Riad Noga by Joanna Monkhouse

Unlike some riads that hide anonymously down a dusty alley and identifiable only by the number on the door, Riad Noga announces its cheerful presence on the outside walls and inside the colourful explosion continues unabated. Centred around two large courtyards are seven vivid rooms, named after the colour in which they are decorated, with large tadelakt bath or shower rooms, satellite tv and hifi in most. Like the Red Room, the dining room has a fireplace.

Modern and traditional Moroccan craftwork jostle for your attention with original art and photography. The two salons and alcoves off the courtyards provide comfortable areas for guests to unwind in, and perhaps read one of the selection of coffee table books on Morocco, and there are three roof terraces on which to soak up some sun. One courtyard contains a good sized green tiled pool and the other is home to a parrot and a couple of tortoises. Riad Noga is an imaginative and welcoming sanctuary.