The Pearl, Marrakech, Morocco

Right in the middle of the Hivernage, the exclusive residential neighbourhood built in the Thirties for French diplomats, the five-star Pearl Marrakech is an opulent affair, atmospheric, lush and contemporary—with the most marvellous rooftop bar, the Sky Lounge, with spectacular views over the medina and the Atlas Mountains beyond.

It has a choice of three restaurants serving Italian, Moroccan, Japanese and French cuisine overseen by Michelin-starred chefs, and a lounge bar with an art gallery. On the lower ground floor is the 20,000 sq ft Pearl Spa, with a beautiful mosaic pool and his-and-hers hammam rooms.

The location is excellent: only a short walk from the Koutoubia Mosque and Jemaa el-Fna square, the lively heart of the old medina, full of food stalls, dancers and snake charmers. On the ground floor of the hotel are designer boutiques. The high point has to be that rooftop bar, with its huge daybeds, circular pool, Japanese restaurant and panoramic views across the medina and to the Atlas Mountains beyond.

International Hotel: We have exclusive Blue Ribbon rates here for the first Members to book.