Widiane Resort ★★★★★

Like an eyrie clinging to the mountain’s face, the Widiane Resort hotel stands 1,000 metres above sea level, in amongst the towering Atlas Mountains. Built in a Thai-Arabic fusion style, this five-star hotel overlooks the pure waters of the Bin el Ouidane lake. The immensity of the skylines here is almost dizzying, as the arid slopes are doubled back by the intense blue lake. Here, everything is endless and distant…

The novelty keeps on coming, as the Widiane Resort hotel makes me feel further from home and yet more at ease with each room I discover. Throughout the expansive resort, Berber architecture melds unexpectedly with Thai elements to create a luxurious and utterly unique aesthetic. Across three levels, the hotel’s buildings are fringed with balconies and terraces overflowing with bougainvillea, palm trees and olive trees that sweeten the air with their delicate scent. I can already picture myself enjoying my morning yoga session with only elephant sculptures and Buddha statues for company. Needless to say, I won’t be uploading any photos to Instagram.

With a welcome cocktail in hand, I head to the pool, a soothing circle of blue that meets the azure waters of the lake. I bump into a Moroccan couple, recently arrived by helicopter – no less! – straight to the hotel’s helipad. This was confirmation, if I needed it, that the Widiane Resort is not your average holiday destination. This one’s for a lucky few.

Dusk falls across the mountains, and the reddening sun blazes against the ochre earth. As it finally sets, I head to my room, a cocoon of peace that brings together traditional earth render, shimmering sabra silk and warm cedar wood. The crisp white sheets whisper as I lie back, a princess in her Eastern palace, falling asleep in the world of the Arabian Nights. Well worthy of posting on a Pinterest board, but it won’t be me that puts it there.

I awake slowly and help myself along the way with some tiny Moroccan pastries before heading down to the lakeside. From the private pontoon, a whole host of activities are on offer, including water skiing, wakeboarding and fishing. I’m far from home and I feel adventure stirring in my soul, so I choose a kayak excursion… How delicious! What beauty and tranquillity in such an untamed place!

Sweeping across the lake by kayak helped me build up quite an appetite. I returned to the hotel to indulge in my choice of Moroccan specialities at the Restaurant Widiane. There’ll be plenty of time to try out the other restaurants and the bar later in my stay. For now, satisfied, sleepy and serene, I totter to the poolside for a small siesta curled up on a comfortable lounger.

For the grand finale, the spa has another moment of pure relaxation in store. I allow myself to be kneaded by expert hands that know their way around a Thai massage. Status update: Blissed out!