Mr & Mrs Smith

Villas Fawakay is somewhat remote, so guests in search of gastronomic greatness will either have to content themselves with Rachida’s (excellent) cooking, or take one of the regular shuttle trips into central Marrakech. Once there, there’s a vast choice. The Japanese-style garden restaurant Abyssin (+212 (0)524 329496) in the Palis Rhoul is five minutes’ away in the Palmeraie district, and, in the Medina itself, hidden dining den Le Fondouk (+212 (0)254 378190) never disappoints with its Med-Maroc fusion food.

On site, Villas Fawakay offers cookery classes, tennis, darts and golf driving practice, and it’s ideally placed for exploring the Atlas mountains. You can arrange horse-riding expeditions in the mountains or the Agafy desert, or, for a more meditative excursion, the hotel can book places on painting courses in the foothills. Fishing and assorted watersports are available at Barrage Lake, not far away, and day-trips can also be arranged to Essaouira or Ourika Valley to meet the Berbers. Fawakay can assign guides to help you get to grips with the cultural side of Marrakech, or a personal shopper to steer you around the souks.