Royal digs (Royal Mansour)

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Owned by the king of Morocco, the Royal Mansour in Marrakech took years to complete, as local artisans laboured over every little intricate detail. The finished result is a glorious mini medina, made up of 53 individual riads set around gardens filled with flowers and fountains. Underground tunnels allow staff to glide around unseen, and top pick is the Riad d'Honneur, which has its own snooker room, library, gym, hammam, cinema, pool and staff as well as three bedrooms.

The damage: From £22,130 per night.

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