La Mamounia

From champagne toasts beneath the stars at Le Bar Majorelle to private wine tastings at L'Œnothèque, the bar scene here is everything we want it to be – and maybe even a little bit more. Le Churchill is probably the most famed of the watering holes, thanks not just to its namesake but to its classic interiors, too. It’s dark, it’s sultry, and it’s oh-so-stylish. Stop here for an aperitif – and maybe a side of caviar while you’re at it.

Le Club is our pick for post-dinner cocktails. Choose from the menu of signature creations and you’ll taste the fruits of the hotel’s produce patch. Ranging from dry and spicy to light and refreshing, you might just have to try them all.

A destination in itself, the spa at La Mamounia is a real love letter to traditional Moroccan design. From the intricate, Zellige tilework to the moody hues in the Hammam, it’s as decadent as it is dreamy. And that’s before we’ve even perused the spa menu. Spoiler alert: it’s a winner. If you can imagine it, they’ve probably got it. Even if you can’t imagine it, they might still have it. From massages and facials to full-body treatments, you might be a whole new person when you emerge. Our pick? The Hammam Royal Signature treatment – 120 minutes of bliss in true Moroccan style.

There are few places in this world as idyllic as the gardens of La Mamounia. With a glimpse of the snow-tipped peaks of the Atlas Mountains in the distance, and the tantalising scent of rose, fig, and peach on the breeze, it’s a place that feels like it should harbour secrets, hidden away in its far-flung corners. The pool – while not much of a secret – is decidedly lovely, edged with palm trees and with a poolside pavilion that serves breakfast and lunch.

Wander further and you’ll find the Pierre Hermé tea room, where stopping off for a homemade lemonade and a sweet treat is highly encouraged.

Struggling to think of a reason to leave the hotel? You won’t be for long. Make best friends with the concierge and you’ll find your itinerary practically plans itself. Fancy a round of golf? They’ll hook you up with a tee time. An expedition to uncover the Berber villages tucked away in the Atlas Mountains? No trouble, either. From organising private tour guides to helping you pick and choose the best excursions, you’ll soon see why this place has such a stellar reputation for service.

So, let’s talk setting. In a word? Phenomenal. When you’re strolling through the gardens – a kaleidoscope of blossoming jacarandas, vibrant bougainvillea, and fruit-laden trees – you might feel like you’re a thousand miles from anywhere, but for the fact that you can spy the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque in what could hardly be called the distance. If they were handing out awards for best-of-both-worlds settings, this place would top the list. Along with nigh-on every awards list out there.

The arrival ritual. Private check-in and a welcome tray of dates and milk before you’re whisked to your room where your luggage is probably already waiting.

The oversized lawn games. Forget anyone for tennis – here it’s anyone for a game of giant Jenga? Giant Connect 4? If you really can’t bear to part with your racket, you’ll find a couple of clay tennis courts in the gardens, too.

That Anna Delvey stayed here. Who knew you only needed one degree of separation to link her and Winston Churchill?