Dar Doukkala, named after the ancient neighbourhood in which it’s located, opened its doors as a riad in Marrakech to the public in January 2003. It’s a huge place with six rooms (four rooms, two suites) that unfurl organically around two floors connected by a huge, florid courtyard and a red-and-white tiled stairwell that’s like something out of Alice in Wonderland; it’s just one of the signature flourishes of designer Jean-Luc Lemée, who has transformed the place into a feast of art-deco curves and madcap orientalism.

Things to ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ at include freestanding baths the length of small submarines, cool Plexiglas furnishings and stunningly curvaceous fireplaces. The rooms (which include two suites) are huge, the suites immense, and all are interestingly decorated with his sometimes dizzying combinations of Moroccan and Art Deco styles. The place also has a small hammam and a pool.

Although it may now be looking a little faded in places, the Dar Doukkala remains one of the more charming options in the Medina.