Dar Ahlam

The courtyard pool provides a quiet spot to cool off or sunbathe, and rustic spa is simple but oh-so-effective. Dar Ahlam is a 'no menu' kind of place where every meal is tailored to you from the chef's book of 450 recipes. Every dish is made with vegetables grown on the grounds and locally-produced ingredients (from pomegranate vinegar to argan oil). As for eating locations, choose from the private dining room, or the main kasbah, dotted with fire-lit lounges and open-air sitting areas. While there's no bar, private drinks on the rooftop are pretty memorable too.

With walls of rammed earth and tadelakt plaster, the rooms have a soothing, sandy tone, echoed by the creamy linens, stone fireplaces, and cosy Berber rugs. Decor is classically Moroccan -think oversized ceramic vases and woven baskets - but with plenty of modern detailing in the industrial lights and quirky artwork. Seven rooms are located in the main kasbah, and there also seven larger garden suites, all with views of the Atlas Mountains. Suites have a private terrace, lounge, and bathroom with a large tub, fireplace and heated floors.

Leave your comfortable fortress for a walk or bicycle ride round the palmeraie (the Oasis of 1000 Palms), trek into the fragrant Valley of the Roses, or ride camelback amongst the ever-moving dunes. For a more leisurely excursion, jump in a 4x4 for a drive to the nearby Berber village and enjoy a traditional tea ceremony. Then, travel a little further to the city of Ouarzazate for a stroll through the bustling souks and a tasty tagine. And don't forget, the spa is on hand to offer a rejuvenating massage.