Riad Dar Sbihi

Small and perfectly formed, this Marrakechi maison is a real home-from-home. More home than hotel, this enchanting riad will have you under its spell from the moment you arrive. It may sound like a cliché but from the hand-carved archways to the modern rooftop swimming pool, they’ve got the balance between old and new just right here.

When Saad and Sybille began restoring Dar Sbihi, they used local craftsman and traditional techniques to create the Marrakechi masterpiece you see today. Authentic interiors mix with mod cons to create an unpretentious atmosphere - it’s all limestone rendering, milk chocolate-coloured cedarwood and satellite TVs.

And then there’s the view. To one side it’s the sanctuary of one of Marrakech’s seven saints and to the other it’s the Medina and the snow-capped Atlas Mountains beyond. It doesn’t get much better than this – or so you might think.

But this tiny Moroccan hideaway is packed with gorgeous touches. An authentic courtyard garden separated into four fragrant flower beds by ‘zellij’ – blue and white tiled pathways. Coloured-glass windows that spill soft light into every corner. And a marble hammam for steaming away your stresses.

Not that you’ll have any worries left after 5 minutes of being looked after by Saad and Sybille. Nothing is too much trouble for this caring pair. Mint tea on the terrace. Breakfast on your balcony. Or dinner in the drawing room. Your every holiday wish is their command. And as they live here too, they’re always on hand to make you feel at home.

All this and you’ve got the countless treasures of Jemaa El Fna and the Medina right on your doorstep. Dinky and delightful, Dar Sbihi proves the best things really do come in small packages.