Fodor's Expert Review Riad el Fenn

Vanessa Branson (sister of the British entrepreneur, Richard Branson) created this riad "adventure" in 2002, and since then it has been reworked and extended to create a palace of individually conceived rooms designed with a stylish modern aesthetic. The property appeals to fashionable sophisticates although families with children are equally welcome. The atmosphere is chic, relaxed, and trendy, but it's expensive compared to other properties in the same category. There are three pools, a hammam spa, restaurant, spacious bar with lounge, exclusive designer boutique, library, and shaded garden patios. The roof terrace is huge and attracts outside guests for evening cocktails, as does the restaurant. Hardly any wonder that most guests stay four to five days—some even two weeks. Almost next to El Fenn is Ms. Branson's own holiday retreat, Riad Vanessa, which has recently been opened to the public and is ideal for family bookings.