Ksar Char Bagh

Stunning private palace inspired by 14th century Moorish architecture and 21st century minimalism

After heading into the desert scrubland of the Palmeraie, driving down a bumpy dirt track, pushing past a large gate, and walking up a long garden path, you're not sure what to expect. An imposing tower with a silver door looms above you... open the door and you enter an entrancing fairytale of fountains and flowers. This is not your ordinary hotel; Ksar Char Bagh is a palace. But not one that emerged out of thin air. It took three years of design planning plus the hard labour of 200 men working daily for 15 months to turn Nicole and Patrick LeVillair’s incredible vision into a concrete and exquisite creation.

Set in 4 hectares of Persian-style gardens, with water and streams criss-crossing to symbolise the rivers of paradise, Ksar Char Bagh is close to heaven on earth. It has 13 luxurious suites, a billiard room, library, cigar room, huge vaulted marble hamman, tennis court, two heated pools, and an exceptionally discreet staff of 45 (including a talented French chef), who will move heaven and earth to arrange anything you want.

Highs

• The attention to detail is phenomenal. Every single object, piece of furniture and furnishing has been designed by the owners
• You're surrounded by the soothing sound of water and birdsong, creating an enchanting Arabian Nights atmosphere
• The spacious suites balance simplicity and sumptuousness

Lows

• To stay in this palace certainly doesn't come cheap. Only breakfast is included in the room price and the extras can really mount up
• This is where the rich and famous come to get away from it all, so don't expect a very social atmosphere. It's tranquil, private and very discreet
• Marrakech's city centre is a 15-minute drive away, but if you want to face the bustling medina, the hotel has its own London taxis