A long weekend in Fes

Fes (or Fez) is the third largest city in Morocco (after Casablanca and Rabat), with a population of approximately a million people, and was the capital of Morocco until 1925. The city has two old medinas, one of which is spread over a hillside making it geographically more interesting than that of Marrakech.

In the course of the last 500 years it has taken on the role of a leading cultural and intellectual centre and remains a unique place in the whole of the Arab world, boasting more sites and historical attractions than all the other cities of Morocco put together.

Fleewinter has a wide range of accommodation options, with modest riads at one end of the spectrum and the renowned, beautifully restored Riad Fes at the luxurious end of the scale. Below are just a few examples of properties to suit every budget.

Ryad Mabrouka – which has six suites and two other bedrooms – is located in the heart of the ancient Médina. The luxurious guest house has been meticulously and faithfully renovated according to local traditions – both in its architecture and décor. The interior courtyard has sculpted plaster work on the columns, magnificent cedar wooden doors, colourful mosaics and a small plunge pool in the fragrant garden. There is also a roof-top terrace with panoramic views of the Médina – the perfect spot for a G&T whilst watching the sun set. Three nights from £155pp.

Following two years of restoration the 17th century palace – Riad Laaroussa – is now welcoming guests. Located in the heart of the Medina, the property has a total of seven air-conditioned rooms and suites plus a central patio with fountains shaded by orange trees, plus a roof terrace with lots of seating areas to enjoy the views over the city. Guests can dine either on the patio or terrace and in the winter there is the option of enjoying a drink in front of the living-room’s fire. Three nights from £245 pp.

Fleewinter considers Riad Fes to be the smartest address to reside at in the entire city, with its mixture of traditional riad features and modern styling. The property has two distinctively different halves; the first is a patio featuring sober Moorish art, Islamic carvings, antique doors, myriad mosaics and a grand piano beneath a Fassi lamp. The second features colonnades, subtle marbles and bright arches, located around an emerald-green pool. There is also a roof terrace with views over the Medina and towards the Middle Atlas foothills. Three nights from £445 pp.

With direct flights from Stansted to Fes and a good rail service connecting Fes and Marrakech (first class £25 a head) Fleewinter also recommend combining the two imperial cities for a week’s trip and prices start from £365pp

All prices are based on two people sharing a room on a B&B basis. Private airport transfer are included but flights are extra (bookable through Fleewinter).

For more information, visit fleewinter.com.