With snake-charmers and merchants on every corner, Marrakesh is rather like a year-round festival. Yet the pace will intensify yet further during next week's Popular Arts Festival, "when performers from across the North African nation use the city as an alfresco venue", says Lonely Planet.
A good riad is essential, and The Edward is "one of the city's grooviest". With a deep pool occupying the centre courtyard and excellent food available around the clock, the place has a "lived-in, clubby air which immediately makes you feel you belong", says The Guardian.
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For more tranquil accommodation, retreat to the Villa des Orangers, just outside the medina walls. "You could be forgiven for thinking you had chanced upon a secret royal palace," says the Telegraph. "It could hardly be more perfect or discreet."
Or head south to Amanjena, where "you'll feel like you're staying in a sultan's palace rather than a luxury resort," says the London Evening Standard. Lined with palms and olive trees, colonnaded walkways and majestic fountains, the rooms offer spectacular views of the Atlas mountains.
Flights from London to Marrakech start from £263 return with Ryanair
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