The sun rose over the snow capped peaks of the High Atlas Mountains, illuminating the lush gardens and awakening the colours of the citrus groves and vibrant bougainvillaea that tumbled artlessly over the 30 stone cottage hideaways. Across the manicured lawns a figure dressed head to toe in flowing white strode towards where the couple sat on their terrace, holding aloft a silver tray, piled high with freshly baked croissants& 'Not the opening lines of a novel, but an introduction to the idyll at La Gazelle d'Or, a walled oasis set in a beautiful 200 acre park on the outskirts of Taroudant and the perfect place to unwind after a couple of hectic days in Marrakech.The owner, Rita Bennis, has managed to create a convivial country house atmosphere where you are able to seek solitude or company as the mood takes you. There is wonderful attention to detail, both in the beautiful way the hotel is decorated, with traditional artefacts and ornate paintwork, and in the use of their own organic produce in the excellent cuisine.Served in the shade of the olive trees, lunch is taken by the pool and dinner a more formal affair, enjoyed outside in the summer months, or in the elegant dining room. A game of tennis or horse riding in the grounds, followed by the indulgence of a Hammam, massage and aromatherapy will make the perfect finishing touches to your stay.

30 rooms which include Standard Rooms, Maison Rooms, Junior Suites and Suites all of which are dotted throughout the gardens and offer their own private terrace.

Formal restaurant, large heated outdoor pool, shady poolside restaurant, bar, lounges, extensive gardens, 2 tennis courts, steam bath and beauty treatments.

Taroudant, 1 hour from Agadir and 3 hours from Marrakech.