Derb el Farnatchi, Rue Souk el Fassis, Marrakesh, Morocco
Le Farnatchi (formerly Riad Farnatchi) is one of our favourite hotels in the world, a tiny, jewel-like boutique Riad in the heart of Marrakech. Even though the bustling souks are right on your doorstep, as soon as you step inside the calm oasis that is Farnatchi you feel a million miles away from the beautiful chaos, transported to another time and space.
Each of the 10 luxury suites are uniquely decorated in varying styles, with sumptuous bedding and fireplaces with local artworks and furnishings, with the rest of the hotel blending the old-world charm of traditional Moroccan riads—with an indoor/outdoor courtyard, a roof garden—with all the creature comforts of a luxury hotel (iPod docs, opulent bathrooms, powerful AC). Le Farnatchi also has the most divine hammam and spa, with massages that are out of this world!
Open for lunch and dinner, Le Trou au Mur at Le Farnatchi is chic, lid-back and intimate, and one of the best restaurants in Marrakech. The décor is a unique blend of superb local craftsmanship with the best of modern European style. From the “tagine of the day” to its own traditional clay mechoui oven on view, Le Trou au Mur offer a variety of carefully researched family recipes, rarely seen outside private homes, that are still Moroccan cuisine favourites.