Riad Fes - Relais & Châteaux ★★★★★

From the depths of my London office, I had been dreaming of escaping somewhere warm, exciting and exotic. I had heard from one of my friends that Fes is an unmissable destination, and so when I had the chance to stay at the Riad Fes I didn’t need to think twice.

As soon as I saw the Riad Fes, I understood why it has been listed as one of the 100 most beautiful hotels in Morocco. The place is just spectacular. Inspired by Hispano-Moorish architecture, the hotel is spread over five buildings with five different styles, bearing witness to the prestigious history of this refined civilisation. The buildings have been traditionally built around enclosed patios and refreshing pools, and the overall highlight has to be the view – you can see from Fes’s old town right out towards the Atlas Mountains.

This impressive riad belongs to a Moroccan architect who has converted it with great care and attention. He has successfully retained the private atmosphere and personalised service that gives Moroccan riads their particular charm. Here, time seems to stand still. Everything has been meticulously considered, down to the smallest of details. The thirty bedrooms and suites are magnificent. Decorated in Moroccan, Oriental and Andalusian styles, they all offer wonderfully spacious accommodation with a highly peaceful atmosphere. You can enjoy all the modern comforts of a fine establishment (including mini bar, television and air conditioning) and immerse yourself in the Moroccan culture with perfumed teas and traditional sweet pastries. Relaxing in a hot bath at the end of the day, enveloped by the warm colours and intricate furnishings, is pure luxury.

After I had soaked up my surroundings a little, I made my way to the Alcazar bar to celebrate my arrival with a cocktail. This little treat was shortly followed by a true gourmet experience at the hotel restaurant, Ambre. The contemporary interior design with traditional Moroccan touches is the perfect setting for the cuisine, which offers a similarly delicious blend of old and new. I immediately decided to sign up for a cookery lesson with the chef the following day to learn a few of his secrets.

But that wasn’t the only thing on my to-do list. I also really needed some pampering to get my skin into shape for summer. The hotel Cinq Mondes spa has everything you need to leave feeling beautiful inside and out, including a traditional Moroccan hammam and massages with essential oils. After a couple of hours, I was feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and ready for adventure in the historical city of Fes.

The riad’s concierge service will advise and help you plan what to do and see in the local area. There is so much to experience: you’ll discover the city, souks and prestigious historical sites, not to mention the town of Méknès, the spiritual centre of Moulay Idriss and the impressive Roman city of Volubilis. Coming here is definitely the perfect antidote to the daily grind!