Azalai Desert Lodge

In the main building, there are a number of lounges with finely-woven tapestries, stone fireplaces, and well-placed chaise longues for a doze or a new read from the library. The lounges double as a restaurant in the evenings, which serves three delicious courses combining Moroccan and French dishes. The rooftop terrace is the perfect spot for sunny breakfasts and sundowners, both complete with lofty views of the Atlas Mountains. When you tire of activity, while away a few hours in a hammock under the palms or lounge by the pool.

Set in two bungalows in the tropical gardens, there are just eight rooms at Azalai Lodge. Each has an authentic, warm feel and was inspired by the writings of famous names like Henri Matisse, Ibn Battuta and Odette du Puigaudeau. In fact, many feature artwork and artefacts paying homage to their namesake. The rooms all have a private terrace, ornate, carved arches and muted hues, some in shades of cream and others with a splash of sky blue. The bathrooms feature hand-painted basins, most have showers, and some have a Victorian bathtub.

Explore the beautiful surrounds with walks through the Draa Valley palmeraie, visit the local museums where you'll discover the history of the original peoples, or peruse the Zagora souk for a hand-crafted souvenir. If you're keen to venture further, head out to the labyrinthian Jewish kasbah of Amazrou and pay a visit the Quranic library that houses works penned with ink made from walnut, saffron, henna, and fine gold around the 13th century. And, if you can't fathom leaving your hammock, simply lay back and watch the clouds drift by.