This hotel, part of a plush country-club compound 10 km from the center of town, is a sprawling palatial oasis geared toward golfers and anyone else seeking clubby surroundings. The hotel is far from the hubbub of Marrakech, but it is equipped with every imaginable diversion. Grounds are handsomely landscaped with palms and other indigenous foliage, and feature a Robert Trent Jones, Sr., par-72 golf course. Traditional green tiles top the dusky-tone three-story buildings that ring the pools and gardens.
The busy lobby is a showroom of Moroccan craftsmanship with its polychrome ceiling, breathtaking mosaics and ornate carved furniture. Dining here is probably the most varied in Africa,
with eight attractive restaurants that include Moroccan, Italian, Continental and Japanese teppanyaki style, and a host of alfresco possibilities—barbecues, snack bars and terrace dining among them. The most memorable experience comes from enjoying a mezze feast in Narjis, the Moroccan eatery. Watering holes are equally varied, with bars, cocktail lounges and clubhouse venues. Live music plays in the lounge and Italian restaurant regularly.
The entertainment ranges from piano music to karaoke, but the overall North African atmosphere never falters. In addition to golf, energetic guests enjoy five pools crisscrossed by bridges and underwater seating areas (two of the heated ones 
comprise an aquatic slide and fun park), tennis and squash courts, minigolf, a bowling alley, and a full-range health club offering numerous massage and beauty treatments. Horseback riding can be arranged. A mini-souk with more than 50 shops is on-site, and eight conference rooms, complemented by a full-service business center, serve 500 people. A shuttle bus runs to town and to the airport, 15 km away.
The individually air-conditioned guest rooms are of international standards and are appointed with flourishes and arabesques. The modern luxuries associated with high-end hotels are securely in place, including padded headboards, top-notch linens and aromatherapy candles. All provide TVs, minibars, phones, wireless high-speed Internet and balconies. The two royal suites are the last word in opulence.
Room service is a constant luxury. This self-contained world is ideal for the sports enthusiast seeking top-grade accommodations or the conference-bound guest (individuals can become easily lost in the crowd). The mood here may be more Palm Springs than Marrakech, but the hospitality is decidedly Moroccan. Except for the outstanding recreational opportunities here, the new Octogone Terre Resort and Spa gives this hot spot a run for its money.
