Forgotten fashion spots can be found at every turn in Marrakech, thanks to French colonization. Take, for example, the restaurant Dar Moha, serving nouvelle cuisine marocaine since 2000 in a pool-equipped riad, or courtyard, in the ancient city center. The first riad in Marrakech converted into a restaurant, the space was bought by chef Moha Fedal, a native son who has spent 14 years learning his craft in Switzerland.

So there we were, j’exhausted from a busy day at Marrakech Film Festival, inhaling thyme-seasoned chicken, potato with coriander, sweet pigeon pastries, spicy spinach, and almond-flavored everything, washing it all down with several bottles of imported wine, a rarity in the dry country of Morocco. And all the while we had no idea this is the former residence of one monsieur Pierre Balmain. The couturier bought and restored the riad way back, as well as a country home a few miles out of town where the garden supplies most of the vegetables for the restaurant. You can book rooms at both properties, but we think you’ll want the Balmain suite at Dar Moja. You might just see a very stylish ghost.