Chic, intimate riad- style kasbah close to Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate

It takes a lot of courage and dedication for a single lady to buy, restore and manage all by herself an 8 room guest house at the foot of the High Atlas mountains, in Morocco. And yet, this is what Andrea has done for almost a decade. Only a 10 minute walk from UNESCO world site Ait Benhaddou, Riad Caravane makes for a great stop on the way to or from the Sahara desert. Although the traditional adobe architecture was kept intact, inside she kept it stylish and modern, setting it apart from the other kasbahs of the area: Boucharouite rugs complement the funky armchairs, tadelakt walls, art- deco lamps and low tables, modern and ancient tastefully brought together. The rooms mimic the same minimalistic approach, named after African cities and spread on the first and ground floors. The five rooms and three suites are decorated in earthy colours, with beautiful Moroccan lanterns, the tadelakt only reinforcing the organic feel throughout.  Some come with their own private patio. The Bamako room, which easily sleeps four, is ideal for families. The two roof terraces yield beguiling views of Ait Benhaddou and the southern slopes of the snowy High Atlas mountains. Meals are traditional Moroccan but we’d recommend the salads and grills, should you want a change from tagines. Local beer and wine are available on site. Best visited all year round.