Hotel and Ryads Naoura Barrière *****

Sitting in the heart of the Medina, the Hotel & Ryads Naoura Barri ere raises the bar for accommodation in this city. Surrounded by high stone walls, it offers a delightful blend of Moroccan culture and French 'art de vivre'. The entire site is spread over nearly five acres, set in a magnificent garden full of exotic flowers. The hotel is unique in its conception, enjoying an exceptional situation at Marrakesh, in the heart of the Medina and within just a short walk of the main tourist sites.

The hotel is located about eight minutes' walk from Jemaa El Fna Square. When it comes to dining you are spoiled for choice: there is The Fouquets-ns Marrakech, which offers international dishes with French touches; The Wardya, offering classic Mediterranean food; and The Nuphar Bar, the perfect place in the evenings. The U Spa offers traditional Moroccan hammams, an aquatic well-being course, and a fitness centre to keep your body in shape, physically and spiritually. There is also a hairdressing salon.

For younger members of the family, the hotel organises Club Diwi, which offers a range of fun activities. Outside you will find a large heated swimming pool, along with a terrace -- the perfect place to catch the sun. There is also secure parking. The rooms are quite simply stunning: decorated with lattice-work furniture, dark woods and top-quality materials against a minimalist background of white.