Sofitel Essaouira Mogador Golf & Spa

Sitting next to the 18-hole Mogador Golf Course (designed by Gary Player himself), Sofitel is a ritzy and well-stocked hotel. When hunger strikes, take your pick from the poolside L'Atlantique Restaurant, serving Italian dishes including saffron risotto and ocean-fresh seafood. An international buffet breakfast is served in the eclectic Le Cafe Kasbah, and the 'Taste Workshop' boasts a menu of French-Moroccan fusion cuisine. There are a number of bars, from the casual poolside waterhole to the buzzing SoLounge Mogador. The spa will see to all your pampering needs with massages in the hammam, and there's also a lovely indoor pool with ocean views.

Each room is bold and eye-catching with colourful feature walls, plush, striped carpets, and avant garde art pieces. The larger suites have a spacious lounge with chaise longue-style couches and a whirlpool bathtub, but all have French doors leading onto a private terrace. Set in the gardens, the villas are mod and stylish with a private heated pool, two en-suite bedrooms, a dining area and kitchenette. If you're a real golf buff, the Lacoste Villa has an exclusive-use putting green for a spot of practise before you hit the course.

Having drawn greats like Jimmy Hendrix and Cat Stevens to its shores, Essaouira has a thriving creative scene. Take in artworks (both antique and modern) at the plentiful galleries, and catch live Gnaoua music at a local bar. Pick up handmade pottery at the souk, see the original canons along the city ramparts, and take a camel ride to nearby argan oil forests - then see how Morocco's famous export is made. Otherwise, Essaouira has some spectacular beaches to stroll upon, and plenty of water sports.