Mr & Mrs Smith

Le Nid des Cigognes translates as 'the nest of storks', and when you’re sitting on the roof terrace – fragrant, steaming mint-tea in hand – you can spot Morocco’s white-winged residents circling the sun-dappled skies. This boutique bolthole, the sister property to Dar Les Cigognes, was once the nesting place of well-heeled Marrakech families, and has retained its cosy but cool blend of comfort, luxury and peace. Rooms reflect Morocco’s sunny climes and spicy cuisine, with ochre yellows, paprika reds and cumin-brown furnishings.

The decor of this exotic holiday house is more homely than harem, though beds do take central stage, dressed in crisp inviting linen and scattered with plump cushions. Then there’s the courtyard and roof terrace, perfect for reclining on couches and lingering over the chef’s Moroccan or Mediterranean creations (which you can learn to make yourself, with a cookery class or two). Despite the quiet side-street setting, the varied sounds of local life will float up to you on the terrace, along with the aroma of tagines and pastilla cooking, and the hubbub of the Djemma el Fna awaits you, just a short walk away.