La Mamounia, Morocco

La Mamounia  is probably the  most famous hotel in North Africa, immortalised by Winston Churchill, who spent many an hour in front of his easel,  trying to capture  views of the distant Atlas Mountains.  The hotel has  57 opulent suites and 171 de luxe guest  rooms, several restaurants, a gorgeous outdoor pool and a casino. The hotel’s gardens alone are well worth a visit: 17 wonderful acres of olives and oranges, palms and peacefulness, created as a wedding present from a sultan to his son.