Hotel Es Saadi, Marrakesh

Backed by the snow-capped High Atlas mountains, the rose-colored Imperial city of Marrakesh is an enchanting cultural melting pot of storytellers, snake charmers, water sellers, acrobats, carpenters and craftsmen. Visit the colourful Grand Souk, one of Africa’s largest markets, for a genuine insight into how this city operates. But, among hustle and bustle, there are oases of calm and serenity too. Like the beautiful Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian Tombs, the Menara Pavilion and Yves Saint Laurent’s exotic Majorelle Gardens – a riot of purple bougainvillea, banana trees and swaying palms.

The 5-star Hotel Es Saadi, set in gardens bright with orange trees and bougainvillea, is located in a residential area, just a 10-minute taxi ride to the historic old town, the Medina. Still family-run, it prides itself on being a luxury hotel offering personal service.

All rooms offer ensuite facilities plus safe, hairdryer, minibar, direct dial phone, air conditioning and satellite television. The hotel also benefits from a large outdoor pool, gift shops and a tennis court.

The hotel offers a comfortable bar and lounge area, two restaurants (one international and one traditional Moroccan) and also has a currency exchange office (open daily).