Lina Ryad & Spa

The lobby is decorated in cool tadelakt, with large blue velvet banquettes and crystal lights. It's here that you'll tuck into a breakfast of Moroccan pancakes, breads and yoghurts, whilst dinner is served on the terrace, accompanied by gorgeous views of the sunset and valley beyond. You'll have a choice of Moroccan dishes, including rich lamb and vegetable tagines and homemade strawberry tart for dessert. A stairway strewn with greenery leads to the spa, which offers steams and massages in the traditional hammam, as well as oriental baths infused with bitter orange and seaweed.

There are 16 rooms at the Lina Ryad, but no two are identical. Decorated in classic, white tiles, each reflects Chefchaouen's sky-blue facades in the drapes, couches or stained glass windows. They all have a breezy, light feel with beds that are large, plump and very comfortable, and there's a sitting area right by the windows. The en-suite bathrooms are spacious and well-appointed, and the private terrace provides a lovely view over the medina, perfect for a morning cuppa.

Set out to wander the bright blue streets, which all converge at the Plaza Uta el Hammam, and enjoy browsing the hundreds of stalls, munching tasty street food, and listening to local music drifting through the square. For a dose of activity, hike into the Rif Mountains, where you'll find some of the most scenic routes in Africa, and visit the Cascades d'Akchour waterfalls to swim in the frothing pools, marvelling at the natural Bridge of God.