Marrakech: Where to Stay: Luxury: Ksar Char-Bagh

Ksar Char-Bagh

This decadent palace, on four acres of Persian gardens, comes complete with courtyards, rosebushes and fountains. The French owner studied Arabic culture, and although the building is new, it has been made to convincingly appear centuries old. The twelve suites are grand and calm, with Moorish-style baths and small roof terraces. Guests are ferried around in a brilliantly incongruous black London taxi, and when the weather heats up, you can dine in the shallow end of the swimming pool with your feet submerged. Chef Hadrien trained with Joël Robuchon, and his dishes are outstanding. The enormous hammam is the best in town, and even if you are not staying here, you should pop over for lunch and a steam (book ahead). Suites from $934.