Riad La Maison Arabe in Marrakech

In December 1997, Prince Fabrizio Ruspoli and Philippe Cluzel reinvented and brought back to life La Maison Arabe by transforming the original two riads (traditional Moorish homes) into something out of "Thousand and One Nights".

The Maison Arabe comprises 26 rooms and suites with terraces encompassing a variety of courtyards. Always ready to host the most demanding guests nostalgic for an era when time stood still and the unexpected was always on your doorstep. Needless to say, the entire property is decorated in a multitude of superb local materials and crafts and all rooms/suites are luxuriously appointed with all the comforts one would expect of such good breeding.

There's a large heated swimming pool, sunbathing area, and a spa which includes 2 hammams and 4 massage rooms. Pretty foliated courtyards and a small library are also part of the facilities.

The Moroccan cuisine at the house restaurant is highly regarded (book otherwise you might find yourself squeezed out by visitors from other Marrakech hotels). It is complemented by a second restaurant serving international cuisine and specialising in seafood.

The Maison Arabe run a cookery school in which you can learn the secrets of their Moroccan restaurant.

The hotel also has its own country club in a garden setting a 20- minute drive away on the outskirts of town (serviced by hourly shuttles) with a large swimming pool, beside which lunch is served.