Review of Ksar Char-Bagh, by Joanna Monkhouse

It may not be your dream to build a palace from scratch, but you will be glad that someone had the vision and dedication to do so as soon as you arrive at Ksar Char-Bagh, a luxury hotel just fifteen minutes from the centre of Marrakech. Modelled in part on the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Ksar Char-Bagh has been elegantly constructed following the principles of Islamic architecture.

Behind a pair of colossal and currently unmarked wooden gates, and through the massive golden doors at the end of a lit path, lies the enormous and airy entrance hall of Ksar Char-Bagh. The foyer is framed by a long wooden table down one side and a strikingly modern spiral staircase on the other. Star-shaped holes in the high domed ceiling filter the light in stunning patterns. A set of imposing wooden doors open onto the central courtyard, yielding an impressive sight of the owners' tall tower amid a vast blue sky reflected in the fountains.

A bit of exploration leads to several comfortable salons, a billiards room with a huge table and the dining room that has walls consisting almost entirely of tall arched windows overlooking the pool and the gardens, with a high vaulted ceiling worthy of a cathedral. Ksar Char Bagh's gourmet restaurant has a Moroccan and European menu featuring specialties like tagine of lamb and apricots, peach soup and verveine sorbet. Breakfast is a daily surprise and can be served wherever you wish - by the pool, in your room, in a corner of the garden or on your roof terrace.

The large swimming pool is lined by mature palm trees which are lit at night, providing a spectacular backdrop to an intimate dinner. The spa is located underneath the public areas, and includes a large earthy-red marble hammam. The ruin behind the pool has been converted to an open air massage area, and the white fabric canopies are secured in a traditional fashion using stones and string. The orchards are filled with palm, fig and olive trees, while vegetables and herb gardens produce ingredients for the kitchen, and flowerbeds provide fresh blossoms for the suites.

Each of Ksar Char-Bagh's 13 Eastern-style suites is furnished opulently but sparsely - bare cream walls, wide scalloped arches, shiny grey 'dess' floors, inlaid tables, woven rugs, and floor cushions reflect the fanatical attention to Islamic design. Amenities include a wide, firm bed and a TV/DVD/CD system with surround sound, accompanied by an inspired selection of films, subtly encased in a custom-made cabinet. It may sound like a lot, but the furnishings still seem to float in a sea of space.

Everything has been designed with a distinct purpose - to pamper with style. The air conditioning units are hidden in the wall and the narrow vents are almost invisible, the minibar is cleverly disguised, too, and even the water bottles have smart leather holders. The walk-in dressing room is almost as large as the bathroom, which has two basins opposite each other, an elegant carved marble bath, a spacious shower room with a plate-sized shower head, scattered rose petals and piles of fluffy towels. Scented candles and bath oils are provided and can be chosen according to preference.