Marrakech may conjure up images of fire-eaters, snake charmers, labyrinth alleyways and spicy souks but a holiday in Marrakech will take you to a modern city that is a far cry from its former incarnation as a desert stopover for caravan travellers.

Luxury hotel group Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces and JK Hotels are due to open the Taj Palace Marrakech. The hotel will open in December 2012 and will increase Taj’s international portfolio to 17 hotels.

With 161 guestrooms, including 25 suites and one Royal Suite, the majestic palace hotel will offer unsurpassed luxury and panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains and palm gardens of the lush Palmeraie district.

American artist, designer and renowned ‘Orientalist’ Stuart Church has overseen the interiors and architecture with exquisite attention to detail.  The rooms take on a diverse style drawing inspiration from the noble Berber Kasbahs of Morocco, the splendor of Ottoman architecture, the richness of Indian pageantry and exotic Thai traditions.

The luxury hotel in Marrakech features several elegantly designed restaurants and bars serving a range of cuisine from Moroccan specialties to the finest flavours from The Mediterranean and Asia. The luxury Marrakech hotel will also house an extensive Jiva Grande Spa, offering a range of treatments, including Ayurveda. It includes 14 treatment rooms, two large hammams and a state-of-the-art fitness centre with ‘Technogym’ equipment.

The luxury hotel is only a 30 minute drive from Marrakech Menara International Airport.