BEST STAY: Marrakech’s labyrinthine 11th-century medina is an intoxicating mix of street performers, spice markets and motorcycles dodging between pedestrians, and the all-out sensory assault can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. Fortunately, the beautifully restored guesthouse Riad Botanica, run by an Australian-Moroccan couple, offers a peaceful escape in the heart of the old town. Five suites decorated with kaleidoscopic wallpaper surround an oasis-like courtyard with a pool and a magnificent orange tree, while the minarets visible from the breezy rooftop terrace hint at the bustling world beyond.
