"A 15-minute drive from the city brings you to the sumptuous Mandarin Oriental Marrakech, set on 50 acres of landscaped gardens with oasis-like pools and olive and palm trees. The resort’s 54 villas and nine suites take their inspiration from both Berber and Andalusian architecture, with pink walls, soaring ceilings, and plenty of outdoor space for lounging. The villas range from one to four bedrooms with ample outdoor space; each has its own hot tub and private pool. Enormous marble-clad bathrooms feature steam room capabilities, and many have generous walk-in closets and oversize bathtubs. Ling Ling by Hakkasan is all about Cantonese cooking, while Shirvan takes its culinary inspiration from the Silk Road (think lamb shank tagine and tandoor-cooked Black Angus beef fillet). Meanwhile, the spa, with its Moroccan hammam and six treatment rooms, offers everything from Thai massage to aromatherapy body scrubs." - Nicola Chilton
