Marrakech is an assault on your every sense. The sound, the smells, the heat, the movement, the colour. It is a fascinating place, but one from which you need a haven. The Riad Maison Do, provides this - in the heart of the Medina. Once you step through the elaborately decorated door, you are in peaceful courtyard, so beautifully Moorish in style, yet a world away from the hectic souks.
The rooms on the ground floor are situated around a central courtyard, whilst on the upper stories they exit onto the balconies that look down through the natural atrium to the courtyard below. Brightly coloured tiles and intricate stone work decorate the columns floors and walls. The bedrooms, individually decorated with local textiles and cushions, make you feel like you are lost in another time and place. Yet you have all the modern comforts you need - including wifi and beautiful bathrooms.
Breakfast is served in the courtyard at the communal table. It gives you time to think about your day whilst meeting other visitors, all with their own tales to tell of Morocco and Marrakech. Breakfast is fresh fruit, locally baked breads and flat cakes, coffee and juices. Simple fresh food.
The staff are exceptional - nothing is too much trouble. The French proprietor Yollande is superb. Incredibly hospitable and full of knowledge of the city and of further afield. She shared with us the Riad's books and maps for our trek over the Atlas mountains and beyond. She also helped arranged local car hire at a much better rate than through the multi-nationals. Her recommendations made our unplanned trip so memorable.
Don't forget to end your day on the rooftop of the Riad. The views extend 360 degrees across the Medina and up to the Mountains. Seeing the crescent moon at dusk alongside the tower of the Il Koutoubia mosque is something I will never forget.
