orth Africa as the location for its first property outside of the Indian Ocean.

The Royal Palm Marrakech is due to open in spring 2014, building on the success of flagship hotel, Royal Palm Mauritius.

Beachcomber, which owns and manages eight luxury hotels in Mauritius and Sainte Anne Resort & Spa in the Seychelles, says the Morocco property will have 135 suites and villas set within a 231-hactare estate 12 kilometres from the centre of Marrakech.

The Royal Palm Marrakech will cater for families and groups with 11 villas, each with their own private pool, and traditional hammam plus fully fitted kitchen and barbeque. Families with young children will be able to take advantage of a kids club and a professional babysitting service.

Other facilities include a golf course, four tennis courts, two mini-tennis courts, a squash court, a?25-metre heated swimming p