Riad Kniza ★★★★★L

As we walk into the traditional 18th-century building, my mouth involuntarily gapes open; it’s as if I’ve been transported two hundred years into Morocco’s regal past, surrounded by glazed-marble tiles, beautiful ochre fabrics and bright potted plants. My husband gives me a quick prod, and I quickly come back down to earth as a beaming staff member attends to our baggage, perfectly polite and with immaculate English.

The structure was restored by Haj Mohamed Bouskri, a renowned antique dealer, using authentic Moroccan materials and artisans. The finished result is spellbinding – it can truly be described as a gem of Moorish architecture. I’m wondering if this spectacular interior design is going to continue throughout the whole structure, and I am not disappointed in the slightest. Our room resembles an exotic palace; vibrant colourful touches contrast against traditional wooden features, while lavish curtains line the bed. In a splurge of luxury, we had treated ourselves to the Senior Suite, and boy was it worth it. Out of the corner of my eye I can see an inviting seating area, decorated in the same warm tones, luring me in with its comfortable furnishings.

Before we go out to explore, we decide it’s time for a spot of pampering. We both make use of the magnificent spa, using our €20 coupon courtesy of VeryChic, and take a dip in the beautifully-designed pool; there truly is nothing better than cooling down after a long morning travelling in the scorching sun.

As tempting as it is to lounge around the royal riad all day, we want to discover all that Marrakech has to offer. The ideal central location means we can walk to the main square of Jmaa El-Fna, the beating heart of Marrakech. Once arrived, I gaze around in wonder. The air is heavy with the sweet scent of perfumes and exotic spices as we wander in the mid-afternoon sun, watching the enchanting snake charmers and sampling some of the freshest orange juice I’ve ever tasted. Our rumbling stomachs and the promise of a Moroccan feast are the only things that manage to make us eventually tear ourselves away from this magical atmosphere.

Returning to the peaceful riad is like walking into a calm oasis after being in a storm; who would know we were so close to the centre of town? To top off a perfect day, the in-house chef cooks us up a banquet I will never forget; I have never tasted so many delicious flavour combinations as I dig in to my dinner, which we decide to enjoy under the stars on the roof terrace with a beautiful view over the old town and the Atlas Mountains. Well, we wanted romantic, and at the Riad Kniza, we definitely got it.