Riad Idrissy

The brainchild of British entrepreneur John Twomey – owner of the famous Ten Bells Pub in Spitalfields, London – Riad Idrissy is a luxurious 5-bedroom boutique hotel in the heart of Fes’s medieval Medina. Based in a stunning 400-year-old building, Riad Idrissy features a beautiful three-storey high courtyard as well as a wonderful rooftop terrace – perfect for a sundowner with a view.

There is also a lovely garden occupying the riad next door. Featuring an array of lush plants including large papyrus and banana trees, this was once an abandoned house left to crumble before being transformed into an oasis of calm and tranquillity.

A tray of tea and coffee is delivered to your door each morning, after which, a delicious breakfast of Moroccan pancakes, omelettes, homemade bread, crumpets, and freshly-made jams is served in the Ruined Garden next door. 

For lunch and dinner, the Ruined Garden serves up and array of modern Moroccan dishes inspired by the local area. The emphasis here is on the freshest produce – with many of the ingredients sourced in the souk and some even grown in the garden itself. Specialities include the traditional 7-hour spit-roasted mechwi lamb and the poached Sephardic chicken. It's worth noting that prior reservation is required.

Each of the rooms at Riad Idrissy has been decorated with flair and imagination using local products, materials and antiques. There is complimentary WiFi throughout the riad, but in keeping with the traditional life of the medina the riad is television-free.

As well as being famous for leather, Fes is considered to be the handicraft capital of Morocco. With this in mind, art lovers will be fascinated to visit Art Naji – a centre which shows visitors how Fes’s ceramics are made. From intricate mosaics to the traditional blue pottery pieces – here the guides will show you the processes behind each work.

To escape the hustle and bustle and cool off, take a walk through the rather grand Jardin Jnan Sbil (otherwise known as the Bou Jeloud Gardens). At over 100 years old, these former imperial gardens now contain a lake, fountains, palm trees, weeping willows, bamboo and fruit trees, and are a joy to explore at a leisurely pace on a hot summer’s afternoon.

Free Wi-fi is available.