since 2009

Riad Siwan, Marrakech

It took three years for Cees and Maryk to revive this elegant palace to its former glory, crafting out of the ample spaces seven stately guestrooms, a grand ochre-accented salon, a colonnaded dining room and a 300 square-metre, multi-tier roof terrace with a viewing tower.  The end results are impressive. Cees is no longer here but Maryk runs the place as diligently and hospitably as ever. Rooms are very spacious with high ceilings, pretty stained-glass windows and glass doors which keep things snug in winter while allowing the light to stream in. Under-floor heating, bowls of fresh fruit, flowers and organic bath products are thoughtful extras, while the larger suites offer private verandas, fireplaces and even roll-top baths.