Riad Norma

Parisian chic meets Maroc at this colourful, light-filled Medina riad

Who would guess that such earthly delights were hidden away behind a studded cedarwood door?

Stepping in from the dust and brouhaha of the medina the opulence of Riad Norma’s inner patio can’t fail but raise a sigh: a trickling fountain, strewn with rose petals, occupies centre stage whilst to all sides high zellig-covered columns, intricately carved stucco and enormous cedarwood doors draw your gaze upwards to an extraordinary zouak ceiling, a full 12 metres above you. But what makes this riad so unique is that to one side of this classical fassi patio is an exquisite garden, planted with citrus, loquat, palm and roses, whose scented greenery wraps round a fountain-fed pool.

Riad Norma’s French owner, Monique, oversaw almost two long years of restoration to create her vision of The Arabian Nights. Her riad is an ode to the beauty and skill of the craftsmen of Fes and to her love of Opera. And if she chose to name Norma after a druid priestess...alors, pourquoi pas?

Highs

• Norma’s inner courtyard is simply stunning. In the winter months a roof is slid across and gas heaters are lit so that you can still enjoy it to the full
• Few of the riads in Fes have gardens. Monique’s even has a small plunge pool which is a real blessing in the hotter months
• Norma is at the edge of Fes’ labyrinthine medina, easy to find, and has secure parking right next door
• Nearly all of the bedrooms are big, airy, and exceptionally quiet

Lows

• Norma packs a pricey punch compared with other riads of similar standards
• The combination of fancy French fabrics and Moroccan decorative elements can feel a tad contrived
• The roof terrace was in need of a little T.L.C. when we visited. But with such an exquisite garden you may not venture up there, anyway
• One room, Mimi, is tiny and has neither A/C nor a bathtub (but it's a good option for solo travellers on a budget)