Best Boutique Hotels in Morocco

With just seven suites, each uniquely furnished, this riad feels intimate and exclusive. Its French owners display a range of antiques and artwork throughout, depicting their African travels. The building itself had a former life as a harem in the 17th century, with a traditional marble fountain at its centre and a terrace on the roof. Now it has a restaurant, hammam, spa, lounge and library. Some of the bedrooms include sunken stone baths and secluded private terraces. Karawan Riad is ideal for a grown-up getaway – children under 12 are not permitted to stay – with its elegant and refined atmosphere.

Set beside the lagoon and backing onto the seafront, La Sultana is an opulent five-star hotel. The charming traditional stone building is reminiscent of a kasbah and sets the scene for a chic family-friendly resort. Its 12 rooms are decorated in a natural palette that echoes the sandy and aquamarine colours seen on Oualidia’s coast and the spa has a gleaming glass roof. Outside, a protected reserve provides up-close bird watching opportunities, while the adjacent water enables watersports and sailing excursions. There’s a barefoot feel here – guests can eat oysters on the jetty and the restaurant has an aquarium wall (unsurprisingly fish is a speciality here).

A luxurious romantic hideaway within a walled medina of Marrakech, La Sultana is moments away from the royal palaces, museums and souks of this magical city. This is a small, luxury hotel that knows how to spoil its guests, especially in the spa. From almonds to dates, prickly pears to Damask roses, the alchemist-like therapists make the most of Morocco’s natural treasures. There’s a Jacuzzi, two hammams and a sauna here too – not to mention candlelit pools. Each of La Sultana’s evocatively named Riad houses retains its own identity but shares attention to outstanding craftsmanship that is a celebration of Moroccan artisan creativity. Think intricately carved cedar wood ceilings and beams, ornamental plasterwork, striking tiles and extravagant lamps – but without the pastiche or cliché of themed interiors.

The ultimate home from home in Marrakech, the five-star Riad Farnatchi is a lovingly converted collection of private houses located in the heart of the oldest part of the Medina. International hoteliers Jonathan and James Wix have created a characterful, luxurious hideaway where ten exquisitely decorated bedroom suites sit alongside five-star service and facilities. Staff outnumber guests, service is slick and discreet, and the new spa in the hotel is worth booking in for. Riad Farnatchi will feel more like your home for a stay in the city than a hotel.

30 bedrooms at this Relais and Chateaux property, including a private Riad suite with its own swimming pool and patio. Villa des Orangers is a place to immerse in the finest of local culture. Take mint tea on the patio surrounded by plants and nightcaps in the cigar cellar; enjoy locally inspired treatments at the Nuxe beauty salon; get a taste of the terroir at the restaurant, with food by Chef Abdelilah Ighiri; and cool off in the rooftop pool (one of three swimming pools in the hotel) as you gaze across to the Koutoubia and Atlas mountains.

Situated in the heart of Fez, this family-run property features 21 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, each showcasing intricate zellige tilework and plush furnishings. Guests can indulge in a variety of experiences, including culinary classes at the Fez Cooking School, traditional hammam treatments at Les Bains Amani, and immersive cultural activities such as calligraphy and henna workshops. Dining at Palais Amani is a gastronomic delight, with a menu that highlights local ingredients and traditional Moroccan cuisine. The lush gardens, rooftop terrace with panoramic views, and personalised service ensure a serene and memorable stay.

This luxury retreat has the unmistakable touch of master craftsmen everywhere with ornate patios, gloriously spacious rooms, silk sofas and classy embroidered curtains all working together to create a magical experience. With rooms decked out in the finest Moroccan artwork, gossamer curtains, cedarwood screens and marble bathrooms, you will be left feeling you’re in the lap of luxury while staying at the Riad. The courtyard is a delightful place to dine in true Moroccan style as the evening descends. Try the sumptuous multiple-course evening spread while being serenaded by the haunting music of the desert. Situated in one of the Medina’s main gates, the Riad is ideally located to get the most out of Marrakech.

Riad Tarabel is an intimate ten-key, exquisitely designed hideaway in Dar El Bacha, the most refined quarter of Marrakech’s medina. Five interconnecting riads form a serene private mansion with courtyards, a ground-floor pool and rooftop plunge pool, a discreet hammam and spa, and private dining. It suits travellers who want the old city’s spirit with calm, considered luxury.

Recently rebranded from Villa Diyafa, STORY’s new design concept blends Moroccan architecture with Andalusian accents, inspired by the life and work of musician Zyriab. Guests are accommodated across 27 bedrooms, 10 suites and a private villa, all with Tchaba tea and coffee making facilities, minibars and a balcony or terrace. This is complemented by leisure facilities incorporating a traditional spa with hammam, a state-of-the-art gym and a 25-meter swimming pool, as well as Le Safran Restaurant, where Taliouine Saffron is the headlining spice. The hotel is part of the UAE based STORY Hotels & Resorts, with four sister properties.

IZZA, the most recent luxury hotel to open in the heart of Marrakech’s Medina. The property is a tribute to the late American socialite designer Bill Willis and presents fourteen exquisitely designed rooms (one with a feature alternate tread/witches’ staircase and kitchenette) which are set across seven interconnecting riads. A labyrinth of corridors leads to serene courtyards and plunge pools, a tranquil tearoom, a relaxing wellness spa, a composed library, and a rooftop terrace and restaurant presenting stunning views across the city. Owned by tech company Neon Adventures, IZZA integrates classic Marrakech aesthetics with contemporary art, thanks to its 300+ artwork collection costing £5 million. The hotel is a splendid fusion of contrasts; offering a blend of solitude and social spaces, vintage and modern furnishings, and a focus on local traditions and digital innovation, IZZA stands as a captivating retreat for those looking to explore the magic of Marrakech while enjoying exclusive events, cultural connections, and rejuvenation of mind, body, and soul – all bookings also include a complimentary 45 spa or hammam treatment.

Owned by Australian and Moroccan couple Angela and Mohamed Mellak, Riad Botanica is a labour of love and a fusion of cultures. Having undergone meticulous renovations from the ground up, the historic 10th-century Riad is now a space that ignites the senses with traditional Moroccan craftsmanship and Australian style. Complete with a rooftop terrace, courtyard, and pool, and defined by its iconic Moroccan and Australian art deco design, Riad Botanica can be hired exclusively for up to twelve guests, or the five spacious suites can be booked individually, making it the perfect place to retreat from the city buzz of Marrakech and soak up Moroccan hospitality and culture. Having opened in early 2023, Riad Botanica is nestled in the back streets of the historic Medina: Bab Doukkala is a coveted location in this busy city close to all the attractions and nestled behind the walled Medina. Riad Botanica is an oasis away from the bustle for which Marrakech is renowned. Being a car-free space, the Medina is an oasis amongst the bustling city, with Riad Botanica one of its hidden gems.

Marrakech’s Riad Dar Darma welcomes guests to a world of luxury in a serene private mansion in the midst of the bustling Medina. There are six unique and spacious suites to choose from which have been expertly designed with exquisite taste. The rooftop boasts a swimming pool, solarium and spectacular views over the Atlas Mountains. Experience a fully customisable stay where every meal is brought to you whenever and wherever you desire. Riad Dar Darma has something for everyone in a convenient and central location a stone’s throw from the Marrakech Museum. There is a relaxing Hammam for guests to enjoy and unwind as well as a cosy fireplace room and a library. Guests are welcome to enjoy a journey through food at the divine Riad Restaurant and savour authentic Moroccan cuisine. There is also a selection of terraces and lounges to sit back and take in the stunning surrounds.