Next time you head to Morocco, try this luxury spa hotel in Casablanca.

Think of Morocco, and you tend to think of Marrakesh. But the cities of Casablanca and Rabat are equally evocative.

Vichy Célestins, which only opened in 2018, is the perfect seaside retreat for exploring these two key destinations.

The low, U-shaped building with its 130 bedrooms, overlooks two seawater pools and the ocean.

With a decor of blue and white, paying homage to the Vichy brand and its love of water, there is also a bubble theme throughout the building.

Health spa

The wellness clinic offers everything from weight loss treatments to mud wraps, salt scrubs and colonic hydrotherapy.

But people also come here for serious rehab. There are osteopaths, physiotherapists and a heated recovery pool.

Water therapies are at the forefront. Try the famed Vichy shower treatment, which involves lying under a horizontal shower as oils are massaged all over.

You can also experience outdoor yoga at sunset, aqua-aerobics, cycling along the seaside path and an 18-hole golf course.

Moroccan and Italian food

The restaurants offer Moroccan and Italian dishes with tasting menus and relaxed poolside dining.

A weekend highlight is the brunch at V restaurant.

Smart Casablancans come for a lavish spread of seafood, sushi, tagines, barbecue, wok dishes and desserts, accompanied by live music.

Stunning sights

Staff are charming and go above and beyond to organise wonderful guide-led excursions.

Wander the Kasbah of the Udayasthe in Rabat, the capital. Stop at mosaic filled cafés for mint tea and pastries.

Visit the breathtaking Hassan II mosque in Casablanca, a feat of high ceilings, Murano chandeliers and Carrera marble. With a retractable roof, it can fit more than 80,000 worshippers.

To find out more about Vichy Célestins visit their website.

Or Beautiful Provence about a golfers' paradise in the French countryside.

This article was originally published in the Mayfair Times.