooms have been constructed at the end of each, behind a partition that does not reach the high ceilings, to preserve the feeling of space. The suites have a large tadelakt bathrooms. The original, traditionally decorated ceiling in one suite had been painted over with brown oil paint and has been painstakingly uncovered. The large mirrors opposite the doors in each room reflect the image of the room on the other side of the courtyard and the bougainvillea climbing up the pillars - they increase the dimensions of the already spacious riad.

The new extension has three rooms in a more modern style, and they can be taken individually or together with a private courtyard. There, huge baths are separated from the room by a voile curtain. The floors and baths are finished in dess and tadelakt, one room is grey with sharp, masculine lines, another is in a sandy colour with softer lines. All are simple and chic. The roof terrace is one of the best of all the riads in Marrakech. Furnished with wide canvas parasols, sofas, chairs and lots of cushions, the different levels provide separated areas so that guests can remain private. At night the local mosque’s floodlit minaret provides a magnificent backdrop to the evening.