maison mk

A luxurious combination of old and new that lives up to the definition of riad as 'a little drop of paradise'

It’s only a stone's throw from the medina walls to maison mk, but as you wander through narrow winding streets, it feels like every turn takes you back centuries. The flight from Europe is less than 3 hours, but Marrakech is a whole new world: fragrant, dusty, exotic. First-time visitors will be bewitched.

A simple door on the corner of a cobbled alley leads into the 6-room riad, and inside there's another dramatic contrast. Owner and artist Paul Hopkins has transformed the 200-year-old riad into an indulgent modern haven, with lashings of local detail against a backdrop of polished tadelakt and warm spice colours: silk tassles, rich fabrics, an array of lights and lamps and big brass door handles. There's a fabulous terrace on the rooftop, and a restaurant, cinema room and spa on the ground floor. Better yet, there are several seating areas, so even if the riad's full, you'll find a quiet corner. Paul lives in the UK, but there is little his French manager Estelle can't organise: tours, taxis, restaurants, even belly dancing displays. Ideal for couples or a whole house rental with friends.

Highs

• Just a 3-minute stroll from Djemaa El Fna square - close to the action but far enough from the noise
• A wonderful roof terrace, great for lazy breakfasts, admiring the magnificent Atlas mountains
• Wandering around the bustling medina, then stepping back into the calm of the riad to star-gaze on the roof terrace with a pre-dinner cocktail
• Smiling staff for whom nothing seems too much trouble
• Great in-house technology: WiFi, pre-loaded iPods, an Xbox, and mobile phones loaded with credit

Lows

• Light sleepers may be woken by the call to prayer. However this is the case all over Marrakech and earplugs are provided
• Some won't like the lack of locks on the door but this is riad living; locks can be provided on request
• Chill-out music is played throughout but can be adjusted through controls on each speaker if it starts to grate