"With its location on the far edges of the city, The Oberoi Marrakech is a perfect place to retreat after a few days soaking in the energy of the center. Surrounded by 27 acres of citrus orchards, olive groves, and lavender-scented gardens that are home to resident donkeys Sugar and Brownie, the hotel itself is an ode to traditional Moroccan and Andalusian architecture, inspired by 14th-century grand palaces and Marrakech’s Medresa Ben Youssef. Intricate plaster carvings, zellij-covered walls and columns, and ornate woodwork adorn the public areas, while a handsome archway frames the grand canal that bisects the property. By contrast, the 84 guest rooms and villas are much more simple in style, but the outdoor pools on 76 of the rooms make up for any artistic shortfall, perfect for an afternoon swim or even a midnight dip. The harvest of the hotel’s 3,000 olive trees is turned into oil and served in the restaurants, which include Tamimt, where Mediterranean dishes are served on a garden-view terrace, poolside Azur with its elegant domed ceiling, and Rivayat, where recipes from renowned chef Rohit Ghai result in delicious and complex dishes rooted in the heritage of Indian cuisine." - Nicola Chilton
