The riads of MarrakeshTraditional riads are our favourite places to stay in Morocco. These charming properties offeraccommodation to just a few guests and providea uniquely Moroccan experience. Many areconverted from 19th or 20th century merchant'shouses. A typical riad has rooms which surroundan enclosed courtyard with a garden or fountain.They tend to be small, with less than 20 rooms,and are furnished with a mixture of traditionaland modern French-influenced styles. Breakfast isoften included, and in most riads traditionalevening meals can also be prepared with advancewarning. We have included a few of ourfavourites here, and our specialists can advise you on which one to pick.RIADKNIZA, MARRAKESHBuilt in the 18th century, Riad Kniza is a small,luxury 'Hotel de Charme' in the heart of themedina. The property has been restored by arenowned local antiques dealer, with somebeautiful pieces artfully placed in the courtyardsand cubby holes of the riad. The tastefullydesigned rooms and suites are built around threeinner courtyards, where you will find a smallplunge pool and spa facilities. Riad Kniza is anexcellent base from which to explore the city andis only a short walk from the Djema El Fna, thesouqs and the most important monuments andcultural treasures of the imperial city.RIADDJEMANNA, MARRAKESHThis intimate, attractive riad has a small number of rooms, each decorated individually and with anen suite shower room. Built and adapted fromtwo older riads, the two inner courtyards eachhave a small pool and comfortable sitting areas.Here you can relax, read and enjoy a mint tea,before moving into the small dining area, wheretraditional, homemade Moroccan dishes areserved. The two buildings each have a roofwww.audleytravel.com/morocco ?01993 838 420 ?Morocco63terrace with sun loungers and great views overthe medina, while the older of them has a smallhammam and two massage rooms. Djemanna is agreat choice for those looking for an authenticfeel and good value in the heart of the medina.VILLADESORANGERS,MARRAKESHJust a short walk from the Djema El Fna, thisRelais and Chateaux property deservedly enjoys areputation as one of Marrakesh's finest places tostay. The stylish and spacious suites provide aperfect mixture of old fashioned charm andmodern facilities. Fountains gently burble in thecourtyards, ruffling the rose petals on the water'ssurface, while orange trees provide cooling shade.After a busy day of sightseeing, there is aluxurious spa area with a gym, hammam, pool and massage rooms.LASULTANA, MARRAKESHLa Sultana is a collection of charming individualriads, which combine to form a characterful,luxury hotel that feels much smaller than itactually is. Each of the 28 rooms has a differenttheme and design, reflecting the various influencesthat have impacted on Moroccan history. Thespacious roof terraces directly overlook theSaadian Tombs while offering distant views of thesnow-capped Atlas Mountains. The large pool isone of the best you will find in any riad and thereis a first class spa for treatments after a busy day.Riad Djemanna, MarrakeshLa Sultana, MarrakeshVilla Des Orangers, MarrakeshThe Saadian Tombs, MarrakeshSouq, Marrakesh

KASBAHTAMADOT, HIGHATLASJust an hour's drive from Marrakesh, RichardBranson's Kasbah Tamadot showcases some ofthe finest examples of traditional art and design.No expense has been spared in restoring thisremarkable building. Ornate lamps and carveddecoration beautifully set off the stunningmountain backdrop, and each of the 24 roomsand suites has been individually furnished. TheKasbah Tamadot also boasts an indoor andoutdoor pool, a fully-equipped gym, a tennis courtand sweeping views over the surrounding valleys.DOMAINEMALIKA, HIGHATLASThis hotel offers guests a genuine luxury boutique hotel experience. It is nestled in a large valley abundant in pine trees and olivegroves, surrounded by the peaks of the High Atlas Mountains and near the Toubkal NationalPark. Domaine Malika offers seven modern rooms and suites, all boasting a beautiful decorand a warm atmosphere. Art deco is very muchthe theme throughout, contrasting beautifully with the extensive grounds and stunning scenery. The hotel offers a full range of spatreatments including a hammam, body wraps and various massages.KASBAHBABOURIKA, HIGHATLASThe stylish Kasbah Bab Ourika perches on ahilltop at the apex of the Ourika Valley. Built toresemble an authentic Moroccan kasbah, theinterior is modern and minimal. All of the roomsare spacious, with muted colours and understatedfurnishings which create an airy feel. The Kasbahoperates a number of environmentally friendlyprojects. The hot water supply is heated by solarpanels and the property generates its ownelectricity, while all the food is locally sourced.The High Atlas MountainsThe Atlas Mountains are in fact three distinctranges that run in bands across Morocco'sinterior, dividing it into strips of lower-lying land.Furthest north are the Middle Atlas, while thesoutherly range are the Anti Atlas that attempt to keep the desolate Western Sahara at bay. The central High Atlas range is the most dramaticand by far the most accessible, containing North Africa's highest peak - the 4,167m JebelToubkal - as well as countless Berber villagesterraced onto precipitous ledges. From Marrakesh,it only takes about 45 minutes to drive to theHigh Atlas, a wonderful chance to retreat to theclear mountain air.64Berber village, High AtlasKasbah Tamadot, High AtlasKasbah Bab Ourika, High Atlas