Marrakech

Just back from a great five days in Marrakech and then in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, doing a Branson double act: that’s staying at Richard Branson’s Kasbah Tamadot an hour’s drive out of Marrakech, and Vanessa Branson’s riad in the heart of the medina: Riad El Fenn. Both highly recommended. On the way back through Marrakech we stayed in Riad Si Said, part of Angsana hotels new Riad Collection (they are all at it, the big hotel groups, moving in on Marrakech as if their lives depended on it). Here’s a description of the Angsana properties…. read about Riad El Fenn and Kasbah Tamadot on the hotel guru website (under, respectively, Marrakech Medina and Marrakech Environs). Angsana Riad Collection, Marrakech

 Thailand meets Morocco in the depths of the Marrakech medina. Angsana, the boutique branch of Banyan Tree resort hotels, with its own signature spas, has taken over six riads, each within spitting distance of the other and each with between five and eight bedrooms and suites set around a leafy courtyard full of birdsong and soft music. Though every riad is different in style and decoration, they are all memorable, whether contemporary, historic or dramatic, and all united by subtle, harmonious Asian touches. Ask for descriptions – or take pot luck. Each has its own treatment room, and most have hammams, but for the full Angsana experience, head for luxurious Riad Bab Firdaus.  The name means gateway to heaven, which is exactly where you’ll be after a Thai style hammam (calmer and more gentle than the traditional Moroccan roughing up) followed by an Angsana massage from expertly trained Thai or Moroccan therapists. The spa itself, with a spacious whirlpool, is intimate (perfect for couples who should opt for the sole-use Hammam Romance package) and traditionally Moroccan in its intricate decoration, like the rest of the lovely old riad. Afterwards – if you can – drag yourself to the rooftop restaurant for a choice of Moroccan or Thai dishes. Service in all the riads is exceptionally friendly: chefs will give cookery lessons in their cosy kitchens, and staff offer to guide you through the souk, or take you to bake bread in the communal ovens.