Riad Dar More

Central and intimate, this riad is an oasis of modernist Parisian-Moroccan chic and excellent value

Riad Dar More, tucked away in the southern part of the medina, is only 5 minutes’ walk from the frenetic activity of central square Djemaa El Fna, Marrakech’s nerve centre, yet is a tranquil oasis. The riad was completely rebuilt from ruins, so has a traditional layout but a delicate contemporary look. Inside, the design combines traditional Moroccan elements with modern style and keeps to a muted colour scheme of pale rose, sand, grey, ivory and moleskin, with gleaming tadelakt everywhere you look.

The interior is scented by candles and hung with beautiful silver lamps, whose cut-out designs decorate the walls in patterns of light. Floor candles light the staircase, and there’s a fountain in the courtyard - a sheet of water flowing over the wall with cooling and soothing effect. With only 5 rooms, decorated in a gorgeous pale style with fine linen and furnishings, it feels intimate and spoiling. But it's the prices that are really impressive.

Highs

• A romantic haven, with stylish rooms and candelit dinners by request
• Parisian owner Dominique is lovely, with as much style as you'd expect from her elegant interiors
• Staff are friendly and helpful, advising on where to go and what to do
• Excellent breakfast, served on the roof terrace with views over the storks' nests on the El Badi palace and beyond to the snow-capped mountains
• Moroccan cookery and tadelakt lessons on offer, plus excellent expeditions to the Atlas Mountains and desert

Lows

• Like most Marrakech riads, there’s no way you can get a taxi to the front door, but Dominique or one of her staff will come and meet you at the drop-off point
• The morning prayer call from the mosque next door starts at 5am but only lasts a few minutes; bring earplugs!