Glamorous and exclusive, like much of the surrounding l’Hivernage neighbourhood, Hotel Dar Rhizlane offers a chic place to stay that’s mere minutes from the bustle of Marrakech’s medina by taxi.

Originally designed as a large private villa, the hotel has a unique style that’s a far cry from much of the cookie-cutter accommodations you come across on your travels. Each room is thoughtfully, originally decorated and designed, some of which with fireplaces, others private gardens. There are colonnaded spaces, candlelit spaces, spaces filled with antiques and design pieces from local artisans.

The hotel itself – made up of two warmly-coloured villas – is surrounded by mature gardens full of roses, Seville orange trees and bougainvillea. There’s even a swimming pool lined with zellij in one quiet corner of the lush, green villa estate. In fact, there’s a profound sense of serenity and romance that seems to encircle the hotel, much like a light, scented breeze that picks up the aroma of spices from the hotel’s kitchen and hints of citrus from the lemon trees.

Elsewhere at Hotel Dar Rhizlane, there are restaurants and wellness areas that build on that sense of romance. Guests can relax in the hammam solo or as a couple, indulging in a wide range of treatments, including deeply soothing massages. There’s room service, and atmospheric spots in the garden and within the hotel to enjoy Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine. And although Hotel Dar Rhizlane is the perfect spot for a romantic getaway, it’s still family-friendly, offering babysitting services, among other helpful amenities. The better to enjoy that starlit drink in the gardens or in front of the fire in the atmospheric library as the day draws to a close, of course.