Tigmi in Marrakech

The house, converted from a labyrinthine string of village dwellings, has 21 rooms and suites, some air-conditioned, some with fireplaces, built around a variety of separate courtyards. One of the suites includes two bedrooms with a private courtyard and plunge pool. There is space at every turn - an alcove, covered walkway, terrace, quiet arch, flooded with light, hidden in shadow, hot or cool as the sun passes languidly overhead. There is little to interrupt you: the holler of a shepherd, children playing in the cool alleys of the village.

At Tigmi, life is rich in its simplicity. It has a spiritual quality, a place where guests can enjoy rare serenity. There is a heated pool, views to better any other you can find in Morocco, looking out over a spring flanked with an olive grove to the pink-walled city beyond.

The interiors are meaningfully restrained: organic, white curved walls; eucalyptus ceilings; colourful cushioned banquettes; a splash of saffron, fuchsia or Buddhist orange. Corridors are open to the skies. There's a hammam with massage and gommage treatments on request, breakfast where you want it - in the garden, perhaps, among the birdsong, or by the pools where a swallow darts at its broken reflection. There are two large pools (apart from tthe one in the Pool Suite), one of which is heated all year round. Tigmi Tagadert is a magical, understated place, somewhere to find privacy, poise and a natural balance.

Tigmi II is an extension containing 11 of the rooms and the large heated pool. The roof terrace provides the same stunning views away from Tagadert village and upto the mountains. The hotel restaurant is also here, as well as the library.