Cool Arabian Nights
The frenetic masses of Marrakech's Medina neighborhood may result in endorphin-charged touring, but they also make unwinding in a serene space an absolute requirement. Enter, Riad Meriem, a newcomer to the city's recent wave of riads and the handiwork of American owner-designer Thomas Hays. In conjunction with meticulous Marrakechi craftspeople, Hays created a techno-meets-Berber aesthetic, placing glass lanterns and sleek tiling in the five jewel-toned suites, all of which overlook a bougainvillea-laced patio lit only by candles. Add to that the expertly prepared tagines from the kitchen and a staff able to wrangle everything from market guides to private hammam visits, and it's little wonder this riad is fast becoming a magnet for sophisticated travelers.