Palais Namaskar ★★★★★

One thousand and one nights: that is what we thought of when we arrived at the Palais Namaskar. We were expecting something magnificent and grand, but what stood before our eyes was like something out of a dream. It was not a mirage, but a real-life majestic palace surrounded by palm groves. In the desert and in front of the stunning Atlas Mountains, this luxury hotel opened in 2012 and perfectly blends oriental and contemporary architecture. Made up of forty-one villas, suites and bedrooms, all surrounded by ponds and five hectares of sweet-smelling gardens, the Palais Namaskar guarantees relaxation and refinement.

Our deluxe double bedroom was not like any standard room found in classic luxury hotels. Here, nothing is standardised and everything is custom-made, with a great emphasis on beauty and exceptional service. The spacious layout made it feel more like we were in an apartment than a hotel room. The ceilings are high, the colours are muted and the decoration is divine. We were even more surprised to discover the fireplace in the middle of the room. The bathroom was also very roomy and bathed in light. I knew at once that my daily beauty regime would be a pleasure here. And then, behind wide French doors with sumptuous velvet curtains, lay a large terrace. We ventured out, and found a Jacuzzi – yes, our very own private hot tub! We jumped for joy and felt like we were in a real-life fairy tale. We felt like princesses, pampered in our private palace.

Everything at the Palais Namaskar is designed for your relaxation and wellbeing. The lakes, ponds, swimming pools and gardens have been carefully created to take guests on a journey into a world of sweetness and pleasure. This refinement is equally present inside the hotel. You smell the heady perfume of orange blossom and hear the soft sound of birdsong. The palm trees provide the much-needed exoticism that you are missing at home. To draw out the pleasure and relaxation, we went for a session in the steam rooms followed by beauty treatments in the hotel spa. Once again, nothing is left to chance by the lovely team that looks after you. After the steam rooms and before our massage, we were given a glass of milk and a date, which is an ancient tradition celebrating happiness and purity.

Set in the unwavering peace of the hotel’s gardens, the Palais Namaskar Sunday brunch is not to be missed. Sitting at a shaded table by the main swimming pool, we were pleasantly surprised by the Garden Party’s blend of refinement and simplicity. The hotel DJ mixes calm and invigorating music; the setting is breath-taking and the food, delicious. Oysters were opened before our eyes, the grilled meat was succulent and the desserts were incredible.

Surprising and sumptuous, this enchanting hotel plunged us into perfect serenity – perfect for heading off to explore the marvels of the Red City.