Riad Dar Vedra

Marrakech has to be Morocco's most enchanting city. With a stellar position at the foot of the Atlas Mountains (providing the city's roof-top cafés with some of the best views to dine alongside), a history stretching back a mind-bogglingly long way, and enough cultural density to turn you into a fully fledged culture vulture in one long weekend, Marrakech is nothing short of magic. Enchanted you may say, or at least you will feel, as your eyes widen in an attempt to help your mind process a world of kaleidoscopic colour, exquisite beauty and indefatigable energy that you won’t have witnessed before. But it's okay, just relax; once you're accustomed to the incongruous mix of old and new, the hypnotic patterns of zellige and the hauntingly beautiful call to prayer that filters through the streets, you'll start to relax in the way that the locals do. And besides, the British and Moroccans share one very important understanding… that of the panacea-like qualities of tea. So it was with the aid of a refreshing mint tea and a tantalising array of traditional pastries that we started to unwind from our journey. The staff at Riad Dar Vedra know the secrets of exceptional service and we felt immediately relaxed, welcomed and 'at home'. Not surprising for a place that started off life as just that, a family home.

The riads of Marrakech are one of the reasons why being a tourist here is so out-of-this-world wonderful. They were designed to create a private, inward-facing home, one that did not make an ostentatious show of wealth in accordance with Islam's guidance, and one that created a cool atmosphere, as the weather’s insistence. The riad courtyard's central pool provides not just a beautiful feature but a cooling flow of air, surrounded by palms, beautiful tile work and tables and chairs. The whole riad exudes peace, tranquillity, spaciousness and has traditional features throughout. Solid wood doors carved with breathtaking detail, zellige and tadelakt, all give a sense of the authenticity of this riad.

Riad Dar Vedra is perfectly placed for exploring the medina, with Jemaa el-Fna square and the Majorelle Gardens easily accessible by foot. Though the incessant bustle is so close, the riad itself is an oasis of calm and privacy. Inside, the décor is simple and calming, with plenty of white and dark rich wood. The rooftop terrace has a different vibe altogether, with bright colours enlivening a sociable space, where you can relax on sofas under the dappled shade of an olive tree, start the day with freshly squeezed juice and pastries, and dine in the evening on succulent tagines surrounded by flickering candles.

As well as the hotel being like a home from home, our room was a little haven. Air conditioned, spacious, decorated tastefully with a great mix of classical features and modern style, it opened out onto the swimming pool. With high ceilings, Berber rugs and a bathroom that felt like our own spa, we could happily have stayed ensconced there until the end of time.

Riad Dar Vedra is the perfect choice for a relaxing, luxurious base in the blessed hullabaloo of Marrakesh!