Mr & Mrs Smith

Lovely. The riad staff were extremely friendly and helpful. Must have a hamman followed by a massage, also the meatballs for lunch are incredible. Very peaceful and beautiful views over the city. Only negative was that a bottle of water was a little pricey, other than that, perfect.

If you fancy a boogie in your bikini or a trance in your trunks, head down to the Nikki Beach Club for a great lunch, fabulous DJ sounds and a chill out in Marrakech.

The rooftop bar called Cosybar in the little square near the Mellah was wonderful. And as a Dane, it was great to see the storks soar in over your head. Go there for the drinks and the decor – the food is so so. Almost next to Cosybar is the Morrocan restaurant Tangier – for a medium standard restaurant the food was also so so, but the decor (come nightfall) was spectactular. I loved the round metal lamps. So, if you want the full Monty, go to La Marmounia, the gardens are breathtakingly beautiful, the drinks at the terrasse bar are world-class and the Pigeon Pastillia at the Morrocan restaurant is superb. Nothing beats it in Marrakech.

We took the recommendation of Kris, the manager of Dar Les Cigognes (fabulous riad!) and tried Le Tanjia (+212 (0)524 383836) three minutes' walk away – absolutely fantastic! Fabulous lighting and atmosphere in an evening with the most stunning belly dancers (my Mr Smith felt it was rude to stare but couldn't help himself as he slopped his harissa soup down his shirt!) The food was excellent, and we weren't disappointed in the two dinners and one lunch we ate there. We were recommended the Dar Yacout at 79 Derb Sidi Ahmed Soussi by friends as a gastronomic extravaganza in stunning surroundings; the setting was indeed beautiful with so many dishes to sample, but we found that we were part of a 'sitting'. That being said, we had the cosiest alcove with the biggest table to cope with all the food! For a lovely, simple relaxed lunch we visited Cozy Bar at Boulevard Mohammed, where we sat on the open-air terrace (yes, in January!) and watched the amazing storks build their nests. The square, Djemaa el Fna, has to be seen at night with its many, many food stalls and snake charmers. We were advised that the food was great but to avoid the freshly squeezed orange juice sold from the separate stands as it is often diluted with unclean water. The souks in the medina are a real treat, a complete onslaught to the senses! We thoroughly enjoyed our trip and intend on returning as soon as possible.

The riad was truly amazing. Make sure that you take breakfast on the terrace and see the storks nesting on the palace wall opposite. The cooking class is intimate and informative, like learning to cook in your friend's kitchen. The staff are extremely attentive. The hamman is amazing, as is the massage  – in the most beautful treatment room. I would highly recommend this riad – an oasis of relaxation and peace.