Barcelo Palmeraie Resort ★★★★★

The sunshine and exoticism of Marrakech is a refreshing change of scene for the entire family, where palaces, souks and gardens diffusing delicate fragrances take us a world away from the humdrum routine of home. It's hard to believe that a simple four-hour flight from London could take us somewhere so different from the world we know and land us in the heart of this extraordinary oasis. The Palmeraie, just five miles from the city's main medina, offers a bubble of tranquillity and a great jumping-off point for excursions, camel rides or trips by 4x4 and for enjoying a round of golf at one of the many courses.

In this privileged location, the Barcelo Marrakech Palmeraie ***** stands as a monument to luxury for all the family, a contemporary marvel where east meets west. While distinctly Moroccan in style, the aesthetic here is a pared-down, sparer version of the ostentatious frills you might have seen elsewhere. Designer lines cosy up to arabesque flourishes, leather sofas lie at ease in ottoman lounges. In the bedrooms, the headboards are stamped with graphic Arabic letters in a pure and modern style while the rich fabrics reflect the muted tones and minimalist drift of the most cutting-edge design. We are instantly struck by the feeling of space and particularly enjoy the private balcony. Every detail has been thought through from start to finish with the promise of total comfort.

But the room is just the beginning. For us, the real draw of the Barcelo Marrakech Palmeraie ***** has always been its setting in the midst of a 17 hectare park filled with palm trees and olive trees with a superb 430 square metre outdoor pool, a children's pool, two tennis courts and a five-a-side football pitch. Best of all is the kids' village with separate activities for babies and children. There's an outdoor play area with sandpit, library, games room with educational toys, another for board games, computers, PlayStation and Wii consoles along with activities like mini karting, theatre performances in their own amphitheatre, an animal corner and cottage garden. Watching our little ones parading around the grounds on the back of a camel, wrapped up in the traditional blue robes of Morocco's Berber people was as much a thrill for us as it was for them. The reassuring team at the Kids' Village seemed to have a knack for awakening their curiosity in the world around them and spurring them on to try new activities and taste new foods.

For us, meanwhile, the expansive spa with its traditional hammam, Jacuzzi and treatment rooms for massages alone or in pairs kept us more than busy while the children were away. We often found ourselves drawing out a long lunch in the luminous dining room and terrace of the Oliveraie, enjoying the archetypical Mediterranean cuisine, or snacking at the Oasis by the pool. The Lounge & Piano bar was another favourite, where were would linger over fragrant mint tea and pastries that would turn into cocktails as the afternoon rolled on.

As it turns out, Marrakech is definitely an excellent location for grown-ups, with luxury and culture in abundance. But at the Barcelo Marrakech Palmeraie *****, you'll find a Marrakech that's designed for the youngest members of your family too.