Riad Le Sucrier de Fès ★★★★

Riad is a term which designates a traditional Moroccan house or palace featuring an interior garden or courtyard. They were built with privacy and protection from the hot sun in mind. Characterised by clay or mud brick walls, called tadelakt, they are decorated with orange or lemon trees and fountains. Many of these traditional houses are now used as hotels, such as the Riad le Sucrier, where we had the privilege of staying.

Fez was once the oldest city in the world and is the oldest of the four Moroccan imperial cities. For several centuries, it was the centre of the Moroccan kingdom. It is referred to as the “Mecca of the West” or “Athens of the East.”

I couldn’t help but notice its stunning landscapes from the moment we arrived. The city is bursting with palaces, gardens, ramparts and mosques. Driving to the hotel, I couldn’t help pulling out my phone to start snapping pictures. This was a new kind of beauty: exotic and fluid like I’d never before seen. On our way to the hotel, our chauffeur informed us the riads were what really made Morocco charming, and that we were lucky to have reserved a room in one. This was enough for me to sit back and enjoy the scenery – there would be plenty of time to take pictures inside the hotel!

Our chauffeur was right. Le Sucrier was one of the most magical places I’d ever seen. A luxuriously restored riad, I marvelled at the beautiful surroundings at the base of the Batha fountains in the heart of the medina. Walking into its central courtyard, I was transported into another world, an ancient one where design mixed with nature to create a subduing effect in the middle of a busy city centre. Pushing open the door to a riad is an experience not to be missed. You’re instantly transported into a timeless and spiritual place where all your worries are left behind. Plush seats and cosy corners invite you to unwind, while the traditional sweet mint tea is never far behind.

Our suite was a Moroccan delight. Spacious and comfortable, its décor was colourful, classy, and exotic – quintessential Morocco. Silk details, a tadelakt and marble floor bathroom, a private entrance and patio really made this a royal suite. Its luxury made me ponder – did I really have to leave? Now this was a home away from home, and then some!

After enjoying the view of the garden and a spot of air conditioning, we made our way to the restaurant for a lovely Moroccan style dinner. Nowhere near an expert on the local cuisine, I was pleasantly surprised by the mix of spices and flavours and enticed by the local wine. And the setting was nothing short of magical, with its velvety Andalusian style coloured décor, sculpted cedar wood and marble, all the height of opulence. We were well prepared for a visit to the Spa Riad Fez by Cinq Mondes, where our comfort was taken to yet another level. Fully relaxed, we were ready for the medina and its excitement, assured we had a wonderful haven to return to.