I recently spent a month in Morocco, traveling through the different areas, experiencing the culture and food, and of course staying in an array of luxury hotels, or riads as they are more commonly known here, along the way.

With over 2000 riads to choose from, it can be a minefield finding the right one for you. Here are my top 8 luxury riad hotels in Marrakech to help you make your choice.

Medina

Riad Farnatchi

One of the most luxurious Riad’s I stayed at in the central Medina, Riad Farnatchi oozes opulence from the courtyard, to the adjoining spa and of course, the lush suites.

Our room was exceptional in the amount of space, gadgets, and products it offered. Incorporating a separate lounge area, private courtyard, balcony, waterfall shower and a beautiful bath, this is one hotel room I could happily live in.

I loved the special extras, such as fez and traditional Moroccan jalabiya, array of Molten Brown shower gels, and fruit left in the room to enjoy at our pleasure.

Riad Farnatich was my definition of luxury and one of my favourite riads in the heart of the Medina.

Read more about Riad Farnatchi.

Riad Jaaneman

Tucked away in an almost impossible to find location, Riad Jaaneman opens up into a green oasis of calm. The central courtyard has a cooling plunge pool and is shaded by exotic palms as well as surrounded by relaxing lounge areas.

There is a chic Italian feel to the decor, echoing the origin of the owners. The riad only has 5 suites and so has a feeling of privacy and calm and is also a great place for a quiet retreat. Enjoy breakfast on the gorgeous rooftop or by the pool at a time of your suiting and relaxing in the many little spaces during the day.

Book your stay at Riad Jaaneman.

Riad Dar One

Riad Dar One is striking in that the decor is radically different to what can be overly opulent riads. The aesthetic here is minimalist, modern and cubic, creating a chic sense of effortless style.

Tucked away down a gated alleyway in Marrakech’s Jewish Quarter and adjacent to Bahia Palace, this Riad is a smart choice to stay in, especially as it is significantly more affordable but more luxurious than many other riads.

Book your stay at Riad Dar One.

72 Riad Living

Riad 72 has taken interior design to another level and the two central courtyards are breath-takingly impressive. Featuring banana trees, intricate carved ceiling and beautifully striking tiles, this sense of luxurious style is extended out into the rooms too.

We stayed in the Grand Suite, one of the biggest hotel rooms I have ever seen! Featuring original carved wooden ceilings, a Japanese-style square tadelakt bath and large balcony overlooking the central courtyard, this was one room we didn’t want to leave.

Book your stay at 72 Riad Living.

P’tit Habibi

P’tit Habibi is a cute riad which has moved away from traditional Moroccan design and instead embraced pastel colours, handpainted furniture and light and airy spaces. P’tit Habibi feels more like a private villa than a hotel, as there is a sense of comfort and familiarity immediately created by the staff. Our room featured a massive balcony with a cosy, pastel pink lounge area.

The rooftop offers incredible views and a lovely pool to cool down here. Don’t miss the spectacular sunset from the rooftop, and in fact, dinner can be served here, or pick a movie that’s then played on the outdoor projector.

Book your stay at P’tit Habibi.

Palmeraie

Dar Zemora

One of my favourite riads in Palmeraie, it took me a while to get used to the overly familiar English touches, such as the perfect lawn, but then the space began to feel like home.

Dar Zemora has an abundance of space to enjoy croquet, bowls or a dip in the heated pool. There are also a variety of lounge areas to relax in and a beautiful outdoor dining space.

The food at Dar Zemora was a highlight, as the freshly cooked and modern, prepared daily by their in house chef Jamila.

Come of the elegant gardens, comfortable rooms and irresistible food, and stay for the sense of escape which is so hard to find these days.

Read more about Dar Zemora.

Jnane Tamsna

Jnane Tamsna is beautiful. From the moment the taxi pulls up of the yellow fronted villa you will be in awe of the level of effort put into the design and planting. Integrating a nine-acre garden cultivating a host of exotic plants, as well as 5 houses with 5 pools and a tennis court too, this hotel is unique in the level of privacy and independence it can offer.

Breakfast wherever you want whenever you want, wander the ground or enjoy the pool and dine whenever suits you. I spent too much time in the gorgeous library as it was beautiful, relaxed and so calming.

The rooms are just as opulent as the grounds, with large beds, lots of space and natural light. Jnane Tamsna is somewhere you come to switch off and unwind.

Book your stay at Jnane Tamsna.

Gueliz

Mövenpick Hotel, Mansour Eddahbi, Marrakech

The 5 starred Movenpick in Marrakech is the kind of place you never need to leave. Featuring 2 heated pools, 3 restaurants and bars, a fully equipped gym and spa as well as shops, the Movenpick can cater for your every need.

Unlike the riads in the Medina and Palmeraie, this is a large hotel and the rooms offer a business level of luxury yet it’s perfect for families and very accommodating to children.

Located close to the airport and adjacent to the Palais des Congrès, this is the perfect hotel for those looking for a relaxing resort rather than an immersion into Moroccan culture. They do have a 24 hour taxi concierge outside the hotel so you can explore Marrakech at any time.

Book your stay at Movenpick Marrakesh.

Where did you stay in Marrakech? Let me know where you stayed and how you found it in the comments below.

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