Origin Hotels Riad El Faran

Morocco's magic has long had a hold on me and now it draws me once again to the heart of its shimmering capital, the captivating Marrakesh. I want to soak up the smell, the buzzing atmosphere, the vivid colours, the song of the souk sellers and that arresting call to prayer and for that there is only one place to go – the Medina. With its maze of shops full of wonders it breathes the distilled essence of this mesmerising city and I want to feel its pulse under my feet and sleep enfolded in its enchanting centre. Yet to sleep you need a peaceful refuge, all the more essential if you are to have this bustling world of brilliant reds, yellows, blues, golds and greens on your doorstep and I have found the solution thanks to VeryChic who have lead me straight to the Riad El Faran.

I step from my taxi into the sizzling heat and from thence into the cool embrace of the hotel. Staying true to tradition it has an open patio with a gorgeous, azure plunge pool in its centre that apart from looking extremely inviting to my hot and sweaty, travel-weary self, creates a clever oasis that allows a breath of fresh air to run through its ornate archways and richly furnished rooms. Only seven bedrooms in total and mine is quite magnificent. A large open fireplace dominates one corner, with a little table and chairs beside it and then an enormous bed with inviting, crisp white sheets stretched across it just begging me to crumple them. I resist temptation as my eagerness to explore further prevails. I discover that I have free WiFi access here – perfect for getting in touch with loved ones back home and letting them know I am safe and well. I feel like a pampered queen in her royal boudoir, far from the noise and bustle beyond these serene, elegant walls.

My favourite discovery is the gorgeous bathroom with an absolutely enormous bathtub, which, unlike the bed, I am unable to resist as I sink with a sigh of bliss into cool silky water scented with the delicious complimentary products available. This will be a daily routine I can tell already – it is the ideal way to recover from a strenuous day's adventures exploring Marrakesh and diving into the Medina for some frenzied bargaining. Another ritual to add to my daily routine is what I do next, which is to emerge, damp-haired and refreshed onto the riad's roof terrace to dry off on a deck chair and dreamily look out over the Red City. I have it at my fingertips, everything just within my reach and this dazzling world is mine to discover and fall in love with all over again from the beautiful haven of my luxurious hotel.