For our last night in Marrakech, Marisa and I stayed at the Four Seasons. Throughout our trip to Morocco, whenever I felt hot or dirty or gross (which was basically all the time), I pictured the Four Seasons, and in particular its swimming pools, as a shining beacon to look forward to. And I was absolutely right.

We arrived straight from the desert, and began exploring the hotel’s massive campus.

Everywhere we looked there were vases and vases filled with fresh, colorful roses.

While waiting for our room to be ready, I sat by the resort’s adults-only pool.

But it wasn’t long before the water looked too inviting to resist, and I grabbed my bikini out of my luggage to change into. On the way back I passed the kids’ pool, and since it was much bigger, and nobody was around, I figured I would make it my home for the day.

And oh what a refreshing home it was!

Since there wasn’t anyone else there for most of the day (even Marisa was off at the spa) the attendants must have been bored, because they made me every smoothy on the menu, free of charge. When I had finished one, I barely had a chance to blink before another one was placed in my hands.

I didn’t think it could get any better, but then the smoothies turned into ice cream!

I spent the day at the pool, even after receiving our room key, so it wasn’t until the end of the day that I finally headed to the room, which was located in one of the villas near the pool.

It was gorgeous!

And so were the views from both of our balconies!

And, even though a week had passed since my birthday, the staff thoughtfully set out gorgeous roses, chilled champagne, and a cake for me to celebrate, without us mentioning anything to them about my big day!

We popped the champagne and watched the sun go down from our balcony.

Before heading to one of the Four Season’s many restaurants for dinner, some with Moroccan cuisine and some without.

It couldn’t have been a more relaxing last day in Marrakech.

When I stayed at La Mamounia I loved it, and the decor and pool caused it to become one of my favorite hotels in the world. And I still recommend it, since there you truly feel like you’re in Morocco, whereas the Four Seasons feels more mainstream and as if you could be almost anywhere.

But the service at the Four Seasons is leaps and bounds about La Mamounia, and is in fact impeccable. The pool attendants are much better, and I didn’t have to get up and search for someone every time I wanted something, as I did at La Mamounia. Instead, the Four Seasons staff kept bringing me cold water while I relaxed, and adjusted the umbrella with the sun’s movement so the only times I had to get up were when I wanted to jump in the pool. And, of course, the constant smoothies and ice creams only made the experience that much better!

So if you’re looking to be treated like royalty, the Four Seasons is the place to be. You can book your stay here.

I’m really going to miss Morocco. It truly was the trip of a lifetime.

~A