Domaine Malika

The central area is unexpectedly edgy and mod, with sleek leather armchairs, a minimalist dining area, and a vast wall (and ceiling) of windows. To the soft notes of Jazz, enjoy a set menu of Moroccan specialties - perhaps ombrinette with orange and anis, followed by honeyed cream and saffron. Most of the ingredients are fresh from the garden and nearby souks. Breakfast is a classic feast of eggs to order, freshly-squeezed orange juice and pastries with homemade peach, prickly pear, and apricot and almond jams. And to relax, lay out by the pool or partake in a heavenly Maghreb-style massage at the hammam.

A subtle combination of clean design, Moroccan motifs, and Art Noveau decor, the rooms are spacious and well-done. You might find a cupboard made from antique Berber shutters, a vintage armchair from Marrakesh, eclectic circular headboards and floral textiles. There are a number of rooms in the main hotel, while the Junior Suites are separate with a rustic lounge and two terraces. The Lodge sits in a private patch of the orange grove, which has a tented Berber lounge with views into the valley.

To get the blood pumping, join a local guide for a hike to the Marigha salt mines or one of the many mountain trails, stopping for lunch at a quaint Berber village. You could also make the journey by bike, mule or horseback! To give your feet a break, explore the area by 4x4, stopping to admire the scene at the Ouirgane Valley viewpoint, picnic beside a quiet lake, or make the journey into Marrakesh (about an hour's drive) for a taste of history and its famous street food.