Conde Nast Traveller The prettiest riads in Marrakech 2025

Our pick of the prettiest riads in Marrakech – the red city of Morocco

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Deriving from the Arabic word for gardens, the prettiest riads in Marrakech were historically courtyards divided into four, with a fountain forming the centrepiece. Now the term has come to span all manner of small hotels in Morocco – from monochrome boutique boltholes for those seeking out new wave aesthetics to celebratory full buyout only 16^th century buildings riffing on Japanese design and increasingly, in luxury hotels, an emerging breed of private riad villas. Often fusing modern design with Moroccan motifs and drawing from the rich artisanal heritage of the country, the converted former mansions feature rooms around a pretty flower-draped courtyard, with rooftop dining spaces and, if you are in luck, a mosaic-lined pool to cool off. A stay in one of these storied dwellings can be a more accessible way into stylish slumber than the grand palace hotels – with all the grace but at a fraction of the price – although the lines between the two are becoming increasingly blurred. Marrakech riads are in such high demand that Airbnb recently added them to their search categories, making it even easier to discover these often hidden gems.

Here, we spotlight the prettiest riads in Marrakech, from Nobu’s grandiose private space to smaller, lesser celebrated homes with just as much charismatic flair.

#1 Riad Botanica

Riad Botanica is an orange-blossom scented sanctuary, a literal love story between owners Angie and Mohammed Mellack, that fuses Australian born Angie’s love of maximalist design – from the monochromatic tiling and loungers in the courtyard to the emerald green velvet clad rooms – and the heritage and artisan traditions of Morocco. On entering from the hustle and bustle of snaking side streets – dodging mules, perilous mopeds and lost tourists – the riad forms a serene respite, with its cool swimming pool (very cool outside the summer months), chirp of resident, resplendent budgerigars and afro beats on the music system. A stay here is being welcomed into the heart of the family – Angela is the best local guide you can ask for, spiriting you to hidden cafes and hipster bookshops and organising local storytellers for bedtime fables told over a hearty spread of home cooked tagine and the most delicious aubergine salads. Welcoming to all ages, children might dart between floors under clouds of swooping starlings, or a more party crowd might hit the nightlife and creep in at daybreak. Jemima Sissons

Sleeps: 12
Price: From about £190 per night on B&B basis