Hyatt Hotels Corporation has marked the debut of the Park Hyatt brand in Morocco with the opening after Christmas of Park Hyatt Marrakech. Uniquely located about 15 kilometres from Marrakech’s historic Medina district, the 7.5-hectare resort is situated in an exquisite, off-the-beaten path location at the base of the Atlas Mountains. Surrounded by palm trees, olive trees and jacaranda trees, Park Hyatt Marrakech sits adjacent to the Al Maaden Golf resort.

Operators of the PURE Life Experiences luxury travel showcase have, understandably, cancelled this week’s event in Marrakech after an earthquake struck the Moroccan city late Friday night.

It was a joy to return to the sensual beauty of Marrakech after what seemed like far too long. I arrived by Porsche to La Mamounia: the luxury hotel only rivalled by Dubai’s Burj Al Arab in the number of tourists it receives every day.