Es Saadi, Marrakech

Marrakech is the perfect place to escape the European winter, enjoy some last minute sun and explore a history and culture that feels worlds away from home. 

The Es Saadi resort is one of the cities finest luxury accommodations, with a superb range of luxury suites and private villas. The gardens boast Berber-style two story houses and a 2400 metre swimming pool (the largest in the city) as well as 6 restaurants, three spas, a casino and the first nightclub to open in Morocco. 

Set among 20 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, only a short stroll from bustling souks, the resort creates a perfect oasis to escape the crowds, whilst still being in the heart of the city. It is a quiet haven, and the gardens are the perfect place to relax amongst the banana and orange trees, on a sun lounger surrounded by roses and bougainvilleas. 

Refined and elegant is the mood of the resort, with rooms and suites in-keeping with the original designs of the Fifties and Sixties. Moroccan silks, sculpted wooden furniture and local colour palettes are all some of the highlights of the interiors. There is also a big Oriental influence, with the Palace lined with fountains and guarded by imposing bronze horses. 

The Palace has a variety of suites including Superior Deluxe Suites, Deluxe Duplex Suites and Corner Suites with all of the suites have private terraces which overlook the gardens and the swimming pool with stunning views of the Atlas Mountains in the distance. The real luxury experience comes via the Ksars Villas though; on the ground floor there is a Moroccan design sitting room and large bedroom with en-suite bathroom. Upstairs there is another apartment with bathroom and a private sun terrace. Taking two villas together is ideal for families or a group of friends. 

As well as six restaurants that specialise in cresting authentic cuisine, the resort is home to a glorious spa. Built around a 100 year old eucalyptus tree, the spa is a perfect mix of pure tradition as well as the latest technical advances. Inspired by majestic Oriental palaces, there is a deep blue swimming pool, shaded terraces on the roof-tops and private hammams behind secret doors through which guests are taken to a world where scents and colours will carry you away from the worries of every-day life. 

The wellness treatments are conducted from a three-room Moroccan hammam, which counts a hydrotherapy treatment system with streams and bubbles, as well as Indian and Japanese treatment and an Oriental Thermae. The spa offers aromatherapy treatments, a variety of massages, an open air jacuzzi and beauty rituals inspired by the best Oriental traditions.

Rooms are from £223 a night. Explore further at Es Saadi.