Sophisticated, eclectic, subtle and beautiful are just some of the word’s best used to describe the Riad Enija, a boutique hotel in Marrakech, Morocco. According to the owner, Riad Enija is “a Moroccan name, but my version is from Greek mythology, it means Ying and Yang. Riad Enija is also in honor of my daughter. The place is about 280 years old and used to belong to a wealthy Moroccan silk merchant. The whole family lived in this property. There was also a harem for the women a very traditional house. Then the time came when they wanted to be more modern, so the place was given up. We saw it 15 years ago and decided to buy it.”

It is an outstanding and sensual place and as you go down the narrow alleyways of El Fna Square to arrive at the front door, you will be set for an experience likely not to be easily forgotten. The noise and hustle and bustle of its surroundings disappear as if by magic to be replaced by the gentle gurgling of the fountains and birds singing in the garden the end result of which is, of course, utter peace and a total escape from it all. The house is approximately 380 years old, divided into two houses with 12 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms connected through corridors, making up 26,910 square feet (2,500 square meters).

You won’t find a TV, radio or corporate like trappings here yet for all this it remains a town house of the highest standards of luxury; it is an extended work of art in itself. Gothic style designs mix with minimalist modern furnishings. Eastern designs and western sensibilities, elaborate decor and simple layouts spread evenly through its fourteen rooms and suites. It’s all here and part of the fun is discovering how all of these different styles blend wonderfully together. The Enija has a lot of roof terraces and also has two courtyards, the gardens of which are wonderfully kept and beautiful.

Visit the beautiful Riad Enija here.