When Thomas Hays, a Manhattan based designer and photographer, visited Marrakech in 2006 he was so inspired by the city's ancient palaces that he bought one. A year of renovation later, the Riad Meriem is an exquisite five-suite hotel fusing modern luxury with the handiwork of local artisans, its bougainvillea-covered terrace (overlooking the Atlas mountains), jasmine-filled garden, and courtyard pool providing a tranquil refuge from the city's bustling souks.