3 Best Hotels in Rabat, Casablanca, and the North Atlantic Coast, Morocco

This outstanding riad is a veritable sanctuary set over three floors and run by a lovely Anglo-Moroccan couple. Each individually themed suite is decorated with a decidedly local touch, creating an atmosphere that's both opulent and comfortable. The cuisine, too, is remarkable; the chef uses local ingredients to prepare an entirely vegetarian menu (unique in Morocco), which, at dinner, consists of five exquisite courses. A flower-filled roof terrace and on-request massage and beauty treatments (men can try a wet shave on the roof-top) all help to make this a blissful place to enjoy some genuine peace, away from the bustle of city life. If you’re feeling ambitious, Moroccan cooking classes and guided tours can also be arranged. 

Containing just five pretty but compact rooms, this riad gives tradition a twist by focusing on contemporary decor while still highlighting the carefully preserved features of the ancient building it inhabits. There's a roof terrace with a sauna and massage room but no on-site restaurant (on the upside, breakfast is included and other home-cooked Moroccan meals can be ordered in advance). The staff are friendly and happy to share their knowledge of Azemmour and its history.

This comfortable, well-restored riad has a welcoming atmosphere and attractive rooms that retain their traditional architectural features. The furnishings and finishes, like the pretty zellij tiling and smooth tadelakt on the bathroom walls, evoke a sense of place as well. The rooftop terrace is a fantastic place to linger over breakfast or a cup of mint tea; you can also order lunch or dinner made with ingredients that come straight from the markets.