Riad Opale

Riad Opale details

Showcasing Arabic décor at its best, this peaceful riad makes for a stylish retreat.

Step inside the Riad Opale and the exotic, Arabic influences will catch your attention from the off. In terms of décor, black archways and rich fabrics are the mainstays. The lounge, in particular, is a good-looking space to relax in. It comes complete with plush sofas, traditional Moroccan rugs and velvet drapes.

Taking centre-stage downstairs is the swimming pool. The hotel itself is built around it, and an open roof lets you look up at the sky as you swim, while still feeling like you’re inside. It’s framed by chunky white columns, and features a statement water fountain to one side.

The attention to detail continues upstairs in the bedrooms, which are all named after precious stones. Standard rooms or ‘diamant doubles’, are dressed in charcoal and silver, with silk drapes framing the bed. They come with all the usual mod cons like air-conditioning and satellite TVs, while additional touches come in the form of DVD players and internet access.

In the restaurant, meanwhile, expect a mix of Mediterranean and Moroccan specialities. The latter include dishes such as chicken tagine with lemon and honey and monkfish with saffron. After dinner, make a beeline for the rooftop terrace to enjoy a drink in the hotel’s own Bedouin-style tent.

Lastly, a word on location. This place is in the Jewish quarter of the old medina, so you’re away from the hustle and bustle but only a 15-minute walk from the acrobats and snake charmers of Jemaa el-Fna Square.