Villa des Orangers ★★★★★

Just 15 minutes’ drive from the airport, located halfway between the royal palace and the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa marketplace, you’ll find Villa des Orangers. ‘Exotic’ is the first word that comes to mind when setting eyes upon this traditional Moroccan riad – now a five-star luxury Relais & Châteaux property. Sweet-scented orange trees surround the fountain-filled courtyard and flowerbeds are fringed with iridescent tiles and framed by intricately carved archways.

With just 27 rooms, ranging from deluxe to suites, the hotel is intimate and friendly with a professional, personalised service. Step out of the chaotic streets around the old Medina and into an oasis of calm and serene beauty.

Your room continues the exotic Moroccan theme with elaborately detailed archways and wall patterns, intricately carved wooden furniture, plush velvet furnishings in shades of cream and gold and a luxurious hammam-style bathroom lined wall-to-wall in decorative marble. From the moment you enter you’ll feel like Moorish royalty in the palaces of old. This is not merely a room, this is an enchanting setting where relaxing and unwinding in tranquillity will come naturally, as will a deep, restful sleep in the large, comfortable bed.

And the best part is yet to come - step out onto your own private terracotta terrace and drink in the views of the Koutoubia mosque with the soaring Atlas Mountains behind. How about refuelling after your journey with a glass of sweet mint tea on your balcony and then relaxing under the searing hot desert rays on your own sun loungers?

When you’ve settled in and had time to relax, head out to explore the vibrant Jemaa el-Fnaa square, filled with the sounds of Berber drums and singing, the smells of barbecue smoke and the sights of colourful stalls filled with dried dates and apricots. Don’t miss the maze-like warren of underground souks, where you can browse for traditional souvenirs and gifts – glowing lamps, sequinned slippers, gilded mirrors and glittering glass tiles. Get your bearings by enjoying a horse and carriage ride around the Medina and take in the major sights of the city.

After your busy afternoon, you’ll once again feel the need to head back to your tranquil sanctuary, where you can relax in the plant-filled courtyards, lounge by the rooftop pool and solarium or when its cold, snuggle up in one of the cosy lounge areas next to an open fire.

And of course what traditional riad would be complete without lavish Moroccan baths and hammams? Welcome to your soothing refuge - the Spa Nuxe Villa Orangers. Featuring traditional marble and stone arches and calming rooms adorned with dazzling glass lamps, the spa offers traditional Moroccan rituals, scrubs and treatments – this is the true art of relaxation.

Besides the architecture and the luxurious bathing rituals, Morocco is of course well known for its fragrant cuisine, so when you’re fully rejuvenated you can visit the elegant and romantic candlelit restaurant for dinner. Here, talented chef Jean-Claude Orly cooks up traditional Mediterranean and Moroccan fare. Try the roasted lamb noisette with aubergine and tomato cake or the delicious spiced chicken tagine with olives and preserved lemon, followed by crème brûlée with lemon, thyme, toasted brioche and raspberry Jubilee.

Awake the next day with the atmospheric call to prayer from the Koutoubia mosque and enjoy a delectable breakfast in the sun-dappled courtyard, followed by a morning swim surrounded by Atlas Mountain views. Now you’re ready to begin again with visits to enchanting palaces, stunning gardens, more souk exploring and, of course, a relaxing hammam to finish with. Life here feels so decadent that you’ll never want to leave.