Riad Malika by Joanna Monkhouse

Riad Malika is not like the other riads in Marrakech. The French architect owner has filled the rooms with his overflowing passion for original 20th century designer furniture, lots of Art Deco but a few 60s and 70s pieces creeping in now too. All has been sourced in Morocco, once owned by the Europeans who lived there. The eclectic style gives the riad a relaxed, lived-in feel yet it boasts many modern comforts. Fans like aeroplane propellers hang from the ceiling, but there is also a/c in summer and heating in winter. Some rooms have private terraces and most have small balconies.

Each of the 3 suites and 8 rooms is unique in layout. The suites have a salon area with cd player, books and magazines. Up a staircase to the terrace there are sun loungers, huge orange sofas and a shower for cooling off. Television and dvd players are available on request along with a dvd library of 250 films. Bathrooms are large, with antique ceramic basins and old enamelled cast iron baths with feet or huge tadelakt ones.

Music is always playing quietly in the jungly courtyard, tempting the parrot out of his cage. Dinner is served on request in the courtyard or in the more European of the two salons on candlelit tables scattered with rose petals. A stylish black and white pool, retro bar and hamman are to be found in one of the courtyards. If looking for an ‘authentic’ Moroccan experience, Riad Malika is probably not the place to find it: beware of the bizarre at this riad - both in terms of style and the unprofessional attitude of the owners.