Riad Turquoise

For me and my husband, it was our anniversary that gave us an excuse to visit Marrakech, but I'm sure we'd find another reason to go sooner or later. Marrakech is addictive. It's like a heady dive into a heightened world where you're encouraged to take leave of your logic for a while, and just enjoy. This imperial Berber city, nestled at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, has history and grandeur written all through it. Get ready to see the world anew. From opulent Moorish palaces to immense fortress walls, magnetic zellige tiles and a vibrancy of colours simply not found back in the UK, visiting Marrakech opens your eyes to a new kind of beauty. It's an incongruous blend of the ancient and modern, where camels, snake charmers, the sound of rhythmic drums and the call to prayer combine to charm and bewilder. Riads are one of my favourite things about Morocco. Originally the homes of wealthy families, they maintain a homely ambience, albeit of a palatial kind of home. Riad Turquoise was our oasis and refuge, not from the desert, but the fabulous furore outside.

The riad consists of only six rooms, each spacious and luxurious, wrapping around a central internal courtyard where a fountain and palms are surrounded by exquisite zellige. With such a small capacity, the hotel has an intimate and exclusive feel. The heritage home is decorated with impeccable care and taste, with the original features complemented by classic natural materials. The spaces include grand archways, old carved wooden doors that look more likely to lead to Narnia than the next room, and tadelakt pillars adorned by great swathes of gossamer fabric.

We were met at the airport (a Very Chic bonus!) and escorted to our haven hidden down a narrow street. We were warmly welcomed and, once shown to our room, invited for traditional mint tea and pastries on the rooftop terrace. Walking through the riad, I was struck by the craftsmanship evident in every detail. The colours are subtle, white, the rose red of the desert, the deep brown of hardwood and, of course, turquoise. Blues and yellows danced together in the intricate tiled floors. The rooftop terrace was the perfect place to while away some time, surrounded by bougainvillea and a view over the city. There was a plunge pool where we would cool off after a day's sightseeing and sunbeds to soak up some vitamin D.

In the evening, the riad is transformed from a light and airy atmosphere to a warm candle-lit cove, where fret-worked lamps glow orange and flames dance and flicker. Our room overlooked the courtyard and also had a soft, romantic feel to it. We especially loved the smooth sandy-coloured tadelakt walls, Berber rugs, ornate chairs and fine white linens. The mosaicked bathroom was luxurious and spacious, with the touch of Moroccan artistry in all the details. It was perfectly peaceful and calming, ensuring we slept very well.

Even if you haven't got an anniversary coming up, or any other reason to visit Marrakech, find one. Perhaps visiting the Riad Turquoise is reason enough!