Caravan Serai ★★★★

Long ago, in ancient times, a chain of hotels was established across North Africa for traders carrying spices and other precious goods from the East to the West. These hotels of sorts were called Caravan Serai and were the original business traveller hotels. From the outside, they looked like impenetrable fortresses and from the inside, like lavish palaces complete with trickling fountains, ornately carved walls and elegant arches. These hotels, like their modern counter parts, offered travellers luxurious spas, restaurants and places to relax and socialise.

Today, the Caravan Serai in Marrakech emulates these ancient hotels both in its design and luxury offerings. Located just north of the city centre in a quiet and green oasis, it offers everything you would expect from a five-star service, but with the traditional opulence of Moroccan palace.

As a traveller from the West looking to get your hands on exotic Moroccan wares, this will be your perfect base. You’ll find your palace surrounded by palm groves and filled with traditional features, from the magnificent carved doors to the colourful glass lamps, intricate patterns on the wooden ceilings, the covered walkways and the long rectangular pool in the centre of the hotel.

Friendly Moroccan hospitality will ensure you soon settle into your room, which is cool, and serene, containing beautiful pieces of hand carved Moroccan furniture, headboards and comfy, plush lounge areas. It’s both lavish and luxurious, giving a sense of the opulence of the Morocco of long ago. Start your break with cool down in your giant hammam-like bathroom; followed by a glass of sweet mint tea and you’ll feel like a wealthy trader, if not a sultan in no time.

Begin each day here in the central courtyard, chatting with other travellers about your journeys and trades, then make use of the pool for a refreshing swim. Before you head out, make use of your free 15-minute neck massage to get you in the right frame of mind. When you’re ready to make your trades and stock up on exotic items, you’ll find the beating heart of Marrakech – Jemaa El Fna - just 20 minutes away by free shuttle bus.

Picture the scene – Berber tribal music and the sounds of bells floating through the air, snake charmers seated on the ground, the smells of roasted mutton and boiled snails coming from the food stalls in the middle of the square, and all around the edge carts filled with brightly coloured dried fruits – dates, apricots and nuts. Step off the square and into the Medina and you’ll find yourself in the underground souks where you can spend hours searching for exotic treasures – spices, glittering lamps, sequinned slippers and elaborately carved leather bags.

Return again to your travellers’ oasis to escape the bustle of the city and unwind with a traditional Moroccan hammam in the spa, accompanied by indulgent treatments and massages. Finish each day with an array of gourmet offerings from the hotel’s restaurant featuring local delicacies and fresh homemade dishes. And when it’s time to move on, you’ll know that you’ve been looked after well at the Caravan Serai.