La Villa Des Orangers

Marrakech hotels don’t come more authentic or characterful than this gem in the Unesco World Heritage-listed Medina – the city’s historic, walled centre, packed with extravagant palaces, ornate mosques and souks that buzz with activity, day and night. It’s set within a converted riad, retaining a distinct aura of old world charm and elegance while offering all the premium amenities you’d expect from a five-star hotel. 

As well as three outdoor pools (including one on the rooftop terrace), you’ll have access to a traditional hammam at the Nuxe Spa, where the scents of rose petals and orange blossoms swirl through the air. It’s a blissfully calming space in which to unwind, and if you fancy some extra pampering, there are a whole host of reinvigorating massage and skin treatments available. Cosy lounges and candlelit courtyards, meanwhile, offer further scope for relaxation and reflection – perhaps over a cocktail or two in the evening. 

Embrace the flavours of gourmet Moroccan cuisine at the restaurant, or opt for the French and Mediterranean-inspired menu – the food is all beautifully cooked and immaculately presented, with a focus on seasonal, sustainably sourced ingredients. The breakfast buffet is the ideal way to kick-start your day before heading out to take in the sights, and you can choose to enjoy it on a shaded patio, in one of the sitting rooms, or in the privacy of your own terrace. 

You could hardly pick a better location, either, with several of the city’s most iconic landmarks – the Royal Palace, Koutoubia Mosque and Jemaa el-Fnaa square – all within easy walking distance.