Though we enjoyed the hotels we stayed in during our visit to Morocco ( more on those later) for future reference and to satisfy our FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) we spent a little time in Marrakech checking out some other options.

Put your velvet seatbelt on

for the “Royal Mansour” located in the heart of the Medina.

 Where behind every gently wafting silken drape…

another gasp awaits

The attention to detail at Royal Mansour knows NO bounds

It’s how you spell luxe and then some.

One could wear the newest Dior dress I love so much and not feel overdressed.

“Le Bar” to end all bars

with walls panelled in reverse glass rose gold leaf

Photos do not capture the depth and beauty of the rose gold panels.

They glow like the gossamer veiled cheeks of an exquisite young virgin bride marrying a dark, dashing Sheik at desert sunset

(think young Omar Sharif without the gambling habit)

Are you getting the idea yet??!

The chandelier in the interior courtyard

We enjoyed a cocktail or two here in quiet awe, just listening to the birdsong, the tinkling of ice cubes and the heavy rustling of palm fronds in the wind.

“La Grande Table Marocaine” restaurant, with blue marble floors, is presided over by celebrated French chef Yannick Alleno.

I would probably choose this little number from Armani Spring 2013 should I be so lucky as to dine here.

Cool marble, embroidered water-silk taffeta, feathers & inlaid rosewood…cuhraazy

I don’t even know how to begin to explain the coffered ceiling in the “Chimney Lounge”

Honeycombs conceived by bees drunk on silver.

Again, the photos don’t do it justice.

The Chimney Lounge, so named for the transparent glass fireplace that allows you to gaze upon the gardens through the flames while sipping your cognac.

Did I mention it’s a wood burning fireplace ??

Come ON.

Photo via Royal Mansour

I need this in my next life as a Persian Princess.

Hand tooled leather walls

and rugs.

It just doesn’t stop.

“La Grande Table Francaise” Royal Mansour’s French restaurant preparing for the evening.

I can only imagine how beautiful it must be by candle lightA gecko candle holder, one of many crystal creatures crawling across the walls of the restaurant.

As dusk descends (yes, we stayed that long!) the hotel becomes even more magical

There are no “rooms” at the Royal Mansour, just 53 private riads.

As you’ve no doubt deduced by now, this is not where you would choose to stay if you’re counting your dirhams.

 Ahem. It’s splurging to be sure. I don’t know if it would be my choice if I were bringing children with me either, but for a romantic and decadent getaway for couples? Hell ya.

There is also a gorgeous spa and a divine little shop.

But of course, you knew that!

For more information on Royal Mansour

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All photos (unless otherwise credited) by Slim Paley.