The best riads in Marrakech to stay in for winter sun

Pierre Ferland has dedicated himself to saving historic residences in characterful cities as part of his “This Time Tomorrow” collection. Dar Al Dall, or House of Shadows, is his Marrakech mansion, which centres on a poetic palm-planted courtyard dappled in shade. The house epitomises the very best contemporary renovation of traditional Marrakshi building concepts and is inspired by the 11th-century Almoravid era when craftsmen from Cordoba and Seville helped to build Marrakech.

Likewise, Ferland engaged Barcelona-based studio RecDi8 to reimagine the decor of the five fabulous suites with unusual zellij-tiled fireplaces, marble-inlaid bathrooms and richly textured furnishings. The cosy, Bordeaux-coloured sitting room and dining room are no less dramatic. In the latter, a singular table sits beneath silken lanterns beside a wall of windows looking out at the meditative fountain.

Address: 97 Kaat Benahid, Marrakesh 40000