USP Maison MK is a six-bedroom riad, modernly appointed, unlike most of its peers who try to evoke Morocco of antiquity. Set in the crooked streets of Marrakech’s lively old medina, inside it meshes Islamic and 21st-century architecture.

The interior design is the work of Paul Hopkins, a fashion photographer, and the place reflects his stylish eye: seamless organic lines, tranquil nooks and a flowing spaciousness.

AMBIENCE The spa is on the ground floor and features just two treatment rooms; one “dark” for calming massage therapy, and one “light” for beauty treatments. They abut the spacious courtyard and are shuttered with elegant wood panels.

After your treatment you can take a dip in the small pool at the centre of the riad's open-air courtyard, though at certain times of the year it might be too chilly.

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At dusk, it’s particularly picturesque: the gracious and good-looking staff strews the illuminated pool with rose petals and tea lights flicker around the circumference. A dip and a glass of the house Moroccan rose are just the thing after your body gets a walloping from head masseuse, Sylvie Delpy’s strong thumbs.

EXPERIENCE During my treatment there was construction going on outside. The rat-a-tat-tat of hammers seriously impeded my ability to de-stress and enjoy my Thai massage, despite the valiant efforts of the practitioner.

Though street noise is endemic in Marrakech, fortunately every chamber in Maison MK – including the treatment rooms – is equipped with a sound system to which you can hook your own ipod or one of the pre-loaded minis the hotel provides (chilled out Corrine Bailey Rae is on the playlist, as is the decidedly less chill Eminem). Ms Delpy, a California-trained yoga aficionado, turned up the juice and drowned out the clanging with Charlotte Church.

Treatments, like the hotel itself, fuse old and new age. The exfoliation treatments use sand and argan oil, an artisanal specialty produced by Moroccan women that’s increasingly being incorporated into western mainstream beauty products. It’s rich in wrinkle-fighting vitamin E. Their signature manicure incorporates “black soap” the emollient used by locals in their weekly visits to their hammam, and a dash of rosewater, one of the country’s major exports.

FOOD Maison MK offers a seven-course French-Moroccan fusion tasting menu with oddball twists like a Mojito sorbet palate cleanser. If staying at the hotel you can opt to accompany the chef to market to help pick out that evening’s cuisine.

IN CROWD It’s too early to name-drop as it’s only been open a month, but because of the owner’s fashion-credentials and the nouveau-boutique feel, Maison MK already has a bit of a buzz going among the magazine editor set. Expect high-profile media types on romantic weekends and style-savvy loved-up couples.

WALLET WATCH The spa’s price-point is rather modest: Facials start at €30 (£22), and an hour-long massage will set you back just €35, going up to €50 if you book an appointment with the head masseuse. Their signature luxury manicure lasts an hour and is €25, though you can get a quickie polish-job for €15. Yoga is also available privately (€50) or in a group up to 6 (€90). Stays begin at £115pp per night.

NEED TO KNOW Maison MK, Marrakech (01428 682 262. Website: www.maisonmk.com)

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