Riad Ba Sidi ★★★★

Winding souks meet huge bustling squares lined with textile stalls, snake charmers, and quaint tea shops. This is Marrakech, a city that is both sumptuous and antiquated. It bursts with colour, quirky stores, and a mishmash of nouveau restaurants. The Medina is a lively place, where time spirals back to days when fresh markets thrived and ramshackle streets were a haven of conversation, curiosity, and dusty charm.

I’m a huge fan of the age-old narratives that weave through Marrakech, and the unlikely stories that unravel around every twist and turn, but I wanted to tap into the sumptuous side of the city on this visit. So where did I begin? The Riad Ba Sidi. This exquisite riad is set just a few streets away from the crowds of the Jamaa El Fna, the heart and soul of the city. But instead of the hustle and bustle of the city centre, the Riad Ba Sidi was peaceful and calm – the city’s tranquil counterpart.

It was the perfect place to explore the city and everything it had to offer whilst soaking up the rich Moroccan charm that Marrakech is famed for. Sumptuous patterned loungers lazed in the communal areas, tapestried carpets covered stone flooring, and elaborate archways and huge gilded doors oozed North African design. Low-lit lanterns hung from every nook and cranny, and every surface flashed with gold, bronze, and silver. This is the kind of luxury Moroccan lifestyle I was searching for, and I’d managed to find it just moments from the famous centre of the city.

I was greeted in true Moroccan style by my friendly hosts who showed me to my room. After winding through the plush corridors of the riad, I was led into a spacious, ambient room that continued in the North African style of the communal areas. Muted colour palettes met patterned rugs, whilst dark-wood furniture held ornate vases etched with gemstones and pewter detailing. Pastel paintings hung from the walls, flowers burst from every surface, and the bed was piled high with cloud-like layers. It was certainly the height of luxury.

But the sumptuous nature of the Ba Sidi didn’t finish there. After settling in to my room, I wandered up to the roof terrace which opened out in a flourish of wrought iron furniture, stylish seating areas, and a large, lush pool. Looking down over the teeming streets of the Medina below, it offered the perfect view point where I could simultaneously relax and still feel a part of the lively action in Marrakech.

With such a fascinating culture to explore, I was propelled through the streets of the city, exploring as many souks and stalls as I could. I sipped tea with locals, tried roadside dishes, and browsed through textiles, curiosities, and handmade goods. Back at the Ba Sidi, I’d head straight to the spa to unwind. An indulgent massage and a dip in the Jacuzzi were the perfect ways to ease tired feet and reflect on the day’s antics.

Marrakech has two sides: a fascinating antiquated past filled to the brim with rich culture, and a sumptuous style saved for top-notch riads. I was honoured to dive head first into both parts of the city, using the Riad Ba Sidi as the perfect base.