Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay

You'll find Banyan Tree Tamouda 90 minutes from Tangier on Morocco's north-east coast;12 kilometres from Ceuta and the border with Spain, and 45 minutes from the ferry to Gibraltar. The luxe villa-only retreat looks out to the Alboran Sea, the westernmost part of the Mediterranean; basking in the sun for most of the year, it exudes Moroccan charm, with arched doorways and ornate moucharaby panels.

Breakfast is served from 7am at Tingitana; perfect for early-risers and families with kids who don't sleep in. Open all day, lunch and dinner menus have an emphasis on Moroccan and eastern Med flavours.

Saffron on the other hand dishes up authentic Thai plates. Open for dinner only, expect the likes of spicy yellow fin tuna tartare, galangal and coconut broth with chicken, coriander and kaffir lime leaf, green papaya salad with chilli and tomato, and southern style braised beef curry with chestnut and lotus seed.

Head to Volubilis for small plates and cocktails served in a lounge setting, or Azura Beach for grilled seafood by the water.

Decor-wise, the hotel draws on the area's Andalusian-Moorish history, with the 92 all-pool villas boasting Moroccan-style architecture, whitewashed walls, sunken baths, and separate living rooms. Choose from 1 or 2 bedrooms and views of the garden, lagoon or beach. Oh, and each residence comes with a pillow menu to ensure a good night's sleep.

The private beach area is just a 500-metre stroll away, but for those preferring not to walk complimentary shuttles are available. Laze by the sea, on a lounger by the hotel pool (or at your own in-villa one), or check out the luxury spa where skilled therapists are on hand for revitalising treatments on your own or as a couple. Signatures include the Moroccan Banyan: black soap is applied followed by a steam bath, exfoliating body scrub, detoxifying massage using argan oil, and mud wrap.

For those so inclined, drop your little ones at the kids club where they can enjoy face painting, sandcastle building and films.

The Unesco Medina of Tétouan is 28 kilometres from the resort or half an hour by car, and the local market is just 10 minutes away.

Free Wi-fi is available.