Marrakesh

Ideal destination for Autumn with temperatures dropping to mid 70's - hundreds of chic riad hotels inside the Medina most with gorgeous courtyard gardens and some with roof top terraces and pools with stunning views of the snow-covered Atlas Mountains.

Stay at Riad Noird'Ivoire in the heart of the Medina - influence of Moroccan, Syrian and Indian in the decor give out an air of opulence. Cool bar and restaurant draws the cocktail crowd each evening.

Just a step outside and enter the souks - shop at the boutique Beldi for some of the latest embroidered silk kaftans and cashmere jackets.

Eat at Le Tobsil - an old Palace in the medina - for a romantic evening and indulge in one of their renown tagines. Enjoy a glass of French champagne at Bo-Zin - restaurant/bar/lounge situated outside the city walls where the food is fusion of French, Moroccan and Thai.

Triumphant again La Mamounia set in exquisite gardens is discreet but at the same time fabulous. It served as a playground for both rockstars and the Hollywood elite in the 60's - with a multi million revamp the new contemporary design mixed with Art Deco and traditional Moroccan makes this a top romantic destination - both dramatic and exotic. There is now a state of the art spa with indigo blue walls and black and white traditional Moroccan tiling. 3 restaurants and 5 bars. 

Outside of the Medina in the Palmeraie the Mandarin Oriental Jnan Rahma has opened on 131 acres - with spacious rooms boasting high gilded ceilings. The terraces look out on the Atlas Mountains. Used as a location for Sex and the City 2 - this sumptuous hotel is evocative of a one of the great palaces in Jodhpur or Jaipur.

The newly opened Royal Mansour is full out glamour and flamboyance - no expense has been spared with stunning pools and roof terraces with bedouin tents. Butlers are available on request. www.royalmansour.ma