Bohemian art riad
Thirteen interconnected riads form an artistic salon where modern international art hangs against vivid local plaster.
“As spaces go, it’s a work of art in and of itself.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Saturated tadelakt plaster and zellige courtyards house a museum-grade contemporary art collection.
Remarkable
Thirteen interconnected riads anchor daily life in traditional courtyards beside Bab El Ksour.
Notable
A sprawling rooftop terrace draws evening crowds for cocktails facing the Atlas Mountains.
What they say
UK Readers' Choice Awards – Northern Africa
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in The 50 Discovery, Wallpaper* and AFAR.
the riad unfurls into a labyrinth of color-popping spaces—fuchsia, teal, mustard. Follow the whiffs of orange blossom through Moorish keyhole archways that lead to marble and glossy zellige courtyards
In a lively part of town
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
The gates of Bab El Ksour sit right outside, and Jemaa el-Fnaa is a five-minute walk through the souks.
The rooms
Walls are hand-finished in jewel-toned lime plaster, and selected rooms have open fireplaces and stitched camel-leather floors.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
A 12-meter marble lap pool sits beneath an ivy-clad courtyard wall, alongside a heated courtyard spa pool.
The spa and hammam
The tadelakt steam room hosts traditional hammam scrubs with black soap and ghassoul clay, beside candlelit treatment rooms.
Dogs stay too.
At the table
Breakfast tagines and evening drinks are served on the rooftop, where tables look out toward the Koutoubia Mosque.
The labyrinthine layout, dotted with marble fountains, intimate courtyards and even a family of resident tortoises, builds a magical, almost dream-like impression.
How it began
Vanessa Branson bought a ruined palace here in 2002, discovering at signing that the deed included several adjoining properties.
“Known for the quality of its interiors, rooftop terraces and art-filled rooms, the hotel was founded by Vanessa Branson, sister of Richard and a major patron of the arts.”
Good to know
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.