There are many reasons to visit Marrakech. Here are some. For guaranteed sunshine with no jetlag, for superlative shoppi.jpgng and a relaxed mélange of Muslim, French, Berber and hippy cultures. The city also offers charming locals, extremely moreish cuisine and lots of sleek new bars and hotels.

Prices are rising, though, and tourist villas and golf courses are being built all round the city. So my advice is: go now before it looses more of its charm.

Photo: DavidDennis