Marrakesh is a city of contrasts—where ancient traditions meet creativity, and every street hums with life. There are endless options for places to stay, from luxurious hotels to charming farmhouses on the city’s outskirts. But for me, nothing compares to the magic of a traditional riad. These beautifully restored homes, hidden behind intricate doors, offer an intimate glimpse into Morocco’s rich design heritage. If you’re visiting Marrakesh, I highly recommend staying in a riad, even if only for a few nights.
This guide highlights the most beautiful riads in Marrakesh, each connected to visionary designers who have left their mark on the city—names like Bill Willis, Jasper Conran, and Vanessa Branson. If your budget allows, treat yourself to a stay in one of these extraordinary spaces. If not, you can still experience their beauty by booking lunch or dinner at one of them.
El Fenn
Few places capture the essence of Marrakesh, quite like El Fenn. It’s a showstopper, effortlessly blending tradition with modern luxury. It’s also the most expensive option featured here. If you want to experience one of Marrakesh’s most beautiful riads, this is it.
Originally purchased by Vanessa Branson (sister of Richard Branson) and Howell James, El Fenn has grown from a single riad into an expansive retreat, now spanning 13 interconnecting riads. It’s an unforgettable place to stay with 41 rooms and suites, a 1300-square-meter rooftop bar, and an atmosphere that feels straight out of a design magazine.
In 2018, Madeline Weinrib, a painter-turned-designer, and her husband Graeme Head joined Vanessa and Howell in shaping El Fenn’s vision. Madeline, who ran a textile brand for two decades, infused El Fenn with an aesthetic honouring Moroccan craftsmanship while embracing contemporary elegance.
The rooftop of El Fenn is one of the best spots in the city. No reservations required, but arriving early is advised to beat the crowds.
The space is chic, effortlessly Moroccan stylish. You enter through a homeware boutique filled with curated, one-of-a-kind pieces. Upstairs, you’re greeted by staff dressed in cardinal-red uniforms and straw hats, setting the tone for a laid-back but refined experience.
The bar area is a vision in red, with striped furnishings and floral-accented chairs. It’s the perfect spot for cocktails and light bites in the sun, overlooking the bustling Medina below.
Downstairs, you’ll find a world of colour. Earthy tones blend seamlessly with plush green, mustard, and deep purple velvets, while the courtyard bursts with fuchsia-pink fabrics. But for me, the real magic lies in its open courtyard, filled with towering trees and the gentle echoes of birdsong. Despite being in the middle of the Medina, it feels like a secret escape, miles away from the outside world.
If you’re looking for a retreat beyond the city, you could also visit Kasbah Tamadot, owned by Richard Branson—an iconic property tucked away in the Atlas Mountains, about an hour’s drive from Marrakesh.
Riad Izza
If you are seeking a connection to Marrakesh’s boldest designer, Bill Willis, Riad Izza is a must.
Arriving in Morocco in 1965, Bill Willis left a permanent imprint on the city’s aesthetic. His designs were fearless, flamboyant, and original, blending lavish Moroccan elements with modernist influences.
An Art Lover’s Dream
Riad Izza is a beautiful, sophisticated riad with 14 rooms filled with over 300 works of art (worth an estimated £5M). It also houses one of the world’s largest physical exhibitions of printed NFTs—a striking mix of traditional elegance and contemporary innovation.
The riad pays tribute to Willis through its Bill Bar, a space dedicated to his life and work. It features photographs, memorabilia, and glimpses into his wild world of high society—a world that included icons like Grace Jones, Mick Jagger, and Yves Saint Laurent.
L’ Hotel Marrakesh
This charming retreat is owned by Jasper Conran. L’Hôtel Marrakech combines superb Moroccan craftsmanship with pieces of Jasper’s antique furniture, textiles, lighting and art – some of which were acquired from the personal collections of Bill Willis and Yves Saint Laurent.
L’Hotel Marrakesh is an oasis in the heart of the Medina, surrounded by a derelict site. Once you arrive, you are greeted by a sturdy, masculine-looking green door. But once inside, it’s a stylish paradise. It is quiet luxury. It’s a retreat with only six suites all named after Moroccan cities, with exceptional service. What struck me the most was how peaceful it was, you can hardly hear a sound. The odd Bulbul signing from the palm tree that towers through the middle of the courtyard, the crow of a cockerel, the odd footstep of the staff. But, minimal noise for a riad in the heart of a bustling city.
As you’d imagine from a designer like Conran, it’s a beautiful riad. Walking into the courtyard garden, you notice many mature banana, orange and lemon trees and a central fountain surrounded by authentic zellige tilework. There is a beautiful pool with towels and robes waiting for you. The resident tortoise is likely to be your company.
There is a dining area downstairs, but you can also have lunch and dinner in the roof garden. The tables are expertly set to restaurant standards, with thick white tablecloths wherever you choose.
Riad Al Fassia Aguedal
I’ve chosen Al Fassina for different reasons. It’s attached to one of the best traditional restaurants in Marrakesh, run by an all-women team. It is very reasonably priced, a short distance into Marrakesh, beautiful, and spotlessly clean. It’s a great all-rounder for all types of guests.
The hotel has two riads with a Moorish vibe surrounding a central courtyard. The grounds are full of striking red, violet, orange, and white Bougainvillea, which climb the hotel and walls. Out in the front in the evening, the trees are lit up with fairy lights, welcoming guests to the restaurant. It is beautiful.
Outside, it has a good-sized pool, which is a bonus, as many of the riads only have small plunge pools or are covered from the sun. Each guest is provided with pool towels, cushions, their own table for lunch service alongside a lounger, Al Fassina straw hats for sunny days and impeccable service.
Riad BE
My last option is central in the Medina and has a bohemian, trendy vibe. It’s best suited for young couples, solo travellers, those on a girls weekend, or people looking for a space for yoga.
The top floor has a good size roof garden with lounge beds, hanging chairs, rest areas and yoga mats. The middle floor has a plunge pool with bright yellow loungers and rooms. The bottom level has a plunge pool (although this area doesn’t get the sun) and seating with rooms around the courtyard.
We organised a cooking lesson at Riad BE which we really enjoyed. The lesson started with a trip to the souk to buy fresh ingredients from the farmer stalls. We then took the food back to the riad’s rooftop, where with help, from Maleekah (meaning queen in Arabic – she was the queen of cooking!) we cooked tagines and a vegetable pastry starter. It was a fun experience for an overcast day, and we learned a new skill. It’s not until you get home, you realise how much you miss tagine!
Read the blog providing inspiration in Marrakesh for places to visit based around art and culture.
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