A luxury Moroccan escape

Rising quite unexpectedly at the edge of the Sahara Desert, the Atlas Mountains are the highest point in North Africa and impressive as they come. Most travellers make a beeline for one of the beautiful kasbahs with their incredible views, secluded locations, and heavenly hamman treatments. From there, explore the mountains on foot, mule or horseback, or mountain bike - or make the hair-raising drive along the Tizi-n-Test Pass. There also a number of stand-out natural gems to visit, including the rainbow-hued hills of Salt Natural Park, or try your hand at rafting in the Ourika Valley and trekking to the summit of snow-capped Mount Toubkal. If you plan to do a spot of skiing, January is your best bet.

With the Atlas Mountains in the distance, an Oasis of 1,000 Palms in between and the endless terracotta dunes, Skoura and its surrounding landscape is postcard-ready. Explore the Valley of the Roses on foot, by bike, cycling through the palmeraie, or atop a camel with a ride along the knife-edges of the dunes. Then, venture over to the ancient Berber city of Ouarzazate where there are jam-packed souks and tagines to rival the best of them.

Perhaps the most famous of Morocco's cities, Marrakesh has been the country's heart and soul for over 1,000 years. The Djemaa El Fna square is first on the list, its melee of snake charmers, musicians and dancers creating an intoxicating atmosphere, especially as the sun sinks in the evening. Dig into the city's incredible history, visible on visits to the 12th-century Koutoubia Minaret, gilded Saadian Tombs, and its magnificent palaces and then get to know her thriving creative side at the Museum of Moroccan Arts, the Islamic Art Museum at Les Jardin Marjorelle (a beauty spot if there ever was one) and the Villa Oasis, once the home of Yves Saint-Laurent. And for the best view around, hop into a hot air balloon and the magic unfold below you...