Dar Zemora is an ultra-stylish boutique hotel in Marrakech that allows guests to leave behind the clamour and confined spaces of the medina for the calm of the Palmeraie. Set against a stunning backdrop of the Atlas Mountains, for an intimate and decidedly couple-friendly retreat, space abounds - both in the high-ceilinged interiors and the expansive grounds.

The facilities

What makes Dar Zemora particularly special is its many beautifully appointed reception rooms. Two stylish sitting rooms are decked out with wonderfully comfortable sofas and armchairs, while the Omar Room has a welcoming fire on winter evenings. With its leather armchairs, fireplace and an intricately hand-painted ceiling, the library is perfect for relaxing with a good book.

Home-cooked Moroccan fare is served in Dar Zemora's dark red dining room. Outside, the large swimming pool, with the reflection of the blue Moroccan sky and the rustle of bamboo, is the perfect place to chill out or arrange to have a massage.

The rooms

There are five individually-designed rooms and one private villa at Dar Zemora; these are broken down into two luxurious and spacious suites with four poster beds, fireplaces and private terraces. All rooms have adjustable air-conditioning, central heating, marble bath, shower and a CD player. The most extravagant room is certainly the Pavilion which comes with a private butler service.